Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has chosen his running mate for the 2024 presidential election, although he has yet to disclose the name. During a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Saturday, Trump told NBC News that he has made his decision. “In my mind, yeah,” he said when asked if he had selected his vice presidential nominee. However, he added that “nobody knows” who the choice is.
Trump hinted that his chosen running mate will “most likely” be present at the first presidential debate against President Joe Biden, scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta. “They’ll be there,” Trump stated. “I think we have a lot of people coming.”
The former president’s comments came during a visit to Tony and Nick’s Steaks, a popular cheesesteak restaurant in South Philadelphia. Later that day, he headlined a rally at Temple University, emphasizing the importance of Pennsylvania as a key battleground state in the upcoming election.
Trump’s senior adviser, Brian Hughes, mentioned that the campaign’s primary criterion for selecting a running mate is “a strong leader who will make a great President for eight years after his next four-year term concludes.” This statement aligns with Trump’s strategy of ensuring his vice president is someone who can continue his legacy.
Potential candidates for the vice-presidential slot include North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Sources familiar with the selection process indicate that Burgum and Vance are the top contenders, while Rubio remains in consideration despite a constitutional issue that would require either Trump or Rubio to establish residency outside of Florida.
Trump has been holding informal policy sessions with confidants, including possible vice-presidential contenders. Vance has discussed economic issues and inflation with Trump, while Rubio met with him in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
The former president plans to announce his vice-presidential pick “right around the convention,” which is set to take place from July 15-18 in Milwaukee. “Maybe a little before, but could be at the convention,” Trump said. “But we’ll have some great people.”
This is not the first time Trump has enjoyed keeping the media and public guessing about his VP decision. In January, he gave a similar response when asked about his choice during a Fox News Town Hall in Des Moines ahead of the Iowa caucuses. “I can’t tell you that,” he said. “But I know who it’s going to be.”
Trump’s previous vice-presidential pick in 2016, Mike Pence, was a strategic choice that helped him gain support from traditional Republicans. It remains to be seen whether Trump will adopt a similar strategy this time or opt for a candidate who appeals more to his devoted MAGA base.
The race to become Trump’s running mate has seen various GOP figures and lesser-known candidates vying for the position. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik are also believed to be on Trump’s shortlist. However, some candidates have faced setbacks. For instance, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem may have hurt her chances by admitting to fatally shooting her dog, which she defended as evidence of her willingness to do “difficult, messy, and ugly” things in politics.
As the debate approaches, Trump is expected to remain at Camp David to prepare. Meanwhile, he continues his campaign trail with a fundraiser in New Orleans, featuring House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana as a special guest.
The upcoming debate marks a significant moment in modern politics, as it is the first time the two presumptive nominees are debating this early in the general election season. Both Trump and Biden aim to use post-debate rallies to put each other on the defensive in key states.
For those eager to find out more about Trump’s vice-presidential pick, tuning into Thursday’s debate might provide some clues. The debate will be broadcast on CNN and simulcast on USA TODAY.
Source: Fox News, NBC News, TIME
