Potential picks for running mate
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump will spend part of his weekend hosting the latest episode of “The Apprentice,” but this time it’s the vice presidential edition.
At least six potential running mates – Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C.; JD Vance, ROhio; and Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.; South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem; and North Dakota Gov. Doug Bergum – were expected at a Republican donor retreat Friday and Saturday in Palm Beach, Florida, in what looks like a series of auditions.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Republican leaders and supporters to come together,” says the invitation to the event, which will also include panel discussions featuring campaign officials and Republican lawmakers that are closed to the press.
But in Palm Beach, most eyes will be on the vice presidential candidates who have been trying out for months at campaign rallies, primary parties, meetings and television interviews to join Trump on the GOP ticket that in both 2016 and 2020 included Mike Pence.
Trump, who liked to keep contestants guessing when he hosted “The Apprentice” reality show, has been throwing out mixed signals about his running mate in recent months.
“Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump,” senior campaign adviser Brian Hughes said in a statement.
Scott: If Trump seeks a historic pick, he could make Scott the Republican Party’s first Black vice presidential candidate.
Scott campaigned for his former rival in the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries. On the other hand, Trump has also suggested he doesn’t want an heir apparent running mate who has designs on the 2028 presidential
helection, and Scott could fall into that category if he decides to launch another White House bid.
That’s the reason prominent figures like former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson keep popping up. Carson is not expected to launch another White House campaign – and he’s not scheduled to attend the donor retreat this weekend.
Vance: The first-term senator has been particularly vocal about defending Trump against his indictments in four separate criminal cases, including the ongoing hush money trial in New York.
A frequent television news guest, Vance saw his VP stock rise this week after reporters obtained an invitation showing that he will headline a fundraiser for the former president in Cincinnati on May 15. Vance is also friends with a key figure in Trump’s orbit: Donald Trump Jr.
Vance told Fox News and CNN this week that he has not talked with Trump about the running mate position.
Rubio: A senator from the state where the conference is being held, Rubio would also make history as the first Latino on a national ticket.
hhA Trump-Rubio duo might also present a legal problem because they both live in Florida. Some attorneys believe that running mates from the same state might be forced to forfeit that state’s electoral votes. That’s why running mate Dick Cheney moved residency from Texas back to Wyoming when former President George W. Bush tapped him in 2000.
The Florida problem might also affect the chances of another GOP lawmaker and potential running mate who plans to attend the donor retreat: U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.
Stefanik: Trump could also make history by picking a woman.
A member of House leadership, Stefanik endorsed Trump early, campaigned aggressively for him in New Hampshire, and often speaks to conservative groups like the RNC donor conference this weekend in Palm Beach.
Stefanik has also been a vocal critic of Trump’s criminal cases, to the point of filing a legal complaint against special counsel Jack Smith, the lead prosecutor in the cases alleging Trump mishandled classified information and tried to steal the 2020 election.
hPlenty of advice for Trump
Trump is getting plenty of advice from associates, lawmakers and donors about whom he should pick as his running mate.
Some potential choices are not scheduled to be in Palm Beach this weekend, including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders (a former Trump press secretary), Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.
On his radio show, Donald Trump Jr. told former Trump adviser Steve Bannon that his father should “accelerate” the running mate decision, especially given that Trump is tied up in court.
“You’ve got a deep bench to do it,” Bannon said. “You’ve got great people, JD Vance, Gov. Burgum of North Dakota. You know, you’ve got Dr. Carson, others.”
Others said there’s no telling when Trump will decide. Newt Gingrich, whom Trump considered for running mate in 2016, said the former president will act when he’s ready.
“I think he’s gonna think it through at his own pace,” Gingrich said. “I think he’s in no hurry.”