All opinions expressed in this article are solely the opinions of the contributors.
Donald Trump is now clearly on track to run as the GOP candidate for president in the 2024 elections, regardless of how his various criminal trials proceed. What’s less clear is who else might run as his running mate for the position of vice president.
Straight Arrow News contributor Matthew Continetti reviews a list of eligible candidates for the GOP ticket and speculates about who Trump might pick and why.
Trump sees no reason to unify the Republican Party. He is the party. That is why the former president seems more interested in choosing a loyalist who looks good on television. Players in the VP stakes thus include Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a leader in Trump’s MAGA movement, as well as Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York is on the list, as is Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Two outsider candidates are former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and online personality Tucker Carlson.
Trump does have some political interests to consider. He has long wanted to increase his support among minority groups such as Hispanic voters and Black men. Both voting blocs seem to be trending in his direction this year. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is the son of Cuban immigrants who spent time growing up in Nevada. He comes up often during discussions of Trump’s running mate, but Rubio faces a barrier to his election. The 12th Amendment to the Constitution forbids a president and vice president from residing in the same state. The Trump team is no doubt looking into a workaround, but there is no guarantee that they will find one.
Trump is also considering Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Dr. Ben Carson, former secretary of housing and urban development. If selected, they will be the first Black Americans to appear on a Republican presidential ticket. Senator Scott’s advantage is that he’s likeable and inspiring. Dr. Carson’s strength is his low-key presence and status as a Washington outsider.
