Former President Donald Trump has a candid way of simplifying situations that others make complex. He doesn’t take any nonsense from people, and he expects those he works with to meet high standards.
One of the most pressing questions people have for Trump is how he will determine his vice presidential candidate for 2024. He hasn’t won the GOP nomination, but most people expect him to get the nod after the primary elections.
Trump isn’t considering potential running mates based on electability or any progressive assessments such as race, gender, or DEI qualifications like opponents on the other side of the aisle. Appealing to election season demographics isn’t Trump’s focus for his campaign partner on the GOP ticket.
Trump has one key criteria for his choice of vice president. His selection must be able to step into his position at any time if circumstances demand such a change.
From the Daily Caller:
“Always, it’s gotta be one thing. It’s gotta be who would be a good president. I mean, you always have to think that because, you know, in case of emergency,” Trump said. “Things happen, right? No matter who you are, things happen. It’s gotta be number one.”
Trump revealed his criteria in a sit-down interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures.” He was clear on his criteria, but he didn’t name his selection or when he will decide.
“Not for a while. We have so many great people in the Republican Party, but not for a while,” Trump said.
That doesn’t mean Trump isn’t working all angles and vetting candidates. He’s just staying tight-lipped about his potential running mate. He muddied the waters a bit by saying he has “a lot of good ideas” about his possible selection and that he “[speaks] to everybody.”
Potential running mates Trump did highlight in the candid session were former GOP presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
Trump praised Scott for his strong endorsement and defense of the front-runner after leaving the race. Trump said Scott was mild in his own presidential campaigning but came alive in promoting Trump on the campaign trail.
“‘Man,’ I said, ‘You’re a much better person for me than you are for yourself,’ because, for himself, he was low key; for me, he’s been a real tiger. He’s been incredible,” Trump said of Scott.
Trump also praised Noem because she has been “incredible fighting for [him],” but wouldn’t commit to anyone specifically being selected as his running mate at this point.
The former president was clear about one person who won’t be on the ballot with him. Trump quickly dismissed any reports that he was considering Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy.
“It’s a false story, no. It’s a false story,” Trump said. “You know what, I like him a lot. Nope, never.”
Kennedy started the race as a Democrat but bolted from his party affiliation after conflicts with the DNC.
If Trump maintains his current pace of winning Republican primaries, he will be able to select anyone who feels can be the next president after him. That’s a strong position to be in and could be the foundation of a winning ticket to take back the White House.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump revealed the “one thing” his VP selection must have to be on the ticket.
- His vice president selection must be ready and able to take his place at any time.
- Trump didn’t reveal a VP pick and said it would be some time before he decides.
Source: Daily Caller
