‘All Solid’: Trump Acknowledges VP Shortlist That Includes Former Primary Rivals
ForbesFeb 11
Trump Hints at Potential VP Shortlist
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The Facts
During a Fox News-hosted town hall event in South Carolina on Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump confirmed the names of several politicians he has considered for the position of his vice presidential (VP) candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
Trump responded "They are," when host Laura Ingraham asked if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard were on his list.
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Whoever becomes Trump's VP pick won't get much benefit besides being labeled an endorser of illegal mobs who attacked the Capitol. Historically, VPs from neither party have gone on to become president, which proves the absurdity of this whole spectacle. What matters is who is willing to back Trump's second presidency despite the threat it poses to stability and US democracy.
Pro-Trump narrative
Whoever Trump picks needs to be a firm believer in his America First message and be prepared to fight the ruling elites hard once in the White House. They also need to appeal to the middle-of-the-road voter but avoid undercutting them like Mike Pence did the first time around. The primary polls have shown that Trump is all but confirmed as the GOP candidate — with a loyal and savvy right hand, he will be unstoppable.