The search for former President Donald Trump’s running mate has taken on an almost reality-TV-like quality, reminiscent of his old show “The Apprentice,” where contestants hoped for the coveted words, “You’re hired!” Yet, considering that his last vice presidential pick, Mike Pence, had to flee the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as an angry mob chanted, “Hang Mike Pence,” the comparison feels quite unsettling.
Further complicating matters is a side story involving South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. According to a forthcoming memoir, she may be out of the running after detailing an incident where she shot an unruly dog and a “demon” goat, adding an odd twist to this year’s vice presidential search.
So, who’s in the mix for Trump’s running mate this time? Trump seems to be enjoying the selection process, using it as a distraction from his ongoing criminal trial in New York. At a recent high-profile fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, Trump invited several potential candidates onstage with him, including House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. These hopefuls made media appearances from Florida the following day, showcasing their loyalty to Trump.
Burgum and Scott, who both launched unsuccessful presidential campaigns this year, made headlines by aligning with Trump’s controversial stances. Burgum claimed on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the network disputed the 2016 election results, a blatant falsehood. Scott, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” awkwardly refused to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election, regardless of the outcome. Rubio was asked whether he would leave his home state to satisfy a quirk in the 12th Amendment, which prohibits presidential electors from voting for both the president and vice president from the same state. His response lacked clarity.
As Trump contemplates his choice for running mate, he prioritizes loyalty above all else. JD Vance, a former Trump critic turned Trump supporter, was asked if Trump’s treatment of Pence would give him pause about being vice president. Vance’s response was dismissive, suggesting that Pence’s life was never in real danger.
This time around, Trump is likely to avoid Pence and others who have fallen out of favor, such as Nikki Haley. In 2016, Trump was reportedly leaning towards New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, but advisors convinced him to choose Pence for his conservative appeal. Pence ultimately proved his loyalty until he refused to help overturn the 2020 election results.
Historically, there have been some notable running mate fiascos. In 2008, the late Senator John McCain’s pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin brought chaos to his campaign, while Senator Thomas Eagleton’s undisclosed mental health issues forced him to withdraw from George McGovern’s ticket in 1972. Vice President Spiro Agnew, who resigned amid bribery accusations, may be one of the worst vice presidents in history.
Trump is expected to make his decision closer to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, scheduled for July 15-18. This timeline aligns with recent history, where vice presidential picks are announced in the weeks leading up to the conventions.
While presidents rarely change their running mates, Biden appears likely to stick with Kamala Harris for his 2024 reelection bid. Historically, it was Franklin D. Roosevelt who changed running mates frequently, with three different vice presidents across four terms.
Trump’s choice will be a significant moment in the Republican campaign, offering insights into the direction and values of his party as the 2024 election approaches.
