Donald Trump has narrowed his vice presidential shortlist to a handful of contenders as he prepares to announce his pick in the days before, or perhaps at, next month’s Republican National Convention
— Donald Trump has narrowed his vice presidential shortlist to a handful of contenders as he prepares to announce his pick in the days before — or perhaps even at — next month’s Republican National Convention.
He told reporters Saturday that he already has made his decision and that the person will be in attendance Thursday night in Atlanta at the first debate of the general election campaign against Democratic President Joe Biden.
Trump’s choice would likely become the immediate front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination four years from now if Trump were to win a second term, the constitutional limit. But that No. 2 will be under immense pressure from Trump and his allies to show loyalty at all times.
Trump turned on his first vice president, Mike Pence, after Pence rebuffed his boss’ efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, based on false theories promoted by the then-president after his loss to Biden.
Pence has declined to endorse Trump this time around.
Trump has said his top consideration for a vice president is whether someone is qualified to take over as commander in chief.
But other factors at play: Who can raise money? Who performs well on television? Who will be most effective on the debate stage against Vice President Kamala Harris? Who risks overshadowing Trump, as a lame-duck if he is elected in November, with talk soon of 2028? And who has “the look»?
Trump’s campaign has repeatedly cautioned that anyone «claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump.”
And given Trump’s penchant for unpredictability and drama, the best-laid plans could change.
A look at the top contenders heading into the convention in Milwaukee that will begin July 15.
Trump likes rich people. North Dakota’s two-term governor is most definitely rich.
Before his time as governor, Burgum led a software company that was acquired by Microsoft for more than $1 billion. He also has worked in real estate development and venture capital and spent millions on his own White House bid.
Burgum had initially run against Trump for the 2024 nomination, but the little-known governor from a sparsely-populated state gained little traction. When Burgum dropped his bid, he quickly endorsed the former president. Since then, Burgum has become one of Trump’s most visible defenders, appearing frequently on television, joining him at fundraisers, and traveling to New York for Trump’s criminal trial.
But more than that, Trump and Burgum have hit it off personally.
Burgum and his wife, Kathryn, are said to get along especially well with Trump and his team — the kind of rapport that has particular currency in Trump’s orbit. It does not hurt that Trump thinks Burgum looks the part — a “central casting” pick.
Selecting Burgum would, in some ways, echo Pence: a staid, uncontroversial governor with lesser national name recognition. Burgum, 67, would be unlikely to compete with Trump for the spotlight or to immediately overshadow him with 2028 talk.
Burgum also brings money and rich friends to the table.
But does the Republican Party want two older white guys atop the ticket?
Swept to national prominence by his bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance has held office for less than two years.
