A political consultant stated that the former president’s Vice Presidential pick will play a crucial role in shaping a potential second Trump presidency and determining the future of the GOP.
Former President Donald Trump has kept his Vice Presidential choice under wraps, teasing potential options for months. While four top contenders have emerged, there is still speculation about a surprise dark horse selection.
However, there is a chance that Trump could opt for a lesser-known candidate like Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or Sen. Bill Hagerty, according to Doug Kaplan, a political consultant.
With the GOP convention approaching, the window for Trump’s VP decision is closing. The choice is seen as particularly significant given the age and legal challenges facing the presidential candidate.
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Aside from the traditional VP roles, the pick could influence voters based on geography, personality, or qualifications.
The former president’s VP choice will not only shape a potential second term but also impact the future of the Republican Party, according to Mr. Kaplan.
Mr. Kaplan stated, “Whoever he selects will likely be a frontrunner in the next nomination race. However, the VP’s power is ultimately determined by the president.”
Anticipation Grows
Former President Trump retains complete authority over his VP selection and its announcement. Reports suggest he might reveal his choice on his Truth Social platform.
The announcement could coincide with the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, scheduled for July 15–18. A VP must be named for delegates to officially select the nominees.
There is speculation that Trump might reveal his choice at his upcoming rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.
Prior to his recent rally in Florida, Trump teased the possibility of announcing his VP pick, building anticipation among his supporters.
During his speech, Trump hinted at Sen. Marco Rubio as a potential VP pick but did not make an official announcement.
Trump expressed a preference for revealing his VP choice at the convention, although recent history suggests candidates announce their running mates beforehand.
The timing of the announcement is crucial, with Mr. Kaplan suggesting that Trump is strategically waiting for Biden to face media scrutiny before making a move.
The aftermath of the first presidential debate has intensified media attention on Biden, possibly delaying Trump’s VP announcement.
In light of these factors, the VP contenders, including Gov. Doug Burgum, are being closely watched as potential picks for the role.
Gov. Burgum, in particular, has emerged as a top contender, given his background and alignment with Trump’s priorities.
His success story and expertise in the energy sector could make him an appealing choice for voters, according to political analysts.
Doug Burgum addresses the media outside of Manhattan Criminal Court, on May 14, 2024. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
Compelling backstories also accompany each of the three senators vying for the VP slot.
Mr. Rubio, 53, is the son of Cuban immigrants, a characteristic that could attract more Latino voters to a Trump–Rubio ticket.
Mr. Scott, 58, who is black and could appeal to that bloc of voters, has noted that his grandfather was “forced out of school as a third-grader and never learned to read or write,” yet Mr. Scott became a U.S. Congressman. “Our family went from cotton to Congress in one lifetime,” he told the Republican National Convention in 2020.
Mr. Vance, 39, ascended from Appalachian roots and obtained an Ivy League education, a dramatic tale chronicled in a bestselling memoir that became a 2020 Netflix film, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He won his 2022 election in Ohio after a boost from the former president’s endorsement.
Also in Mr. Vance’s favor is his friendship with the former president’s son, Donald Trump Jr. The former president’s son says he also has a good relationship with Mr. Rubio and likes several of the VP contenders.
By contrast, Mr. Vance is only in his second year as a senator, begging the question of whether he is ready to lead.
Mr. Kaplan points out that media reports seem to be ignoring a significant factor: If President Trump wins reelection, any of the three senators serving as VP would become the “heir apparent, and they’re running for president by year two” of his second presidency.
That could make former President Trump appear to be even more of a “lame duck” as a president who could not serve an additional term, Mr. Kaplan said. He doubts that would happen with Mr. Burgum, making him “the safer pick,” Mr. Kaplan said.
Jeanette Hoffman, a political consultant who hails from New Jersey, concurs with Mr. Kaplan’s assessment of the purported finalists.
Like former Vice President Mike Pence, Mr. Burgum is “more mild-mannered” and unlikely to overshadow the former president, she said. The same might not be true of “stronger personalities like J.D. Vance or Marco Rubio.”
“Gov. Burgum would be compatible for President Trump on the VP ticket in both style and substance,” she told The Epoch Times. “Trump and Burgum are like-minded in their successful business backgrounds, yet when it comes to governing and policy, Burgum is more of a workhorse, whereas Trump is a show horse.”
She agrees with Mr. Kaplan that a dark horse surprise VP candidate could emerge.
Whichever contender gets the former president’s nod, one factor is essential, Mr. Kaplan said. He needs to pick someone “who will do no harm” to the ticket.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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