You know that feeling when you check your feed and see that Trump is making moves for 2024? Whether you love it or hate it, his campaign always seems to stir things up. This time, the buzz is all about his potential running mates. Word is that team Trump has started vetting a handful of big Republican names, asking for their paperwork and getting the ball rolling. We’re talking senators like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance, governors like Doug Burgum, and even former cabinet members like Ben Carson. Some are Trump loyalists, others former rivals – but all potential ingredients in the spicy VP stew he’s cooking up. Love ’em or hate ’em, things are heating up as the Donald accelerates his search for a number two. Strap in, it’s going to be a wild ride on the Trump train to 2024!
Trump Campaign Accelerates Vetting Process for 2024 Running Mate
Trump’s team has begun vetting several contenders for the vice presidential slot on his 2024 ticket. According to sources, the campaign has requested vetting materials from a handful of prospects, signaling they are moving into the next phase of selection. ###Top Contenders Emerge
Among those asked to provide documents are Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Rubio and Vance are particularly compelling choices, as they could help Trump make inroads with moderates and independents. Burgum, meanwhile, is a successful businessman who could complement Trump’s outsider brand.
Balancing the Ticket
In choosing a running mate, Trump will aim to find someone who shores up his support in key demographics and battleground states. Rubio could be appealing given his roots in Florida, a perennial swing state, and popularity with Hispanic voters. Vance may attract moderates in Midwest states like Ohio. Scott’s background as a Black Republican from South Carolina is also potentially strategic.
The Final Cut
Over the coming months, Trump’s team will review the vetting materials and conduct interviews to narrow the list further. The campaign wants to have a shortlist of 3-4 finalists by early 2023, then spend the remainder of the year evaluating them through joint appearances at rallies and fundraisers. Trump values loyalty and chemistry, so how candidates mesh with him personally may be as important as their political resumes.
An Accelerated Timeline
While presidential tickets are usually chosen shortly before the party conventions, Trump aims to select his running mate earlier to maximize their time campaigning together. Announcing a VP pick in late 2023 would give that person over six months to stump on Trump’s behalf before the election. For a campaign known for dramatics, an early VP selection could also help build excitement and gain valuable media attention.
Top Contenders Receive Vetting Paperwork, Including Rubio and Vance
Reuters/Getty Images
Looks like the 2024 election is heating up already. Former President Trump’s team has begun vetting potential running mates, sending confidential vetting questionnaires to a handful of contenders, including Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and the author J.D. Vance.
Rubio Rides High
The Republican Senator from Florida has emerged as an early favorite. As one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, Rubio checks a lot of boxes. He’s from a key swing state, is relatively young, and could help win over Hispanic voters. However, Rubio ran against Trump in 2016, so there’s uncertainty if all would be forgiven.
Vance Gains Ground
Meanwhile, “Hillbilly Elegy” author J.D. Vance has become a rising star in Republican circles. Though he has never held public office, Vance is a Yale Law School graduate with blue-collar roots. His personal story of overcoming poverty and a troubled family life has resonated with conservatives. Vance is certainly an unconventional pick, but that seems to appeal to the former President.
Decision Still Months Away
While the vetting process is accelerating, insiders say a final choice is still months away, likely to be made closer to the Republican National Convention in July 2024. Other names apparently in the mix include South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of upstate New York.
The high-stakes decision will no doubt depend on who can fire up the base, win over swing voters, and show unquestioned loyalty to Trump. After losing in 2020, the 45th President is determined to choose a running mate who can help seal the deal in 2024. The vetting has begun.
Other Potential VP Picks Under Consideration, Like Noem and Burgum
Governor Kristi Noem
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota was once considered a frontrunner for VP, but she recently fell out of favor with the Trump campaign after revealing she had shot and killed a mountain lion on her property. Noem was an early supporter of Trump’s and her handling of the coronavirus pandemic in South Dakota initially impressed him. However, her recent controversies and missteps have likely removed her from serious consideration.
Governor Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is seen as an unlikely but interesting candidate. Burgum endorsed Trump early on and has voiced his support on several occasions. As governor of a small, rural state, Burgum could appeal to Trump’s base. However, his lack of experience may work against him. Burgum has only served as governor since 2016 and North Dakota has a population of fewer than 800,000 people. His limited time in office and the small scale of his current position could raise doubts about his readiness for the national stage.
While Noem and Burgum are still in the mix, their chances seem slim compared to front runners like Rubio, Scott and Vance. Noem’s recent controversies and Burgum’s inexperience are significant handicaps. However, Trump values loyalty and support, so if they continue to stand by him, they may remain on the short list as potential “wild card” choices. Their selection would certainly surprise pundits and analysts, as well as many in the Republican establishment. But as Trump has proven time and again, he enjoys defying expectations. So Noem and Burgum should not be counted out just yet.
Trial Performances Served as Auditions for Trump’s Future Ticket
The Weekend at Mar-a-Lago
Over the weekend, some of Trump’s top VP contenders visited his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago. Spending informal time with the former president at his lavish Florida home provided an opportunity for them to strengthen their connection and make their case for the number two spot.
Rubio Makes His Pitch
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, in particular, took full advantage of the face time with Trump. Rubio has gone from Trump critic to staunch ally, and his performance this weekend was meant to prove his loyalty and value to Trump. Sources say Rubio emphasized his experience, popularity in Florida, and ability to help Trump win over Hispanic voters. Given Trump’s legal troubles, choosing an establishment Republican like Rubio could also help legitimize his campaign.
The Trump Loyalists
Others, like J.D. Vance, author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” and Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, have been steadfast Trump devotees. Their unwavering support of the former president, especially during his second impeachment, has clearly resonated with him. Either would likely continue to stoke the flames of Trump’s base. However, their limited experience could be a liability.
A Balancing Act
For Trump, choosing a running mate in 2024 will be a balancing act. He’ll want someone who shares his “America First” vision, but also a steady hand who can broaden his appeal. His meetings this weekend provided an early glimpse into his thinking. While Rubio and others seem to have the edge, Trump’s penchant for drama means his final choice could still surprise us. His potential VPs, at least, took the opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime.
How Trump’s Choice Could Shape Direction of 2024 Campaign and GOP
Appeal to Moderates or Energize Base?
Trump’s choice of running mate will signal whether he aims to appeal to moderates and independents or energize his base. Picking a candidate like Rubio or Scott could attract more centrist voters, while choosing Vance or Burgum may energize conservatives. The VP selection will shape Trump’s 2024 message and platform.
Impact on Party Unity
Trump’s VP pick could impact Republican unity and set the direction for the party’s future. Choosing an establishment figure like Rubio or Scott may appease some critics within the party, while picking a staunch ally like Vance or Burgum could deepen divisions. The VP candidate will likely champion Trump’s agenda and vision for the GOP, for better or worse.
Influencing Key Voting Blocs
The VP candidate could help Trump appeal to key demographics and voting blocs. For example, Rubio may attract Latino voters and Scott could connect with African Americans. Burgum could relate to Midwesterners. However, the VP choice alone likely won’t sway most voters. The candidate’s own attributes and Trump’s policies will ultimately matter more. Still, the pick provides insight into Trump’s electoral strategy.
Shaping the Narrative
Trump’s VP selection will shape media coverage and perceptions of his campaign. Picking an establishment figure may temporarily soften Trump’s image, while choosing an outsider could reinforce his populist brand. However, Trump’s own words and actions will determine his campaign’s overall narrative more than his VP alone. The choice mainly signals Trump’s priorities to voters and the press.
In the end, Trump’s running mate selection will provide a glimpse into his 2024 strategy and vision for the Republican Party. But his policies, personality and performance will truly define his campaign and determine his success or failure in the election. The VP alone likely won’t make or break Trump, but the choice will still shape perceptions and set the direction for the race ahead.
Conclusion
Bottom line: Trump is accelerating his VP vetting, honing in on a shortlist of candidates like Rubio, Vance, Scott, and Burgum who could boost his chances in 2024. This decision will be critical, with the ex-president needing to energize his base while also expanding his appeal. For now, all eyes are on who he taps for the ticket as the GOP nomination looms. Wherever you land in this divided political landscape, the months ahead will prove pivotal in shaping the election. For voters, the choice and the stakes couldn’t be clearer.