“I am vice president. In this I am nothing, but I may be everything.” — John Adams
With the Republican convention kicking off post, assanation attempt, all eyes are on Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick. While Trump loves to keep the suspense high, we’ve narrowed down the potential candidates. This blog post breaks down the most likely contenders and provides insight into the dynamics at play.
Roses and Thorns
- Top Contenders: The VP short list includes J. D. Vance, Marco Rubio, Doug Burgum, and Tim Scott.
- Eliminated Candidates: Kristi Noem, Ben Carson, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elise Stefanik are out for various reasons.
- Rubio in the Lead: Despite Trump’s unpredictable nature, Marco Rubio is currently the favorite.
The VP Contenders
J. D. Vance: The Ohio Senator
- D. Vance, a senator from Ohio, is among the top contenders. While he has passed all the necessary background checks and vetting, there is a small, personal factor that might hinder his chances. Reportedly, Trump is not thrilled with Vance’s beard. It’s a minor issue, but with Trump, even small details matter.
Marco Rubio: The Florida Favorite
Marco Rubio, the senator from Florida, appears to be the frontrunner. Florida is a crucial swing state, and Rubio’s experience and charisma make him a strong candidate. As we approach the announcement, many believe Rubio will get the nod. However, with Trump, “you just never know.”
Doug Burgum: The North Dakota Governor
Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota is also on the list. While Burgum is respected, his candidacy faces challenges. North Dakota is a small state with a solid Republican base, offering little strategic advantage to the ticket. Thus, his chances appear slim.
Tim Scott: The South Carolina Senator
Tim Scott, senator from South Carolina, is well-liked within the party. Despite this, there are concerns about his energy and excitement levels on the campaign trail. In the high-stakes environment of a presidential race, this could be a significant drawback.
Candidates Who Didn’t Make the Cut
Kristi Noem: Disqualified by Controversy
Kristi Noem was initially considered a strong contender. However, her candidacy was derailed by a controversy involving her personal life. Reports emerged that she shot her puppy at point-blank range, which led to her elimination from the list.
Ben Carson: Lacking Campaign Dynamism
Ben Carson, though highly regarded, failed to make the cut due to his lack of dynamism on the campaign trail. The VP candidate needs to bring energy and vigor, and Carson’s calm demeanor was deemed insufficient.
Tulsi Gabbard: A Bridge Too Far
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, was considered for her potential to attract a broader base. However, her views on abortion were too divergent for the Republican Party to support.
Elise Stefanik: Promising but Young
Elise Stefanik is recognized as an up-and-comer in the party. Despite her potential, her age was a factor. At just 40, it was decided she might be a bit too young for the role. Nonetheless, her future in the party looks bright.
The Rubio Factor
Given all these considerations, Marco Rubio stands out as the favorite. His political experience, ability to connect with voters, and strategic importance of Florida make him an attractive choice. But, with Trump at the helm, surprises are always around the corner.
In conclusion, while Trump loves to keep us guessing, the smart money is on Marco Rubio. Still, in the world of Trump politics, expect the unexpected.
Freedom Financial News Team
