While voters may be unenthused by the three familiar candidates already in play, the man or woman who might share the ticket with Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump is an unknown and holds some mystery and excitement for Republicans. One person who is no longer in play for the job is businessman and former Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Read to the end to learn which candidates are most likely to vie for the coveted VP spot.
Trump’s Communication with Ramaswamy Regarding VP Spot
Former President Donald Trump has communicated directly with Ramaswamy, conveying that although Ramaswamy will not be considered for the role of Vice President in a Trump Administration, he would be a possible contender for a Cabinet role, including that of Secretary of Homeland Security.
Ramaswamy Fitness for Homeland Security Spot
Trump allies have eyed Ramaswamy for the role, emphasizing his experience growing up in an immigrant family, and his business savvy and communication skills that boosted him to the national stage during the Presidential Primary race.
Ramaswamy Quick to Make Amends With Trump
After bowing out of the race following the January 15th Iowa caucuses, Ramaswamy promptly endorsed Trump, becoming a key advocate for him on the campaign trail. This close relationship with Trump had led to speculation about Ramaswamy’s potential as Trump’s vice-presidential nominee, especially since Trump has hinted at having a shortlist for the position without revealing any names. It has been confirmed that Ramaswamy is not on that short list.
Ramaswamy’s Policy Focus
In light of this speculation, Ramaswamy’s spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, emphasized that Ramaswamy’s primary goal remains to support Trump’s re-election and to advance the America First agenda. McLaughlin highlighted Ramaswamy’s commitment to contributing to the country’s future administration while also focusing on effecting change within the private sector.
Ramaswamy Wheelhouse Includes Environmental, Social, and Governance Movement in Corporate America
Ramaswamy has expressed a long-term interest in shaping trends away from the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movement in corporate America. Ramaswamy’s focus on this particular policy area provides a likely scope of work for which he would be tapped within a future Presidential Administration. Whether at Department of Labor, Department of Energy, or elsewhere.
Trump’s Turbulent Relationship with Ramaswamy in Recent Past
Speculation around Ramaswamy’s candidacy as Trump’s vice-presidential pick was dampened following a confrontation prior to the Iowa caucuses in January, where Trump criticized Ramaswamy on social media for alleged deceit in his campaign strategies and questioned his dedication to the “Make America Great Again” agenda. A senior Trump advisor had subsequently indicated to the press that Ramaswamy would likely not be chosen as VP.
Several Notable Figures to Look For as Vice Presidential Candidates
Trump has been reported to be considering other notable figures for his administration, should he win, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik from New York, and former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Other names that have been floated are South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, Democrat-turned-Independent Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that he is not interested in running as Vice President, and it is unlikely Trump would select recent foe Nikki Haley as a running mate.
What Will Trump Look For in a Running Mate: The Past
If analyzing the past is any indication, Trump may choose a running mate to offset his own hard edges and expand his appeal to the Republican base, specifically to suburban women and Evangelical Christians.
Traits Embodied by Past VP Pence
In 2016 and 2020, Trump ran with former Vice President Mike Pence, who had a comparatively moral, genteel, and softer image. Pence lent legitimacy to those questioning Trump’s stated conservatism, and also appealed to sincere Evangelicals who were also not sure that Trump was a church attender or Christian.
What Will Trump Look For In a Running Mate: Potentially Female
While Trump may not choose a female running mate, some think it would be beneficial to soften his image and reach an electorate that may only vote for him while plugging their noses. The women on Trump’s alleged short list, Gabbard, Noem, and Stefanik are serious-minded and restrained, calm and even-tempered (all traits unlike spunky and wide-eyed former Republican VP pick Sarah Palin). They all present reasonable foils to Trump.
What Will Trump Look For In A Running Mate: Diversity
Senator Tim Scott is African American, Southern, and all the things that Pence embodied without the tarnish of a past feud with Trump. He too would add a new dimension of interest for Trump’s base to champion. Gabbard and Ramaswamy also add diversity to a potential Trump Administration, though Ramaswamy will not reach the top of the ticket in 2024.
What Will Trump Look For In A Running Mate: Youth
All of the above candidates have a prized characteristic to add to the Presidential race: youth and vivacity, something the public regularly finds lacking among both Presidential hopefuls Biden and Trump. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance is also under 40 years old, and an ally of Trump who has been mentioned by Republican leaders as a potential VP pick.
When Will VP Announcement Be Made?
No one can forecast when the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate will be revealed, but the public can be certain that the announcement will come at a strategic time to pump new life and excitement into the campaign, and to address whatever media fire is roaring the loudest at the right time. Trump wants to get over the finish line with a victory in November, and whichever candidate his campaign deems will give him that extra boost will be the nominee. Thus, the announcement may not come until much later in the election cycle, when pollsters have as much information on voter preferences as they need to push the election in Trump’s favor.
