As competition heats up around this election cycle’s Veepstakes, Donald Trump is reportedly focusing on one skill above almost all others: the ability to debate.
Among the large handful of strong contenders for the bottom of Trump’s ticket are Republican House Speaker Elise Stefanik, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Sens. Tim Scott and Marco Rubio.
But, in a long article Published last week, the New York Times spotlights Ohio freshman Sen. JD Vance, a cultural conservative and one-time Trump critic turned MAGA champion and skilled wordsmith.
The Times states that ahead of the presidential and vice presidential debates, which begin early this cycle, “the debates have long been of enormous importance” to Trump, so he will look for someone who is capable of performing in that area. .
Her pick should be appropriately compared to Vice President Kamala Harris, described by the Times as “an experienced politician and former prosecutor.”
Ohio Sen. JD Vance is reportedly among Trump’s top potential running mate choices, due in large part to his formidable debate skills, which he displayed during a competitive 2022 primary for the seat he currently holds.
To the extent that a formidable debater, who can easily defeat the current Veep, tops the former president’s list of priorities when choosing a running mate, Senator Vance is an attractive option, not only because of his objective ability in the stage, but for his current determination to defend Trump in the media.
Despite criticizing the former commander in chief before the 2016 election, the Hillybilly Elegy author dramatically changed his tune at the start of Trump’s first term.
In his 2022 Ohio Senate race, his first official foray into politics, Vance earned Trump’s endorsement weeks after his primary opponents, businessman Mike Gibbons and former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, nearly made it to the polls. hands during a dramatic debate.
Vance remained calm and eventually gained favor by appearing to be the “adult in the room,” berating his peers for their inappropriate behavior.
In his endorsement, Trump emphasized Vance’s ability to “destroy” his debate opponents, a skill the presumptive nominee believes can propel a campaign over the finish line.
Although many of Trump’s potential vice presidential candidates are talented public speakers, Vance likely has an advantage over candidates like Tim Scott and Marco Rubio, who struggled in debates during their respective presidential bids.
Dr. and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson is also a remarkably mediocre debater. His botched entrance during one of the 2016 debates may still work against him in Trump’s eyes.
Doug Burgum, a relatively unknown politician before his entry as an unlikely candidate in the 2024 presidential primary, reportedly impressed Trump during the Republican debates when he refused to attack Trump and instead attempted to focus on his energy and economic policy plans.
The Trump campaign has emphasized time and time again that only the former president knows exactly what criteria he looks for in a vice presidential candidate, and only he knows the timeline of his selection.
Trump has not yet made a decision on his vice president, but has reportedly ordered his campaign to send investigative documentation to several contenders, including three senators, two members of Congress, a governor and a former Cabinet secretary.
Trump’s pick will have to be compared to current Vice President Harris, who is not particularly known for her public speaking skills, but will likely be well prepared to attack Trump during any vice presidential debate this cycle.
“Anyone who claims to know who or when President Trump will pick his vice president is lying, unless the person’s name is Donald J. Trump,” campaign spokesman Brian Hughes said in a recent statement.
He has said he will likely reveal his final decision at the Republican National Convention in July. Currently, at least a handful of potential vice presidents have received requests from the campaign to examine the paperwork, including Burgin, Rubio, Vance and Scott.
Stefanik, Donalds and Carson are also believed to have received requests.
During a recent late-night televised interview, Trump was asked about his choice of vice president. He responded by congratulating Vance, Rubio and Burgum, in particular.
He also praised Scott, who “didn’t run as good a race as he’s capable of running on his own… it’s unbelievable.” He’s been amazing (as a substitute).’
‘Governor Burgum of North Dakota has been incredible. Marco Rubio has been great. JD Vance has been great,” she concluded. “We’ve had so many wonderful people out there.”
But voters and potential nominees will have to wait for an official announcement.
