Trump:abbott on list of choices for vice president

Former President Donald Trump, in Texas for a campaign stop along the border with Mexico, said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was on his short list of vice presidential candidates heading toward the November election.

Appearing on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show that aired Thursday night, Trump praised Abbott’s tough response to illegal immigration.

With Abbott next to Trump, Hannity asked if the governor was under consideration as a running mate.

“He’s done a great job,” Trump said. “Yeah, certainly he would be somebody I would very much consider.”

“So,” Hannity asked, “he’s on the list?” “Absolutely,” Trump responded. Hannity did not ask Abbott for his response, only noting that the governor just heard he was on the short list of potential candidates. Abbott merely smiled in response, though on previous occasions when mentioned for other jobs Abbott typically responded that he’s happy being governor of Texas.

Earlier Thursday, Abbott led Trump on a tour of Shelby Park. The state took over the Eagle Pass park in January, fencing off the perimeter and installing razor wire and other barriers along the adjacent Rio Grande.

Hannity devoted the full hour of his Thursday show to an interview with Trump, with Abbott appearing in the final segment.

Hannity broached the subject of potential running mates and asked if Abbott was under consideration.

“I’ve been hearing that more and more from friends of mine. After this show I think I’m going to hear it a lot more, too,” Trump said. “He’s a spectacular man, I was honored when I got his endorsement.”

Abbott announced his support for Trump in November, when the former president was in Edinburg for a Thanksgiving meal with state troopers and National Guard troops serving along the border.