Policy
Donald Trump said his “short list” for vice president includes South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Tim Scott, and Congressman Byron Donalds.
We thought it would be helpful to analyze each of them.
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Looking at the candidates
Kristi Noem
Last year, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem endorsed Trump at a party fundraiser, making observers wonder if she would be interested in becoming his running mate.
Trump defined Noem as “one of the most successful governors in the entire country” and said her endorsement “means a lot.”
Before becoming governor, Noem was a congressman. In 2011, she made waves by supporting the former Democratic congressman's anti-war bill in Libya.
“Kucinich's measure on Friday won votes not only from traditional interventionist skeptics like Reps. Ron Paul (Texas) and Walter Jones (North Carolina), but also won over hardline conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minnesota),” The Hill reported. .) and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Dave Camp (Mich.). Dozens of new Republicans supported Kucinich, including class president Rep. Austin Scott (GA) and representatives on the leadership team, Reps. Kristi Noem (SD) and Tim Scott (SC).
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Tim Scott
Tim Scott is an outspoken, longtime Trump ally and the senator is beloved by most conservatives.
He ran for president against Trump and other candidates before withdrawing in November. Scott said he is open to being Trump's running mate if chosen.
“This nation is hungry for some sustained prospect of a better future, and that trajectory is happening with President Trump in office,” Scott said recently.
As a black Republican, Scott also praised Trump's criminal justice reform legislation, the First Step Act.
At a recent event in South Carolina, Trump pointed at Scott and said, “A lot of people are talking about that gentleman over there.”
“I have to say that in a very positive way. Tim Scott, he's been a lot better for me than he has been for himself,” Trump said. “I've watched his campaign, and he doesn't like to talk about himself, but boy, does he talk about Trump? “.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Trump suggested that businessman and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy would be a “very good” potential choice for vice president.
Like Scott, Ramaswamy also competed in the 2024 Republican primary before withdrawing and endorsing Trump.
At just 38 years old, he was the youngest Republican Party nominee. When Ramaswamy was asked about Trump during his campaign, he said: “I think Trump has been an excellent president.”
Ramaswamy also emphasized Trump's signature “America First” slogan during his candidacy.
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard is a former Democratic congresswoman who also ran for president in the 2020 Democratic primary.
Gabbard served her district in Hawaii beginning in 2013. Now that she has retired, she has moved increasingly to the right, leaving the Democratic Party and recently accusing her former party of fomenting anti-white racism, which she said was also “hostile.” To people of faith and spirituality.”
Gabbard said she would support candidates who align with Trump in the 2024 election.
Byron Donalds
Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida is a staunch Trump supporter. So much so that in the 2024 primaries, he backed Trump over his own governor, Ron DeSantis.
Donalds said he would accept an invitation to be Trump's running mate, adding, “It's really up to the president.”
Donalds describes himself as a “pro-Trump, freedom-loving, pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment black man.”
He is also popular with conservatives.
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Who will be Donald Trump's choice? Only he and maybe a few others know that.
But he started with a strong shortlist.
