In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, former President Donald Trump downplayed the significance of choosing a vice presidential nominee. He stated that throughout history, the vice president has never made a substantial impact on the outcome of an election. Trump expressed his surprise at this fact, but ultimately concluded that voters are primarily concerned with the presidential candidate, not the vice president.
Trump did not reveal any specific names for his potential running mate, but he believes that the Republican Party has a deep bench of qualified individuals. He emphasized the importance of selecting the right person to ensure victory in the election, stating that if the Republicans fail to win, the country will suffer greatly.
Trump: Whoever Gets the Vice Presidential Nod ‘Has Never Made a Difference’ in an Election Outcome https://t.co/IPk6OPN6cB
— Ben Owen (@hrkbenowen) January 5, 2024
Despite pressure from establishment figures to choose Nikki Haley, Trump remains skeptical of the idea that she would enhance his chances of winning over women and moderate voters. He expressed his belief that whoever he selects as his running mate would not significantly impact the outcome of the general election.
There are several other individuals being considered for the role, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Senator J.D. Vance, Representative Elise Stefanik, Representative Byron Donalds, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Senator Tim Scott. Trump’s recent attacks on Haley, whom he calls “Birdbrain,” suggest that her chances of being selected are not favorable.
As the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary approach, where Trump is leading in polling, the nomination fight could be resolved in the coming weeks. Once the nomination is secured, the focus will shift to Trump’s choice for vice president and the reasoning behind that decision. If the battle for the nomination drags out, the discussion on the running mate could be prolonged as well.
Editorial Opinion: Trump’s perspective on the limited impact of the vice presidential nominee is a refreshing dose of reality in an age when running mates are often heavily scrutinized. While it is important to choose a capable and compatible running mate, it is ultimately the presidential candidate who carries the weight of the election. Trump’s focus on winning and the dire consequences of failure highlights his determination to fight for the American people.