With just five days until the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump (2017-2021) remains tight-lipped about who will join him as his running mate for the November elections. Despite frequent nods to Hispanic Senator Marco Rubio during a rally in Miami, which would be celebrated by the community in South Florida, Trump has yet to disclose his decision, according to EFE.
The Cuban-American politician from Florida, along with Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, are considered top contenders for Trump’s re-election campaign. Trump mentioned that he expects to announce his decision by Monday, July 15, when the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee.
The former president, who is eyeing a return to the White House in the November elections, has strategically kept quiet on the matter amid media noise generated by President Joe Biden’s poor performance during the June 27 debate and controversy over the 81-year-old Democrat’s advanced age. Three years younger, Trump criticized Biden's ability to govern and also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris. At the rally in Doral, a city near Miami, Trump repeatedly praised "Marco," suggesting that Rubio could be his choice for vice president.
"You’re probably thinking I’ll announce Rubio as my VP," Trump told reporters. During his speech, Trump also asked Rubio if he would support his proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, suggesting that the Cuban-American congressman could be involved in future legislative decisions.
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, 39, known for his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' is also a strong contender. Although Vance harshly criticized Trump in 2016, he has since become one of his staunchest supporters and is working hard to secure his re-election.
Meanwhile, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a tech magnate who became wealthy after selling his company Great Plains to Microsoft in 2001, is considered a good bet to attract moderate voters and is well-regarded within the Republican establishment, despite dropping out of the presidential nomination race last December.
Recently, Trump stated that he has already selected his vice-presidential candidate. The Republican emphasized that "nobody knows" for certain who he has chosen, though analysts have given Rubio the least chance. Burgum and Vance are viewed as the two main finalists, but Rubio remains on the list, although a constitutional hurdle would require either Trump or Rubio to establish residency outside of Florida, according to NBC News.
Brian Hughes, a senior advisor to Trump, said in a statement that the most important criterion for selecting a vice-presidential candidate is finding "a strong leader who can be an excellent president for eight years after Trump's next four-year term." Additionally, the cited portal reported that Trump has held informal political meetings with confidants and potential candidates.
The former president said he plans to announce his vice-presidential choice "right around the convention," hinting that it could be sooner.
Key Questions About Trump’s Potential Vice-Presidential Pick
As the anticipation builds for Trump’s vice-presidential announcement, several key questions linger. Here are some of the most pressing inquiries and their answers.
Who are the top contenders to be Trump's running mate?
The top contenders include Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
When will Trump announce his vice-presidential pick?
Trump has indicated that he plans to announce his choice by Monday, July 15, in time for the Republican National Convention.
What is the significance of Trump’s relationship with Marco Rubio?
Trump’s frequent praises and nods to Rubio during rallies suggest he is seriously considering the Cuban-American senator, which would be well-received by the South Florida community.