Former President Donald Trump confirmed at a town hall Monday that six Republicans are on his short list for a potential vice president and running mate, including two former opponents and an ex-Democrat.
Trump confirmed that Florida governor and former opponent Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina are among the ex-rivals being considered.
His list includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Florida Republican Byron Donalds and former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
A poll in New Hampshire showed Ramasmway as the top choice for vice president, followed by Scott in second place and Tucker Carlson and Ben Carson in third place.
“All these people are good. “They’re all solid,” Trump told Laura Ingraham on Monday night.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed at a town hall Monday that six Republicans are on his short list for a potential vice president and running mate, including two former opponents and an ex-Democrat
But Trump said choosing a vice president may not be the most important decision of his campaign.
“The one thing that always surprises me is that the choice of vice president always has no impact,” he said.
Trump pointed out that while 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin had enormous influence, she faced attacks like no one had ever faced before.
He then tried to explain what qualities he thought his running mate should have.
“It's a very important position.” “You would like to find someone who can help you from a voter perspective,” he said, but stressed that he wanted someone with “common sense.”
DeSantis became the target of Trump's infamous mockery during the primaries, even though the Florida governor dropped out and endorsed him.
Gabbard, who served multiple terms in the House of Representatives and ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, has since left the party and become a regular in conservative media.
Scott and Ramaswamy both dropped out of the race after an initial push to support Trump.
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy even praised Trump when they competed against each other in the primaries
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was also listed as a potential candidate
Sen. Tim Scott could bring prestige and diversity to a Trump nominee, but critics accused him of fawning over the nominee when Trump told him he “must hate” Nikki Haley.
Noem and Donalds have both been loyal allies of the president and were his first supporters in 2024.
In January, broke down what Trump wants from a candidate and who the frontrunners are.
The crucial decision Trump faces will be whether to increase his absolute loyalty, his proficiency in the job or the ability to appeal to independents and moderates in a closely divided election.
His former vice president Mike Pence isn't even there after Trump accused him of a lack of “courage” on January 6 and his own presidential campaign failed.
Trump fueled the gossip when he said “I know who it's going to be” at a Fox News town hall in Iowa this month, although comments from aides at the time suggested Trump may have jumped the gun. Now, just a few weeks later, informal advisers are passing along names.
“I think it would be good for a vice president to check several boxes: Who will help solidify the base?” Who can go into suburban areas and expand support by speaking to these mothers in a kind, compassionate way? Hogan Gidley, a former Trump White House press secretary who still consults with the former president, told .
“Who can take the America First policies that so many people, a vast majority of people in their country, support and not only implement, but expand on, not over the next four years, but over the next 12 years?
“As an added benefit, it would be nice if that person could talk to the press, understand the Trump world, understand the president himself, be a fighter and be unflappable.”
Trump confirmed that Florida governor and former opponent Ron DeSantis is among his former opponents in the race for the vice presidential nomination
Former Hawaii Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is also on the former president's vice presidential list
Aides are already suggesting names of potential candidates for the candidacy to former President Donald Trump as he grapples with Nikki Haley's ongoing challenge following his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Trump must decide whether to prioritize MAGA loyalty or seek to broaden his fringe appeal as he leads Joe Biden in polls.
Other names suggested by could include: Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, incumbent former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Kari Lake, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Carson and Carlson.
Senator JD Vance, whose “Hillbilly Eligy” helped explain the Trump phenomenon, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were also named.