On the very first day of the Republic National Convention in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt two days ago, wants to get back to business: Now it’s all about filling the most important supporting role of his possible second term in office.
Ever since Trump announced his own candidacy at the end of last year, the rumor mill in Washington has been churning. Who could play second fiddle to Trump in the future? A woman, perhaps? Or a candidate who is not white? Both could help the Republicans to tap into new groups of voters.
But Trump has other priorities in his search.
Who Donald Trump wants as vice president – and who he doesn’t
If Trump could imagine his perfect vice president, it would probably be a version of himself – with some crucial differences.
The 78-year-old wants someone who won’t cause any problems. He has enough of those himself. Think of the hush money trial. Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, has squandered her chances in this regard. As an up-and-coming star in the party, she supported Trump from the beginning of the election campaign and made it clear that she was very interested in the number two. But then a few months ago she wrote in a book that she had once shot her own dog. A shitstorm followed – also in conservative media – whereupon Trump pulled the ripcord. Noem has been considered to have no chance since then.
From the ex-president’s point of view, a potential candidate should also be able to present himself well in the election campaign – both on television and in the upcoming debates against Vice President Harris. The extreme right-wing politician Kari Lake from Arizona is therefore no longer on the list of favorites. After she already lost the race for the governor’s office in 2022, there are many indications that Lake will not get a seat in the Senate this fall either. And if there is one thing Trump can’t stand, it is losers.
Nikki Haley would be the most surprising choice
For Trump, however, loyalty is paramount. In his case, that also means not overshadowing him. Trump denied reports that he was considering Nikki Haley – his last rival in the race for the Republican nomination – as a possible running mate. The former governor of South Carolina initially did not support Trump after she dropped out and only recently announced that she would vote for him.
Trump’s campaign team has taken a closer look at eight potential candidates. According to insiders, three names are mentioned most frequently: Senators JD Vance and Marco Rubio and Governor Doug Burgum.
Click through the picture gallery to find out what speaks for and against Trump’s running mate.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
