Dive into the strategic world of political matchmaking with Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News, as Jennifer Palmieri, former communications director for Hillary Clinton, Claire McCaskill, former U.S. Senator, and Sarah Longwell, a political strategist, dissect the art of choosing a vice presidential candidate in the shadow of Donald Trump's 2024 ambitions. Through a detailed analysis of contenders, they explore how figures such as Katie Britt, Kristi Noem, Nancy Mace, Tim Scott, Byron Donalds, and Elise Stefanik could tip the scales in Trump's favor, considering their political appeal, demographic draw, and loyalty to Trump's agenda.
As the trio contrasts Trump's approach with traditional vetting procedures, listeners get a primer on how past campaigns like Clinton's in 2016 and Obama's in 2008 conducted exhaustive searches for the ideal running mate, one that not only provided electoral advantage but also partnership in governance. This episode of Déjà News reveals the complexities behind a process often shrouded in secrecy, providing a glimpse into the meticulous campaign strategies and the importance of a vice president who passes the “central casting” test while truly complementing the presidential candidate.
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The conversation revolves around potential vice presidential candidates for Trump, focusing on their political profiles and potential electoral advantages they might bring. Katie Britt, a young senator from Alabama, is endorsed by Trump and has the youth and energy that could appeal to institutional Republicans. Kristi Noem, despite alleged personal controversies, and Nancy Mace are also under consideration due to their potential to appeal to women voters and counteract accusations of racism. Tim Scott offers the support of evangelical and MAGA-aligned voters, while Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik represent strong alignment with Trump’s policies.
These candidates all provide various strategic advantages, with a focus on either bridging the gap with mainstream Republicans or energizing Trump's core base. Additionally, loyalty and appearance are underscored as key characteristics Trump may prioritize, as he historically values strong allegiance and a telegenic presence. The speculation includes a range of potential outcomes, from selecting a loyalist to choosing a figure that can negotiate bipartisan support, all while ensuring they embody the “central casting” image Trump prefers.
The hosts contrast Trump’s selection approach with traditional vice presidential vetting processes, as exemplified by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008. Clinton’s team, led by John Podesta, started with an extensive list of 39 potential nominees, extensively vetting them down to a shortlist and ultimately choosing Tim Kaine, known for his complementary governing style.
Barack Obama's selection process in 2008 focused on finding a candidate with robust foreign policy experience, given the global focus at the time. This strategic consideration led to the selection of Joe Biden, who boasted an extensive background in foreign relations and was seen as adding depth and expertise to the ticket. These conventional methods include thorough scrutiny of financial records, health information, and personal backgrounds, directed by a law firm, and aimed at finding not only electoral leverage but also a true governing partner.
1-Page Summary
The show hosts dive into the speculation surrounding Trump's potential vice presidential running mate, discussing a variety of rumored candidates and the characteristics Trump is prioritizing in his selection process.
Many names have been floated as possible running mates for Trump should he win the GOP presidential nomination. Individuals such as Katie Britt, Kristi Noem, Nancy Mace, Tim Scott, Byron Donalds, and Elise Stefanik have come up in the conversation. Britt is described as the young senator from Alabama who edged out more MAGA-aligned candidates and was endorsed by Trump. Allegations circle regarding Kristi Noem and her reported affair with Corey Lewandowski. Tim Scott, despite being an evangelical who aligned himself with Trump, had a lackluster primary campaign. Similarly, Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik are mentioned as figures who have aligned themselves with Trump and his policies, potentially making them appealing candidates for Trump. However, there is a focus on more normie-like candidates, considering their appeal to institutional Republicans and their potential to work in a bipartisan way, which may counteract accusations of racism or broaden appeal to women voters.
While there are no direct predictions made, there is speculation about the direction the Republican party could take after Trump's era. The possibility of seeing the primary debates as an audition for Trump's VP pick, and speculation around a woman candidate or Tucker Carlson add to the complexity of potential outcomes. The debate centers on whether Trump will opt for a figure who can bridge the divide with normie Republicans or someone who resonates with his core loyal base.
Loyalty emerges as a critical factor for Trump, with emphasis placed on candidates who have shown strong support for Trump, even to the extent of "overthrowing democracy." Appearance is also a significant criterion, with Trump's ideal candidate being telegenic and embodying what he considers "central casting" qualities. There is debate over whether Trump will choose someone he can maintain control over and who will not overshadow him or potentially vie for their own agenda.
Trump’s history of valu ...
Trump's vice presidential candidate considerations and analysis of which candidates might help Trump electorally for vice president
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Claire McCaskill and Jen Palmieri introduce the topic of the conventional vetting process for selecting vice presidential candidates, highlighting this in contrast to Trump's unconventional methods.
Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential selection process in 2016 was an extensive and traditional approach, as described by Palmieri. Led by John Podesta, Clinton's team started with a comprehensive list of 39 potential nominees, including noteworthy senators and respected military leaders like Admiral Jim Stavridis and Admiral McRaven. This list underwent significant winnowing to 12-15 candidates, who were then subjected to rigorous vetting by a law firm that scrutinized financial records, health documentaries, and conducted personal interrogations to flush out any conceivable complications.
Palmieri recalls that some of the procedure was occasionally publicized to the media to validate that a thorough and bona fide process was in place. The process meticulously narrowed to three candidates, complete with campaign signs made and subsequently discarded. Two days before the final announcement, Palmieri was briefed that Tim Kaine was chosen as Clinton's running mate. According to Palmieri, Clinton sought not just electoral leverage in her running mate but a genuine governing ally. She emphasized the importance of harmony on the ticket, drawing parallels to Al Gore’s role as Bill Clinton's running mate.
Regarding Barack Obama's vice-presidential selection in 2008, McCaskill shared h ...
The normal political process for selecting a vice presidential candidate
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