Trump delays running mate pick
Speculation centers on Ind. Gov. Pence
As Republicans predicted that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence would be Donald Trump’s running mate, the New York businessman said Thursday he was postponing an announcement after a tragedy in France.
“In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow’s news conference concerning my Vice Presidential announcement,” Trump tweeted late Thursday after a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day, leaving dozens dead.
Aides to Trump said Thursday afternoon he had not settled on a vice presidential running mate, while other Republicans said signs pointed to Pence.
Pence was in New York City Thursday, where Trump eventually plans to make an announcement.
The Indianapolis Star reported Thursday that Trump plans to pick Pence and that the Indiana governor is prepared to forgo his re-election bid in the state. Television news organizations also reported that Pence was the likely pick, though Trump’s campaign cautioned throughout the day that the deal is not done.
Trump told Fox News Channel’s Greta Van Susteren on Thursday, “I haven’t made my final, final decision.” He praised the other two top running mate contenders, Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie.
The presumptive GOP nominee spent much of Thursday
fundraising in California.
Part of Pence’s fate will be known by noon Friday — that’s the deadline he faces for filing for re-election in Indiana.
Donald Trump Jr. told NBC News that his father would probably decide soon among Pence, Gingrich and Christie.
“It’s down to three,” the younger Trump told MSNBC.
“A decision has not been made by Mr. Trump,” spokesman Jason Miller tweeted Thursday. “He will be making a decision in the future.”
Amid reports about an intense debate among Trump family members and aides as to who should be the running mate, Trump Jr. tweeted, “There’s literally none of the drama I’m reading about. 3 great choices. Decision is my father’s alone to make!”
Gingrich himself told CNN, “I would not be at all surprised if it was Pence.”
CBS News reported that Marc Lotter — Pence’s deputy campaign manager — boarded a flight Thursday from Indianapolis to New York City, which is Trump’s home base.
Congressional Republicans indicated they would welcome Pence’s selection as Trump’s running mate. “It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Mike Pence’s,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. “We’re very good friends. I have very high regard for him. I hope that (Trump) picks a good movement conservative. Clearly, Mike is one of those.”
Pence has been busy on Twitter — touting his accomplishments as governor. “We’ve cut costs, lowered taxes & reduced regulations to allow job creators to invest in what matters most — in their businesses & employees,” tweeted the former House member, who was elected governor four years ago.
In predicting Pence’s selection, Gingrich told CNN, “Mike’s got a lot of strengths, and he’s substantially younger.”
Trump has said he could even go off the list of prospects and come up with a little-known surprise pick.