With primaries continuing and Donald Trump continuing to win every one, it is presumed he will end up being 2024’s GOP presidential nominee. And that means making a list of compatible running mates must be high on his priority list.
According to sources, that list is quite problematic.
As you might have gathered, there is no shortage of names to choose from. But finding just the right fit is turning out harder than one might guess.
Of course, names like former GOP contender Vivek Ramaswamy have made the list, as has firebrands Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Tim Scott of South Carolina, and Elise Stefanik of New York. You’ve likely also heard the names of Ted Cruz, Kari Lake, Byron Donalds, Mike Lee, and several others being bandied about.
And while Trump has admitted to considering all the possibilities, Bloomberg reporters Jennifer Jacobs and Justin Sink claim that he’s not really been “impressed” by any of them, at least not for the role of Vice President.
Instead, he’s continuing to find other possibilities, both for the names already on his list and additions to it.
For example, it’s long been said, and even confirmed by Trump himself, that Ramaswamy has held a place on the shortlist. However, more recently, Trump has decided that the 38-year-old entrepreneur might be better suited to another key role within the Trump administration.
According to Sink and Jacobs, Ramaswamy tops the list at present for the job of Head of the Department of Homeland Security.
“Some Trump allies see Ramaswamy as ideal for the job because they say he excels at public speaking, and, as an Indian-American son of an immigrant, could neutralize criticism of sweeping immigration restrictions.”
Besides, reports keep coming in that Trump wants a VP who isn’t nearly as front and center as he is, or quite a few others on the supposed shortlist.
While Trump most certainly wants someone able to hold their own, he also needs someone who thrives behind the scenes and doesn’t have a problem with not being in the limelight—basically, the opposite of Trump in that regard.
Of course, he also wants someone who is desperately loyal to him and the GOP, ideological, compatible, and with some “perceived electoral power.”
This makes potential candidates like Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama somewhat questionable, as she has close ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a man known to be of the establishment Trump will attempt to drain.
Other names, such as Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, have been floated for the position of attorney general, Bloomberg reported.
NY Representative Elise Stefanik, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthize have also been mentioned as names once on the VP shortlist but have now transferred to other roles within a possible second Trump White House.
As for the VP list itself, Jacobs and Sink say it has actually gotten longer, not shorter.
The only names definitely not on the list at this point are those of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
While Trump has reportedly made nice with them both since their bid to compete against him and their eventual failure to do so, he apparently still hasn’t gotten over the feeling of their betrayal. And that’s something he can’t have in a VP.
So as to who Trump is likely to choose at this point, it’s anyone’s guess. One thing is rather certain: don’t believe everything you hear and read unless it comes straight from the horse’s mouth (aka Trump.)
