Former President Donald Trump discussed his potential vice-presidential picks, sharing praise and reservations. He hinted that an announcement could come soon, possibly during the upcoming convention.
As reported by the New York Post, Donald Trump commented on potential running mates, praising Sen. JD Vance's beard and criticizing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's strict abortion ban.
In an interview on Wednesday with Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade, Trump delved into various prospects for the role of running mate. He particularly highlighted Sen. JD Vance for his distinguished beard, which Trump likened to a young Abraham Lincoln.
"No. I’ve never heard that one," Trump remarked on rumors that he dislikes facial hair before complimenting Vance’s new look. “He’s like a young Abraham Lincoln,” Trump added, indicating his favorable view of Vance.
Trump mentioned that he would announce his vice-presidential choice “over the next week or so,” with a preference for making the pivotal revelation during the upcoming Republican convention. This anticipation has stirred excitement as several prominent names have emerged in speculative discussions.
When Kilmeade brought up potential candidates, including Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. Marco Rubio, and Sen. Tim Scott, Trump shared his thoughts candidly. He noted that while considering several options, he feels "pretty well set" but is still open to changes.
Despite Vance's favorable reception, Trump did not ignore complications surrounding some candidates. Trump expressed reservations about Gov. Doug Burgum due to North Dakota’s stringent abortion legislation, which he labeled as a "pretty strong ban."
One interesting complication regarding Sen. Marco Rubio centers on both he and Trump sharing Florida as their home state. Under the 12th Amendment, this could jeopardize Florida’s 30 electoral votes, requiring careful handling of delegate arrangements or a potential resignation.
Trump acknowledged the challenge: “You do that and it makes it more complicated.” Nevertheless, he offered solutions, saying, "there has to be a resignation" or other adjustments to mitigate risks. Recently, Trump spent time campaigning with Rubio in Doral, Florida, reflecting positively on Rubio’s popularity: “Great last night, very popular.”
As Trump continues to weigh his running mate options, he remains outspoken about the Democratic Party. He dismissed concerns over President Biden’s cognitive abilities, asserting, “I don’t care if it’s him or somebody else. And these radical Democrats are all radical.”
He called Democratic contenders “radical left lunatics,” emphasizing that his choice would not hinge on who the Democrats nominate but on solidifying his own team.
Trump also defended the newly released 16-page Republican Party platform amidst some criticism. Figures like former Vice President Mike Pence have suggested the platform softens the party’s stance on abortion. However, Trump disagreed with this criticism, asserting it's rooted in common sense and not targeting moderates. He clarified that controversial measures like "gay bans" were not reflective of the party's direction.
In conclusion, Trump’s latest interview provided much insight into his thoughts on potential running mates. He praised JD Vance and acknowledged the electoral complications with Marco Rubio. Additionally, he voiced his reservations about Doug Burgum and staunchly defended the new GOP platform.
