Who will be the running mate of former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the United States? As the November presidential election approaches, the process of narrowing down vice presidential candidates by each campaign is in full swing. There are also speculations that former President Trump may choose a moderate, as well as female or person of color candidates, to expand his support base.
Trump's Vice Presidential Selection Priority? Loyalty
On the 21st (local time), The Guardian reported that the competition for Trump’s running mate is more unpredictable than his nearly assured nomination as the Republican presidential candidate, introducing the main candidates. Mike Pence, the 'Christian conservative' former vice president who was Trump’s running mate during his first term, has publicly declared that he will not support Trump in this election.
Accordingly, the top three priorities for Trump’s vice presidential selection are ▲loyalty ▲casting suitable for creating a popular impression (central casting) ▲someone who will not outshine him during the election process. The Guardian noted that while the vice presidential pick is unlikely to determine the outcome of the 2024 election, Trump’s camp might decide that a female running mate is necessary given that abortion rights have become a major election issue.
Currently, Trump’s campaign is in the process of narrowing down vice presidential candidates, focusing on Republican politicians. The vice presidential candidate must be decided before the Republican National Convention in July, where the presidential nominee will be officially confirmed. The Guardian pointed out that the vice presidency means being 'close to the presidency,' and so far, 15 individuals who have served as vice president have gone on to become president in the U.S.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas (right) and former President Donald Trump [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
From Pro-Trump Politicians to Entrepreneurs... Reviewing Male Candidates
The first vice presidential candidate mentioned by The Guardian is Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (66). Abbott, a strongly conservative Republican politician, has strongly opposed the Biden administration’s policies on refugees, the border, and COVID-19. Earlier, in a February interview with Fox News, former President Trump said he would "seriously consider Abbott" as a vice presidential candidate.
Tucker Carlson (54), former lead anchor of the conservative Fox News and a pro-Trump commentator, is also considered a vice presidential candidate ideologically aligned with Trump. Like Trump, Carlson praises authoritarian leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian President Viktor Orb?n, and promotes the far-right 'great replacement' theory, which claims Western elites are importing immigrants to replace white people. Carlson once posted messages expressing dislike for Trump but recently praised him as "discerning and wise."
Ben Carson (72) is a figure with a 'successful Black doctor' life story that Trump could prominently highlight to win Black votes. Raised by a single mother in a poor household in Detroit, he attended Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School, becoming a neurosurgeon who successfully performed the world’s first separation surgery of conjoined twins. A devout Christian, he served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first administration. The Guardian noted Carson’s loyalty to Trump even after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida (45), who once opposed Trump as the 'Little Trump,' is also a vice presidential candidate within the Republican Party. However, Trump has labeled DeSantis as 'DeSanctimonious,' mocking him by combining 'sanctimonious,' meaning 'pretending to be pious.' Given Trump’s priority on loyalty, it is considered unlikely that DeSantis will be selected as a vice presidential candidate.
Additionally, Byron Donalds (45), a Freedom Caucus Republican who has called for President Biden’s resignation or removal, is regarded as the most well-known African American pro-Trump figure in the U.S. Political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy (38), an entrepreneur, gained attention during this year’s primary by praising Trump. An Indian-American person of color in his 30s, Ramaswamy’s views on climate change and other issues are reportedly distant from those of young voters, The Guardian added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (right) is sitting side by side with Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina), one of this year's presidential running mate candidates, smiling contentedly at the Fox News Town Hall meeting held in Greenville, South Carolina on the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Tim Scott (58), the only Black Republican senator (from South Carolina), is always included when narrowing down Trump’s running mate candidates. Having run in the Republican primary, he withdrew in November last year and declared support for Trump ahead of the New Hampshire primary. Since then, Trump has appeared with Senator Scott at major events, expressing satisfaction with his loyalty by saying, "He is a better man for me." In February, when asked by Fox News about running mate candidates, Trump pointed to Scott, saying, "Many people are talking about that gentleman over there." Local media also reported that Scott is getting married in early August, right after the Republican National Convention, which could minimize scheduling conflicts if nominated as vice president.
The Guardian’s male vice presidential candidate is JD Vance (39), a U.S. senator from Ohio and former venture capitalist. A white man from a humble background, he is the protagonist of 'Hillbilly Elegy,' a memoir published in 2016 and adapted into a film. Once a critic of Trump, he is now classified as a fervent supporter. On issues like immigration and the Ukraine war, he shares Trump’s 'America First' foreign policy. Donald Trump Jr., Trump’s son, said in an early-year interview, "I want to see someone like JD Vance," describing him as "principled, aligned, and aggressive."
Conscious of the 'Abortion Rights' Debate? Calls to Choose a Female Vice President
Women politicians are also being seriously considered locally. Since Trump has already secured strong support from suburban white men during the Republican primary, there is speculation that he might consider a female running mate to secure additional votes. Especially, abortion rights, which affect female voters, are considered one of the key issues in the November election, to the extent that even Trump has not taken an ultra-hardline stance.
The Guardian first named Tulsi Gabbard (42), the first Hindu congresswoman, as a female vice presidential candidate. Gabbard responded "open" to Fox News’ question last month about a vice presidential offer. Marjorie Taylor Greene (49), a Georgia congresswoman, is a prominent Trumpist within the Republican Party, having attended President Biden’s March State of the Union address wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) outfit.
Nikki Haley (52), former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and the last major opponent to Trump in the Republican primary, is also a key vice presidential candidate. Haley, the daughter of Indian Sikh immigrants, could help dispel concerns about sexism and racism associated with Trump. However, like Governor DeSantis, The Guardian noted that because she challenged Trump, it would be difficult for Trump’s camp to forgive her. Haley also differs from them on issues such as support for Ukraine.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (from left in the photo), former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Senator Tim Scott attended the Republican presidential primary debate last November. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Additionally, Kari Lake (54), a former anchor turned politician; Kristi Noem (52), Governor of South Dakota; Sarah Sanders (41), Governor of Arkansas and former White House Press Secretary; and Elise Stefanik (39), a New York congresswoman who shifted to MAGA, have all been listed as female vice presidential candidates due to their pro-Trump stances.
Among them, Governor Noem, who was once mentioned as a potential presidential contender after winning re-election by a landslide, declared her support for Trump early on, quelling speculation about her presidential ambitions. However, her conservative stance on abortion rights and media reports of an affair with a former Trump aide could be disadvantages in winning female voters.
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