While the GOP Vice Presidential candidate shortlist has seen several names shine bright and fall out of favor, the current batch is significant as former President Trump is expected to name his running mate in the next month or so. The VP pick remains the final surprise variable in the candidate selection process leading up to the 2024 Presidential Election.
Trump’s Criteria
Senior Advisor to Trump, Brian Hughes, told the Washington Post that Trump alone knows who he will pick and what criteria he will prioritize in his selection. All unnamed insiders cited by political reporters are merely offering conjectures based on their network, planting negative reports of one candidate as they angle for a different person to be selected, or offer glowing assessments of Trump’s orientation toward their preferred candidate.
Key Qualities Sought by Trump
“Trump is looking for three things,” one insider told the New York Post. “He’s looking for who can raise money, who is an effective surrogate on TV with adversarial media, and who will do the best job debating Kamala Harris.”
Tim Scott’s Strength as Candidate
One of the names perennially at the top of the list has been Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina. Scott, 58, is a vocal supporter of Trump and was seen as helpful in drawing an African American vote for Trump. Whether or not Scott is responsible for the trend, Trump is polling well with black voters.
Shifting Likelihoods
Some say Trump is less likely to pick Scott today than he would have been months ago. Nevertheless, as reported by the New York Post, one insider stated of Scott, “I think it is extremely unlikely he will be picked. You go down the list of reasons to choose a VP, and he isn’t a standout or game-changer in any category.”
Assessment that Scott’s Star Is Fading
Another source for the New York Post said, “His star has become less bright, for sure. Still a top-five pick– but not the strongest.” These unnamed sources did say that Scott
Doug Burgum: A Fresh Face
Another candidate on the tongue of the Washington insiders is Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Burgum is a successful, self-made businessman and one of the wealthiest individuals to hold public office in the country.
Burgum’s Advantages
Burgum’s advantages, according to Washington insiders, are his novelty as a fresh face in national politics. He lacks controversy and is unlikely to steal the spotlight from Trump.
Niche Appeal on Gender or Race Doesn’t Matter for Electoral Victory, According to Trump
Those who know Trump have said he doesn’t believe the Vice Presidential Candidate will significantly help bring in additional electoral votes to win office. Therefore, even a lesser-known VP pick would be just as sufficient as one that could bring in a broader demographic of voters like women or minorities.
Marco Rubio: A Strong Contender
Marco Rubio has also been on the shortlist for VP for months now. He continues to be a strong contender, especially considering the center of Trump’s political operations is in Rubio’s home state of Florida.
Rubio’s Past Disputes With Trump
Past arguments and name-calling between Trump and Rubio seem to have smoothed over sufficiently for a Trump-Rubio ticket in November.
JD Vance: Aligned Messages
The fourth top pick for a Trump VP is Ohio Senator JD Vance. Vance had a conflictual past relationship with Trump that also seems to have mended in past years. Vance’s political message and agenda align with that of Trump. He maintains a close relationship with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.
Hughes on Scott’s Chances
When asked if Senator Scott had fallen out of the running for VP, Trump advisor Hughes stated, “Senator Scott is a respected leader and very strong supporter of President Trump. Any speculation of the likelihood of the Senator or any other possible choice is inaccurate because anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying unless the person is named Donald J. Trump.”
Other Potential Candidates
In addition to the four consistent names discussed already, there is a revolving door of other considerations, including Trump’s former White House Press Secretary and now-Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Representative Elise Stefanik from New York, and Physician Ben Carson, M.D., who also served as former House and Urban Development Secretary under Trump.
