The final day is approaching: Who will be Trump's VP pick?
1:12 PM EDT, July 9, 2024
The choice of a vice president's candidate in modern politics is equally important as the choice of a presidential candidate. It is already known that President Biden will run for reelection with current Vice President Kamala Harris. However, not much is known about former President Trump, but the answer will be unraveled next Monday, July 15th. There are three front-runners for the title.
Presidential debate on CNN - check. Getting lead in the presidential polls - check. Introducing the Vice President pick - we still have to wait for that. Nevertheless, the chances are very high that the American public will find out next Monday during the Republican convention in Milwaukee who former President Trump chose. As Donald Trump indicated, he probably has made a selection "in his mind."
Senior Adviser Jason Miller said that revealing who is Vice President candidate will happen next Monday, possibly "It could happen any time this week. Could happen literally right up until the first day of the convention." Donald Trump, however, added, "It could even be during the convention that we’d do it. I’d love to do it during the convention," stating, "I think it would be a very interesting build-up and important for the convention. It will make it even more exciting."
The former President hinted the person of his choice would be "a person that can do a fantastic job as President" and "somebody that helps you get elected, and there’s nothing wrong with that." It may be argued that the statement alludes to the lack of popularity and distrust among Americans toward Kamala Harris. The current Vice President holds the title of the Vice President, leading in unfavorable ratings. In 2024, according to CNN, 52% of the respondents declared an unfavorable opinion of Harris, with only 32% being happy with her activity. Interestingly, according to YouGov, Black and Hispanic voters are the most content with Harris (approximately 70% and 51%), whereas only 31% of white voters share their opinion.
As the Washington Post noticed, the hype around Trump's choice skyrocketed last month, resulting in Americans' great interest in the running candidate. Nevertheless, the interested candidates said they had no idea about the pick and avoided further comments. Vance stated, "We’re just trying to work to elect Donald Trump. Whoever his vice president is — he’s got a lot of good people he could choose from — it’s the policies that worked and the leadership style that worked for the American people."
Possible candidates - introduction
The media agencies report, Trump's pick has probably been narrowed down to three candidates - Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, and Doug Burgum.
Marco Rubio is the 53-year-old Florida senator, and according to the Washington Post, "He provides a bridge to independent voters and more establishment-oriented Republicans who might have preferred Nikki Haley in the GOP primaries and still aren’t sold on returning Trump to the White House." Interestingly, as a Cuban American, he may be treated by Trump and his advisors as a suitable opponent for favored among non-white voters Harris, who can lure them and make Republican candidates more captivating, especially for Hispanic Americans. He was elected 2010 to the Senate, serving in his third term. However, Rubio's politics toward Russia does not align with Trump's perspective since he supports a strong stance and takes more notable measures.
J.D. Vance, the youngest from the trio, has already been rumored as the most likely to be chosen due to being favored by Donald Trump Jr. However, the rumors cannot be confirmed, especially since he mentioned not being contacted by the former President. 39-year-old R-Ohio senator is one of the most prominent proclamators of the MAGA movement. In a recent NBC interview, he defended Donald Trump's comment concerning appointing a doctor to check up on President Biden. Washington Post notices the strong conservatism and pro-trumps ethics in Vance's action, highlighting that he "has embraced Trumpian causes that other Republicans have kept at arm’s length, even suggesting that he would have done what Pence refused to do on Jan. 6." Additionally, being enthusiastic gun rights advocate and serving in Iraq war, Vance may appeal to the more conservative voters, being simultaneously too radical for the liberal and more progressive voters, even within the Republican party leaning Americans. Some may also question his political experience, mainly due to his young age.
Finally, Doug Burgum, 67-year-old North Dakota governor, seems like the most moderate pick of the candidates. Being a two-term governor, he undoubtedly has the suitable experience, unlike Vance, who also has a good relationship with Trump. Moreover, the governor built an image of being a self-made man, simultaneously appealing to the traditional American Dream and individualistic values favored among Trump supporters and maintaining a vast part of American political culture and tradition. With his politics in North Dakota resolving around lowering the income tax to the lowest level in the whole country, he may undoubtedly captivate the libertarian-leaning voters. Nevertheless, as the Washington Post highlights, his choice would be simply bland, uninspiring, and predictable - "Burgum has also never really looked — or really even played — the part of a MAGA true believer. And his lack of vetting outside of relatively low-profile races in North Dakota could pose problems. So Trump isn’t necessarily getting an ideological ally like Vance or a campaign-booster like Rubio." Burgum seems like the safest option, but simultaneously the least intriguing or captivating media attention.
Nevertheless, the choice right now is one that interests public opinion and the media. "Whoever he does pick needs to be able to step in and do the job on Day 1. Each of the different prospects has their own strengths, and I think really can help chart the nation forward," said Miller on Fox Monday.
Sources: Washington Post, AP, CNN, ABC, Time, LATimes, YouGov, NBCNews