Trump demands absolute loyalty from a vice president position-holder
In the heat of the upcoming Presidential campaign, there's been quite a buzz about who'll be by Donald Trump's side in these last critical months. Loyalty is non-negotiable, as Trump felt let down by his Vice President four years ago.
As we approach the US elections, the Republican and Democratic parties will officially nominate their candidates in July and August, respectively. It's clear that Joe Biden will have Kamala Harris as his running mate, but it's still uncertain who'll be by Trump's side during the final leg of the campaign and potentially move into the White House afterwards.
Mike Pence is a no-go for Trump. Pence, who served as Vice President from 2016 to 2020, is now considered persona non grata. Pence publicly opposed Trump regarding the January 6, 2021, uprising, and even received a warning from Trump beforehand that the certification would be a "career-killer."
So, who's on the list of potentials?
Doug Burgum, just like Pence, ran against Trump in the primaries. In the televised debates where Trump was absent, Burgum came across as an outsider yet authentic. Trump seems to appreciate the 67-year-old, who, like Trump, has an entrepreneurial background before venturing into politics. Burgum founded a software company in 1997 and sold it to Microsoft in 2001 for a billion dollars. Some media even believe Burgum is the most probable Vice President.
Another top contender is J.D. Vance. The 39-year-old Senator from Ohio is a strong advocate for Trump's positions and is often seen on TV. Vance, who describes the bitter nostalgia for industrial decline in his autobiography "Hillbilly Elegy," could represent a new generation that resonates with "Make America Great Again." However, Vance has only been in office for a year and a half, and his term lasts six years. Vance could potentially be the standard-bearer of the MAGA Republicans in the critical Senate.
Marco Rubio, a more traditional Republican, is also in the mix. The 53-year-old Senator from Florida appeals to Latinos with his Cuban roots and Spanish language skills. However, Rubio and Trump have a history, clashing during the 2016 primary campaign.
Tim Scott could be the candidate for the Black vote, while Scott could be for the Whites. Scott, who initially declined to run for the presidency, may lack experience on a national level. However, he could resonate with Black voters, being the only Black Senator for the Republicans and being the first Black person ever the Republicans want to send to the White House. His family history as a descendant of slaves, who made it to the Congress, could be a powerful narrative for Black voters.
Elise Stefanik, the only woman on the party's candidate list, has numerous arguments for the Vice Presidency. The 39-year-old representative from New York defended Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in the Congress, spoke out for him as a candidate before he even announced it, and has stood out in recent months, taking Ivy League universities to task for accusations of antisemitism on their campuses. As a woman, she could potentially convince Trump-skeptical women voters to support Trump.
Tom Cotton, a Senator with nine years of experience, military background, and almost becoming the new CIA Director under Trump's first term, is also in the running. Trump values Cotton's views on foreign policy and often seeks his advice.
Byron Donalds, a lesser-known name, is telegenic, reliable, and a strong messenger for Trump. Donalds, who is 45 years old, has tried to convince Black voters to support Trump at campaign events in Philadelphia and the Bronx of New York. However, he may lack national-level experience.
Ben Carson, who was Housing and Urban Development Secretary in Trump's first term, could be a wild-card candidate. Carson, who is one of the few Black conservatives with government experience on a national level, has an upward mobility story that could appeal to Trump and voters. He came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Detroit and worked his way up to become an internationally renowned surgeon. However, his advanced age could make him less tactically suitable. But Trump doesn't seem to care about such details.
