As we approach the party conventions, recent events have highlighted what Republicans should not be doing if they want to be considered as Donald Trump’s running mate. The upcoming election is going to be tumultuous, and potential V.P. contenders need to avoid making false or bizarre claims that can lead to self-humiliation.
For example, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s recent statements in her autobiography, claiming to have shot a family dog and met with Kim Jong Un, have been widely criticized. Instead of mythologizing themselves in ways that are unserious or repulsive, Republicans should focus on serious issues and avoid making outlandish claims.
In another instance, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum failed to properly push back against the media during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. Instead of dismissing Trump’s remarks, Burgum should have challenged the faulty premise of Tapper’s question and defended his position more assertively.
Similarly, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott missed an opportunity to address the issue of election rigging when repeatedly asked about accepting the election results of 2024. Republicans need to acknowledge the possibility of election manipulation by Democrats, the media, and Washington, and be prepared to confront this threat head-on.
Overall, potential running mates for Donald Trump need to avoid making controversial statements, push back against the media’s faulty narratives, and acknowledge the potential for election rigging in the upcoming election. The road to the White House will not be easy, and Republicans must be prepared for a challenging and contentious campaign.
