Speculation continued to swirl regarding former President Donald Trump’s selection of a vice-presidential candidate. In recent days he has tantalized the media and voters with hints about who he might add to his ticket.
The vice president selection may be Trump’s single most important campaign decision going forward, as the right candidate could draw in independent voters and moderate Democrats who are tired of the incumbent’s failures.
Trump fueled the speculative fervor this week when he revealed how close he may be to a final decision. He is expected to announce his decision at the Republican National Convention in July; until then he’s keeping everyone on their toes, especially after adding another potential VP pick to his group of candidates.
From Fox News:
Trump said that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, could be on the short list.“And I think I could consider that,” he said. “Yes. I haven’t been asked that question, but he would be on that list.”
The convention is set for July 15-18 in Milwaukee, and the former president said he has “sort of a pretty good idea” of who his vice-presidential running mate will be. The convention is the likely time for the announcement.
Trump added Youngkin to the list following meetings with the National Republican Senatorial Committee at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the Republican National Committee. Youngkin surprised many people by winning his office in what had become a solid Democrat-leaning state.
Youngkin was able to turn the purple state Red at the highest level and has maintained strong support among voters, and his success has been argued as an opening for Trump to win Virginia this November.
Trump was also asked about the situation with President Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on federal gun charges.
“Well, I think it’s a very serious thing,” Trump said. “I understand that whole subject. I understand it pretty well because I’ve had it with people who have it in their family,” referring to the younger Biden’s history of drug addiction.
Trump continued by expressing empathy toward the Biden family.
“It’s a very tough thing. It’s a very tough situation for a father,” Trump said. “It’s a very tough situation for a brother or sister. And it goes on and it’s not stopping. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs or whatever it may be. It’s a tough thing. And so that’s a tough moment for the family. It’s a tough moment for any family involved in that.”
Biden continued to stand on his statement that he will not use his presidential powers to upend his son’s conviction. He has also stated that he was proud of his son and believes he did nothing wrong.
Trump appeared to be in a conciliatory mood during the interview with Fox News. He was supportive of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, in his bid for U.S. Senate; Hogan has stood against Trump in the past by endorsing Nikki Haley in the earlier Republican primaries and Hogan did not endorse Trump in 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
“Yeah, I’d like to see him win,” Trump said. “I think he has a good chance to win. I would like to see him win.”
Key Takeaways:
- Trump said he has “sort of a pretty good idea” for his VP running mate this November.
- The former president said the VP announcement was likely for the GOP convention.
- Trump added Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to his group of possible VP candidates.
Source: Fox News
