Who Will Trump Select as His Running Mate?

Commentary

Funny how a couple weeks can make a difference in who former President Trump selects to be his running mate. 

His pick was considered to be a watershed to appeal to swing state voters by the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal on June 25, 2024, despite reporting that “running mates don’t always matter in campaigns, but this year they could.”

Yet, on June 26, 2024, Rasmussen Reports revealed that 80 percent of likely voters indicated in a national telephone and online survey on June 23-24, that his choice won’t make much difference in whether they vote Republican.

On July 6, 2024, the Washington Post did a piece speculating on the pros and cons of all of those previously mentioned on the short list, stating that “the former president’s running mate choice is one of the most closely watched decisions of his campaign.”

The next day, the Wall Street Journal editorial board, in an opinion, Trump’s New Running Mate Imperative, again cited the importance of the swing voters in Trump’s selection, suggesting that he “can help his campaign, and the country, by projecting stability and calm.

The opportunity is there to present a reassuring alternative if Mr. Trump wants to take it.  He needs a choice who shows mature judgement and has the ability to appear to anxious and undecided voters.”

“Mr. Trump needs a running mate who causes voters to stop and say: ‘Yes, that person could be a good president.”

This list of those who have been under consideration reveals a bench strength that provide choices of both men and women, senators, governors, and experienced public servants.

Senators Tim Scott, J.D. Vance, Tom Cotton, and Marco Rubio have all been seen campaigning for Trump, all of whom have established themselves as capable senators, but we need them in the senate.  The same goes for Representatives Byron Donald and Elise Stefanik.

While Vance has been campaigning hard for Trump, he is new to the senate.  The Journal refers to him as an in-a-hurry type, not quite ready for prime time.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proven to be a very capable governor. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who has extensive executive experience and knowledge of the economy, has been seen at all Trump rallies and has made solo visits to a number of states.  Virginia’s successful Gov. Glenn Youngkin hasn’t appeared on short lists, but could bring governing experience to the White House.

One thing I am sure of, Trump will not refer to a DEI document to make his selection as Biden did with his choice of Kamala Harris and his cabinet picks.

In addition to Representative Stefanik, two other women have been mentioned, including former Democrat Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Nikki Haley.  And in addition to Senator Scott and Representative Donald, one other black, Ben Carson, has been under consideration

Kramerontheright doesn’t have an inside track to the Trump campaign, however, I do know that Trump has looked to the future of the party and considers loyalty a favorable characteristic.

MIKE POMPEO, my choice.

My choice for vice president would be Mike Pompeo, kind of a dark horse when it comes to recent pick predictions.

Pompeo graduated first in his class at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in 1986.  After serving as an Army officer for five years, he graduated from Harvard Law School.

He served Kansas as a representative in the House from 2011 to 2017, and served Trump as CIA director from 2017 to 2018, before serving as secretary of state from 2018 to 2021.

Yes, I know, the left will be highly critical of “two white guys,” but face it, no one else mentioned can match Pompeo’s portfolio.  Think confidence, competence, and steady concurrence with the Constitution.

Keep in mind that Donald Trump is man of surprises, and could conceivably name someone who hasn’t been mentioned.

May God continue to bless the United States of America.

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