Podcasts > Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News > Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

By Rachel Maddow

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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Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

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Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

1-Page Summary

Trump's vice presidential candidate considerations and analysis of which candidates might help Trump electorally for vice president

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 normal political process for selecting a vice presidential candidate

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

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • MAGA-aligned voters are individuals who support the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, which was a slogan used by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. These voters typically align with Trump's policies, emphasizing issues like immigration reform, trade protectionism, and America-first economic policies. The term signifies a strong allegiance to Trump's political agenda and leadership style.
  • Telegenic presence refers to a person's attractiveness and charisma on television. It implies how well someone comes across on camera, which can be important in politics where public image matters. It suggests that the individual has qualities that make them appealing and engaging when appearing on TV or in other visual media. In the context of political figures, having a telegenic presence can help in connecting with the audience and conveying messages effectively.
  • In the context of selecting a vice presidential candidate, the vetting process directed by a law firm involves legal professionals conducting thorough investigations into the financial, health, and personal backgrounds of potential candidates. This process aims to ensure that the candidate is free from any legal or ethical issues that could pose a risk to the campaign or the administration if elected. The involvement of a law firm adds a layer of expertise in navigating complex legal matters and ensuring compliance with regulations during the vetting process. This meticulous scrutiny helps political campaigns make informed decisions about the suitability and integrity of their potential vice presidential picks.

Counterarguments

  • While Katie Britt's youth and energy may appeal to institutional Republicans, it could be argued that experience and a proven track record might be more valued by some voters.
  • The assumption that Kristi Noem and Nancy Mace could appeal to women voters and counteract accusations of racism may not hold true if their policies do not align with the broader concerns of these demographic groups.
  • Tim Scott's support from evangelical and MAGA-aligned voters might not extend to the broader electorate, which could be necessary for a national win.
  • Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik's strong alignment with Trump’s policies might energize the base but could also polarize moderate and independent voters.
  • Loyalty and appearance as key characteristics may not be the most important factors for voters who are more concerned with policy and competence.
  • The idea of a "central casting" image might be seen as superficial and not indicative of a candidate's ability to govern effectively.
  • The speculation on outcomes ranging from selecting a loyalist to a bipartisan negotiator does not consider the possibility that the vice presidential pick might have little impact on the election outcome.
  • The comparison of Trump's selection process to conventional methods does not account for the unique circumstances of each election cycle and the changing dynamics of the electorate.
  • The thorough vetting process of financial records, health information, and personal backgrounds, while important, may not capture all aspects of a candidate's suitability for office.
  • The focus on foreign policy experience in the selection of Joe Biden in 2008 does not necessarily mean that this is the most important criterion for a vice presidential candidate in all contexts.

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Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

Trump's vice presidential candidate considerations and analysis of which candidates might help Trump electorally for vice president

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.

Profile of potential Trump 2024 running mates like Katie Britt, Kristi Noem, Nancy Mace, and Tim Scott

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.

Predictions for what's next politically for Republicans after Trump

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.

Characteristics Trump prioritizes in a running mate like loyalty and appearance

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.

Speculation around Trump's eventual VP pick

Trump’s history of valu ...

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Trump's vice presidential candidate considerations and analysis of which candidates might help Trump electorally for vice president

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "MAGA-aligned candidates" typically refers to individuals who support the policies and ideologies associated with the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement, which was a central theme of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and his presidency. These candidates are generally aligned with Trump's conservative and nationalist agenda, emphasizing issues such as immigration reform, economic nationalism, and America-first policies. Being MAGA-aligned implies a strong endorsement of Trump's political platform and a commitment to advancing his agenda within the Republican Party.
  • "Normie-like candidates" in this context generally refers to individuals who are perceived as more mainstream or conventional in their political views and behavior. These candidates are seen as potentially appealing to a broader audience beyond just staunch supporters of a particular political figure or ideology. The term "normie" is often used informally to contrast with more extreme or fringe elements within a political movement. In this discussion, the consideration of normie-like candidates suggests a strategic approach to appeal to a wider range of voters and potentially work more effectively within established political structures.
  • Speculation about a potential woman candidate or Tucker Carlson in the context of Trump's vice presidential considerations suggests the possibility of Trump selecting a female running mate or a media personality like Tucker Carlson for his vice presidential ticket. This speculation reflects the diverse range of individuals being discussed as potential choices for Trump's running mate, considering factors such as gender representation and media influence in the political landscape. The mention of these options indicates the broader scope of candidates being considered and the various strategies Trump might employ in his decision-making process. Ultimately, the inclusion of a woman candidate or a figure like Tucker Carlson adds complexity to the analysis of Trump's potential vice presidential pick.
  • "Sycophant" is a term used to describe a person who excessively flatters someone, typically for personal gain. In the context of politics, it can imply someone who shows exaggerated loyalty or flattery towards a powerful figure like a leader. This term often carries a negative connotation ...

Counterarguments

...

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Who Will Be Trump’s VP? | How to Win 2024

The normal political process for selecting a vice presidential candidate

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.

Details on Hillary Clinton's vice presidential selection process in 2016

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.

Obama's vice presidential selection process in 2008

Regarding Barack Obama's vice-presidential selection in 2008, McCaskill shared h ...

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The normal political process for selecting a vice presidential candidate

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The vetting process for selecting vice presidential candidates involves a thorough examination of potential nominees' backgrounds, including their financial records, health history, and any other relevant information. This process aims to identify any issues or concerns that could impact the candidate's suitability for the role. Vetting helps ensure that the chosen candidate is well-suited for the position and can withstand scrutiny during the campaign and potential tenure in office. It is a standard practice in political campaigns to assess the qualifications and potential risks associated with vice presidential candidates.
  • Publicizing some aspects of the vetting process to the media is done to demonstrate transparency and credibility in the selection process. By sharing certain details, it reassures the public and party supporters that the candidate selection is thorough and legitimate. This transparency can help build trust and confidence in the eventual choice of the vice presidential candidate. It also serves to manage expectations and preempt any potential controversies or criticisms regarding the selection process.
  • John Podesta played a significant role in leading Hillary Clinton's vice presidential selection process in 2016. Podesta was instrumental in overseeing the initial list of potential nominees and the subsequent vetting process to narrow down the candidates. He was part of the core team that worked on evaluating the finalists and ultimately played a key role in the decision-making process that led to Tim Kaine being chosen as Clinton's running mate. Podesta's experience and expertise in political strategy and decision-making were crucial in shaping the final selection of the vice presidential candidate.
  • The selection of vice presidential candidates typically involves considerations such as the nominee's experience, expertise, and ability to complement the presidential candidate's strengths and weakn ...

Counterarguments

  • The conventional vetting process, while thorough, may not necessarily result in the best candidate for the current political climate or the needs of the electorate.
  • The traditional approach to selecting a vice presidential candidate can be criticized for being too insular and reliant on political insiders, potentially overlooking outsider candidates who could bring fresh perspectives.
  • Publicizing aspects of the vetting process to the media could be seen as a strategic move to create an illusion of transparency rather than a genuine effort to be open about the selection process.
  • The assertion that Clinton sought a genuine governing ally could be challenged by suggesting that electoral strategy and the desire to balance the ticket often play significant roles in the selection of a running mate.
  • The focus on foreign policy expertise in the selection of Joe Biden as Obama's running mate could be critiqued for ...

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