Former President Donald Trump definitively confirmed several politicians on his shortlist for vice president—and one he’s definitely not considering.
Former President Donald Trump has confirmed several shortlisters to be his running mate in the upcoming election cycle.
President Trump made the remarks on Feb. 20 during a Fox News town hall in Greenville, South Carolina, hosted by anchor Laura Ingraham.
Many of the potential picks mentioned have been speculated to be key contenders for the No. 2 job, and most come as no surprise.
Ms. Ingraham asked about several prospects that have been raised as potential contenders for months, including biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Fox News contributor and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
“Are they all on your shortlist?” Ms. Ingraham asked.
President Trump replied, “They are.”
But the former president also predicted that his choice of running mate could have little effect on the outcome.
“The thing that always surprises me is that the VP choice has absolutely no impact,” President Trump said. “It’s whoever the president is.”
But he also acknowledged that because he only has one term left, “it’s very important” who the vice president is.
He also reiterated his past point that his No. 1 consideration in picking a running mate is who’s capable of being the president should the need arise.
“You would like to get somebody that could help you from the voter standpoint,” President Trump said. “And honestly, all of those people are good, they’re all good.”
President Trump also made clear that one person definitely won’t be appearing on the ballot beside him in November if he becomes the nominee: former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the sole remaining challenger for the Republican nomination, who’s widely seen as having no path to the nomination.
Some time back, there was a brief stint of rampant speculation that President Trump was considering Ms. Haley as a running mate. Since then, he’s made clear that he’s not considering that and reiterated that point on Feb. 20.
By Joseph Lord
