As we glide through 2024, with all its bumps and potholes, talk of who Donald Trump may choose as his vice president seems to be on everyone’s mind. Naturally, he has a running short list of candidates, most of which he included in recent statements during the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Included in that list are a few givens, but also a few surprises.
For the most part, the list is made up of South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, Florida Representative Byron Donalds, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard. Larry Elder, as well as Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and New York Representative Elise Stefanik have also been mentioned as possibilities.
When asked last week about possible choices, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ name was mentioned by Fox News host Laura Ingraham, to which Trump didn’t deny that he had been on the list.
However, in more recent statements he noted that DeSantis’ role in running against him and making things so personal between them had soured him on the idea of running with him.
The same can be said for Nikki Haley, who was once included on the shortlist for Trump’s VP.
So, let’s take a closer look at the possible VP candidates.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Sanders has been a favorite for some time as she has long endorsed Trump, and we all know how much loyalty means to Trump, especially after his first term when he felt as if so many betrayed him. And as all the women on this list would, she would likely appeal to some voters that Trump may not be able to get on his own.
However, Sanders has suggested that such a role wouldn’t interest her at this time, as she is trying to do all that she can for her home state and her family, which is why she left her position as Trump’s press secretary in Washington, to begin with.
Elise Stefanik
Elise Stefanik hasn’t been included in any specific mentions by Trump. However, those close to his campaign have noted that she is a strong contender. While she has criticized him before, she has always backed him when it matters, such as during the 2019 impeachment hearings. And since, she’s been described as an ‘ultra-MAGA’ and “proud of it.”
Tim Scott
Tim Scott, like several others, once ran against Trump in this very election. But since bowing out, he has endorsed Trump and seemingly stood by him on a number of issues.
Scott also can bring in more black voters who have increasingly turned against the Democratic Party of late but might not be committed to going full Trump. His name on the ticket might just do the trick.
Byron Donalds
The same could be said of Byron Donalds, who has described himself as a “Trump-supporting, liberty-loving, pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment Black man. And he’s said that, if asked, he’d be honored to be Trump’s running mate.
Larry Elder
Elder hasn’t been included on very many short lists specifically mentioned by Trump himself. However, like Tim Scott, he chose to endorse Trump immediately after backing down from his own presidential bid. That fact, and that he’s pretty much always stood for MAGA ideals, makes him a strong possibility.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Ramaswamy followed Elder and Scott’s footprints in endorsing Trump when he announced his race’s end. But even before that, he caught Trump’s eye as someone unique.
For starters, he’s not a career politician like most others. Instead, he’s a businessman like Trump. and that makes him very like-minded on a whole slew of issues. He might also do wonders for Trump in pulling in some more ‘of color’ votes.
Kristi Noem
Trump has described her as “one of the most successful governors in the entire nation.” And she has endorsed him wholeheartedly.
Trump has also said that she’s “been incredible fighting” for him on a number of fronts. She is also someone suggested to balance Trump out a bit, as she is known to be calm, conservative, and not one to make waves.
Tulsi Gabbard
Of course, we can’t forget about Hawaii’s Tulsi Gabbard, one of the more surprising women on the list. If you remember, in 2020, she ran against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. Yes, she was a Democrat.
However, since that election, she has realized the downward spiral of that party and cut all ties with it. She has also been a strong supporter of Trump and his policies in recent years. And while neither her gender nor race matters as much, she is a woman “of color,” which, as I mentioned, could pull in votes Trump may be hard-pressed to entertain without her.
So, there you have it. Only time will tell who actually gets the nod. It seems any would be a pretty good choice.
