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4 months ago
23
As the competition surrounding this election cycle's Veepstakes heats up, Donald Trump is reportedly focused on one skill above almost all others - ability to debate.
Among the large handful of strong contenders for the bottom of Trump's ticket, including House GOP chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Senators Tim Scott and Marco Rubio.
But, in a lengthy article published last week, the New York Times highlights Ohio's freshman Senator JD Vance, a cultural conservative and one-time Trump critic turn MAGA champion, and a skilled wordsmith.
The Times posits that ahead of the presidential and vice presidential debates - which will begin early this cycle - that 'debates have long been of outsize importance' to Trump, and so, he will be looking for someone who is an able performer in that arena.
His choice, will need to stack up appropriately against Vice President Kamala Harris, described by the Times as 'a seasoned politician and former prosecutor.'
Ohio Senator JD Vance is reportedly among the top potential picks from Trump's running-mate, due in no small part to his formidable debate skills, which he showed off during a competitive 2022 primary for the seat he currently holds
To the extent that a formidable debater, who will be able to easily take down the incumbent Veep, is atop the former president's priority list in picking a running mate, Senator Vance is an attractive option, not only because of his objective ability on stage, but because of his current determination to defend Trump across the media.
Despite slamming the former commander-in-chief ahead of the 2016 election, the Hillybilly Elegy author changed his tune dramatically early into 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 came to blows during a dramatic debate.
Vance kept cool and ultimately gained favorability by appearing to be the 'grown up in the room,' reprimanding his peers for their unbecoming behavior.
In his endorsement, Trump emphasized Vance's ability to 'destroy' his opponents in debate, a skill the presumptive nominee believes can push a campaign across the finish line.
Though many of Trump's potential VP nominees are talented public speakers, Vance likely holds the edge on candidates like Tim Scott and Marco Rubio, both of whom struggled in debates during their respective runs for president.
Dr. and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is also a notably lackluster debater. His failed entrance during one of the 2016 debates may still count against him in Trump's eyes.
Doug Burgum, a relatively unknown politician ahead of his entry as a longshot candidate into 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.
Trump's campaign has emphasized time and again that only the former president knows exactly what criteria he's looking for in a vice presidential candidate, and only he knows the timeline of his choice.
Trump has not yet made up his mind about his VP, but has reportedly instructed his campaign to send vetting paperwork to a number of contenders, including three senators, two members of congress, one Governor, and one former cabinet secretary
Trump's pick will have to stack up against incumbent Vice President Harris, who is not especially well known for her public speaking abilities, but will likely be well-prepared to attack Trump during any vice-presidential debate this cycle
'Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump,' said campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes in a recent statement.
He's said he will likely reveal his final decision at the Republican National Convention in July. At present, at least a handful of potential VP picks have received requests from the campaign for vetting paperwork, including Burgin, Rubio, Vance, and Scott.
Stefanik, Donalds, and Carson are also believed to have received requests.
During a recent televised interview night, Trump was asked about his VP choice. He responded by offering compliments to Vance, Rubio and Burgum, in particular.
He also hailed Scott, who, 'didn't run as good of a race as he's capable of running for himself... he's unbelievable. He's been incredible [as a a surrogate].'
'Governor Burgum from North Dakota has been incredible. Marco Rubio has been great. JD Vance has been great,' he concluded. 'We've had so many great people out there.'
But voters, and potential nominees, will have to wait for an official announcement.
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