Former President Donald Trump is hosting a weekend donor retreat with the intention of potentially auditioning candidates for vice president as he considers his options for the 2024 election. Trump has indicated that he will make a decision closer to the Republican National Convention in July.
The role of vice president is appealing to ambitious Republicans, as Trump will be ineligible for a third term if he wins in November. The vice president would then have a strong chance at securing the GOP nomination in 2028.
Several names have been mentioned as potential candidates for Trump’s running mate, each with their own pros and cons that Trump will need to consider:
– Senator Marco Rubio is a well-known Republican senator from Florida who could bring relative youth to the ticket. However, there are concerns about his stance on foreign policy and his status as a Floridian.
– Senator Tim Scott could be the GOP’s first black vice presidential nominee and has worked well with Trump in the past. However, his support for criminal justice reform may not sit well with some voters.
– Senator JD Vance is ideologically aligned with Trump and could help appeal to a more blue-collar base. However, his lack of experience and the fact that Ohio is not a swing state are drawbacks.
– Governor Doug Burgum has risen from being a small candidate to a potential pick for vice president. However, his conventional persona may not excite the party base.
– Governor Kristi Noem is a conservative woman with executive experience, but her tendency to get into PR fiascos is seen as a liability by some.
– Ben Carson is a popular conservative speaker with experience in the Trump administration, but his age and lack of a standout attribute could be problematic.
– Former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard brings diversity and a military background to the table, but her past as a progressive Democrat may deter some Republican voters.
Other potential candidates include Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, but it is uncertain whether they are interested in the role. Haley has not endorsed Trump yet.
