Inside Trump’s Search for a Vice President
The Daily podcast examines former President Donald Trump's unique approach to selecting a running mate for his expected 2024 presidential campaign. Michael Bender provides insights into Trump's strained relationship with former Vice President Mike Pence after the 2020 election. Unlike in the past, Trump isn't seeking a VP pick to solve political issues or appeal to voting blocs. Instead, he wants a loyal, disciplined campaigner who won't outshine him.
The episode explores the top VP contenders Trump is considering, including J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Doug Burgum. Each potential candidate brings different strengths and challenges to the ticket, from their public support of Trump to their policy stances and personal ambitions.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 13, 2024 episode of the The Daily
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1-Page Summary
Trump's Past VP Selection and Current Search
Trump's Problematic Relationship with Former VP Mike Pence
Michael Bender reveals that Trump has denounced Pence for refusing to overturn the 2020 election, underscoring Trump's demand for complete loyalty. Bender notes Trump appeared to endorse calls for Pence's hanging during the Capitol riot.
Unique Factors Guiding Trump's Current VP Selection
Trump believes voters decide based on the presidential candidate, not the VP. He's not seeking a running mate to solve political problems or appeal to voting blocs. Instead, Trump wants a non-distracting, disciplined campaigner who can support him without overshadowing his prominence or using his brand for personal gains. Bender suggests Trump prefers a compliant individual without presidential ambitions.
Top VP Contenders Trump is Considering
JD Vance
Once a Trump critic, JD Vance pivoted to become a staunch defender, earning Trump's endorsement. Bender notes Vance's media proficiency in supporting Trump appeals to the former President. However, Vance's ambition could make him seem a potential 2028 rival.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio evolved from a 2016 campaign rival into a loyal Trump supporter who aggressively criticizes Biden on TV—a trait Trump values, per Bender. But Rubio's intentions for the VP role remain uncertain.
Doug Burgum
Burgum's business success and personal wealth appeal to Trump's sense of status, notes Bender. Trump also appreciates Burgum's political independence enabling candid feedback. However, Burgum's conservative abortion stance could pose challenges for a general election ticket.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- JD Vance, known for his book "Hillbilly Elegy," initially criticized Trump during the 2016 election. However, he later shifted his stance to become a strong supporter of Trump, aligning with his policies and rhetoric. This change in position is often attributed to Vance's desire to align himself with Trump's base and gain political support within the Republican Party.
- Doug Burgum's conservative abortion stance could pose challenges for a general election ticket due to the divisive nature of the abortion issue in American politics. In a general election, candidates often need to appeal to a broad range of voters with varying views on social issues like abortion. Burgum's stance may alienate moderate or independent voters who prioritize reproductive rights, potentially impacting the ticket's electability.
Counterarguments
- Trump's demand for loyalty may undermine the independence of the Vice Presidency, which is meant to serve the nation's interests, not just the President's.
- While Trump may not want a VP who overshadows him, a strong VP could be beneficial in handling complex issues and broadening the administration's appeal.
- The VP selection can influence voter perceptions and potentially sway undecided voters, especially in close elections.
- A VP with presidential ambitions might be more motivated to perform well in office, benefiting the administration and the country.
- JD Vance's past criticism of Trump could be seen as a sign of independent thought, which might be valuable in a VP.
- Marco Rubio's experience as a 2016 presidential candidate could bring valuable campaign experience and insight to a Trump ticket.
- Doug Burgum's conservative stance on abortion might actually solidify the ticket's appeal to the Republican base, even if it's controversial in a general election.
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Trump's Past VP Selection and Current Search
Former President Donald Trump's approach to selecting a vice-presidential running mate reveals a focus on loyalty and personal support over broad political strategy.
Trump's Problematic Relationship with Former VP Mike Pence
Trump's open denouncement of Pence post-election
Trump has openly denounced Pence for his refusal to assist in overturning the 2020 election results. This friction between him and his former vice president has underscored Trump's expectations for complete loyalty from his allies.
Endorsement of troubling sentiments during Capitol riot
Reports indicate that during the Capitol riot on January 6th, Trump appeared to endorse the dangerous calls for Pence's hanging by the rioters, which showcased the extreme breakdown in their relationship.
Unique Factors Guiding Trump's Current VP Selection
With the 2020 experience in hindsight, Trump's criteria for a new vice-presidential running mate center around adherence to his personal and campaign’s interests.
Trump's top-ticket voter decision belief
Trump maintains that voters will ultimately decide based on the presidential candidate rather than the running mate. He believes that his own place at the top of the ticket will be the decisive factor for voters, not who he picks as his VP.
Absence of political solution in VP choice
Unlike traditional strategies where a running mate is chosen to solve political problems or appeal to certain voting blocs, Trump is not prioritizing these considerations in his VP selection.
Need for a non-distracting, support-focused running mate
Trump is looking for a VP who is a disciplined campaigner, capable of winning debates and advocating for him on television without causing any distractions or controversies that could derail the campaign.
The necessity for a running mate that won't outshine Trump
Loyalty, for Trump, includes not eclipsing his presence. He seeks a running ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Trump's Past VP Selection and Current Search
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Trump openly criticized and disapproved of Mike Pence after the 2020 election because Pence refused to help overturn the election results. This public denouncement highlighted Trump's expectation of unwavering loyalty from his allies, including his vice president. The fallout between Trump and Pence intensified due to their differing stances on the election outcome, leading to a strained relationship between the two political figures.
- During the Capitol riot on January 6th, reports suggested that former President Trump appeared to support the dangerous calls for his Vice President Mike Pence's hanging by the rioters. This indicated a significant breakdown in their relationship, as Trump openly denounced Pence for not assisting in overturning the 2020 election results. The endorsement of such sentiments during a chaotic and violent event like the Capitol riot highlighted the intense strain in their political partnership.
- Trump's top-ticket voter decision belief means that he believes voters primarily base their decision on the presidential candidate rather than the vice-presidential running mate. Trump thinks that his own position as the presidential candidate is the most critical factor for voters, rather than who he selects as his VP. This belief guides his approach to choosing a running mate, focusing more on his own appeal and platform rather than the VP's individual qualities or political considerations.
- In the context of Trump's VP selection, "absence of political solution" means that Trump is not primarily choosing his running mate to solve political issues or appeal to specific voter groups. Instead, he is focusing on loyalty, support, and ensuring his VP aligns with his personal and campaign interests. This approach deviates from traditional strategies where VPs are often selected strategically to address political challenges or attract certain demographics.
- A non-distracting, support-focused running mate is someone who can effectively assist the presidential candidate without drawing attention away from them or causing controversies. This type of running mate is disciplined, capable of advocating for the candidate's platform, and winning debates without overshadowing the presidential candidate. Their primary role is to support the candidate's campaign efforts without becoming a distraction or creating issues that could harm the campaign's progress.
- In the context of Trump's VP selection, the need for a running mate who won't outshine him means that Trump is looking for someone who can support his campaign effectively without attracting more attention or popularity than him. This is important for Trump as he wants to remain the central figure and maintain control over the campaign narrative. By choosing a running mate who won't overshadow him, Trump aims to ensure ...
Counterarguments
- While Trump may prioritize loyalty, a broad political strategy could also be important for a successful campaign, as it may help to unify the party and appeal to a wider electorate.
- Denouncing a former VP could be seen as a divisive move that might alienate some voters who respect Pence or value traditional party unity.
- Endorsing dangerous sentiments, even indirectly, could be criticized for undermining the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power, which are core principles of democracy.
- While the presidential candidate is a significant factor, the choice of running mate can also impact voter decisions, especially among undecided voters or those concerned with the balance of the ticket.
- Selecting a VP to solve political problems or appeal to specific voting blocs has historically been a successful strategy for some campaigns, suggesting it could still hold value.
- A VP who is too focused on not causing distractions might lack the initiative or strong positions that could energize certain parts of the electorate.
- A running mate who has the ability to shin ...
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Top VP Contenders Trump is Considering
Within the Republican circle, discussions about contenders for the Vice Presidential spot on a potential Trump ticket are intensifying. Michael Bender reveals that Trump's team is vetting a list of Republicans for the VP position.
JD Vance
From Critic to Defender
JD Vance's political trajectory has seen a remarkable turnaround from being a vocal critic of Trump to a staunch supporter. Initially painting Trump as a populist exploiting Americans, Vance executed a full pivot by the time he ran for Senate in 2022. Trump endorsed Vance's Senate campaign after he had vocalized his support for Trump in the 2020 elections.
Effective Media Defense
Vance's proficiency in defending Trump on television is precisely what appeals to the former President. Michael Bender notes that Vance knows when to take a combative stance and when to show humility. Vance’s consistency on the media circuit to support Trump and his policies demonstrates his ability to meet the media demands Trump seeks in an ally.
Ambition and Youth: Double-Edged Sword
However, Vance's ambition and youth might pose a risk, as they might lead to him being seen as a potential presidential contender for 2028, potentially overshadowing Trump.
Marco Rubio
Mending Fences with Trump
The relationship between Marco Rubio and Trump has transformed from heated exchanges during the 2016 presidential campaign to a repaired alliance. Following their rivalry, Rubio evolved into a dedicated Trump supporter, a role in which he has excelled, especially on television—a trait Trump values highly.
Loyal Attack Dog
Rubio has become an aggressive critic of the Biden administration on television, fulfilling Trump's preference for his supporters' media representation. His success in his Senate race in Florida, where he garnered more votes than Trump in the same state, has not gone unnoticed by the former President.
Uncertain Intentions
Despite seemingly meeting Trump's criteria for a Vice President, there are doubts regarding Rubio's interest in the position. Trump has pondered whether Rubio truly desires the VP role, given his lack of presence at Trump's rallies ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Top VP Contenders Trump is Considering
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- JD Vance initially criticized Trump as a populist but later became a strong supporter, especially during his Senate campaign in 2022. Vance's shift in support towards Trump coincided with his own political ambitions and the alignment of his views with Trump's policies. This transformation from critic to ally has positioned Vance as a potential candidate for the Vice Presidential spot on a hypothetical Trump ticket.
- Marco Rubio's relationship with Donald Trump evolved from a contentious rivalry during the 2016 presidential campaign to a supportive alliance. Despite their past clashes, Rubio transitioned into a dedicated supporter of Trump, particularly excelling in defending Trump's policies on television. This shift in allegiance showcases Rubio's ability to adapt politically and align himself with Trump's agenda, demonstrating a strategic move to strengthen his position within the Republica ...
Counterarguments
- JD Vance's shift from critic to supporter could be seen as opportunistic rather than a genuine change of heart, raising questions about his consistency and integrity.
- Vance's effectiveness in media defense might not translate to broader appeal among the general electorate, who may be looking for more than just a defender of Trump.
- Marco Rubio's loyalty to Trump could be perceived as a lack of independent thought, which might not sit well with voters seeking a VP with a strong personal vision.
- Rubio's success in Florida might be attributed to local factors rather than his alignment with Trump, suggesting that his appeal might not be as strong nationally.
- Doug Burgum's business success does not necessarily mean he will be successful in politics or as Vice President, as the skills required for each can be very di ...
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