Trump aide on VP: Picking a woman, minority 'would be viewed as pandering'

kcci.com/CNN ^ | David Wright CNN

[RoosterRedux]

Paul Manafort, a top aide to Donald Trump, said the presumptive Republican nominee is unlikely to pick a woman or minority for the position because "that would be viewed as pandering, I think."

In a lengthy interview with the Huffington Post, Manafort also said Trump's selection needs to be well-seasoned in politics.

"He needs an experienced person to do the part of the job he doesn't want to do. He sees himself more as the chairman of the board, than even the CEO, let alone the COO," Manafort said.

The veteran political operative suggested that the highly anticipated choice should be viewed as proof of Trump's presidential readiness, and he said that "there is a long list of who that person could be."

He added: "Everyone one of them has major problems."

Trump himself has said he would like to pick "a political person" with experience in legislating. Campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who is heading the vetting team, also told CBS the selection will have "federal legislative experience."

Manafort's comments come within the backdrop of a fierce internal struggle at the Trump campaign.

Though campaign has said Lewandowski is heading the vetting team, surrogates and team members -- most notably Ben Carson -- have sent mixed messages about the process and who is being considered.

[HomerBohn]

He’s right.

He needs to pick someone who has a 100% ACU rating. There are few in that group.

[magua]

The person Beck sees in the mirror is his worst nightmare.

[RoosterRedux]

Do you have a link? I did not see that.

[Sans-Culotte]

I don't understand the love for Newt as VP here. He's basically a has-been who is out of politics. It would have made sense for Romney to have picked him in 2012 because Newt was an active candidate who had made some traction and he could have rallied conservatives to Mitt.

I like Newt and think he has a fine mind. I just don't see how he brings in more voters for Trump.

[Lisbon1940]

I don’t see him naming a Muslim. But if that is the best person for the job, then okay.

[Maverick68]

A muslim would NEVER be the best person for the job as islam is wholly incompatible with Western Civilization.

[Beautiful_Gracious_Skies]

You said, “I disagree and would prefer him to “pander” with his VP choice. I would like to see a young attractive Spanish speaking private sector hero who embraces the American Dream and has created jobs and infrastructure.”

>>But he doesn’t need another outsider whose inexperienced in the ways of DC politics. As outside as he could go from a sitting or ex governor or congressman would be a military officer.<<

The hispanic angle is tough, Gov. Martinez, was the only one that came to mind, and just look how sour that’s become.

“VP’s aren’t supposed to do anything anyways, just ask crazy Joe.”

Disagree, I think Trump would utilize the talent of an excellent VP who is much more than a figurehead of state. But yea, Joe has been an entertaining Veep.

Duncan Hunter could be a good choice. He has the military background and has a brief history in Congress (Ca-50). And he inherited his father’s wealth of experience as a 16 term California congressman.

[originalbuckeye]

I thought about adding ‘no Muslims’ but decided not. I know Muslims who are lovely people, who want what we want for the USA. Who want the life they originally emigrated here, to have The American Dream, just like those of us who believe in Law and our Fore Fathers direction. The majority of Muslims in the USA don’t want the radical Islamists to win either.

[Crolis]

I’m thinking that too. I’ve also thought of former Senator Jim DeMint. He left in 2013 so hopefully he’s a bit insulated from the more recent reputation of Congress and is currently president of the Heritage Foundation.

From South Carolina if I recall correctly and has a good conservative reputation. I don’t recall any scandals with his name in them and I think he is about 10 years younger than Trump.

[Resettozero]

DeMint is 64. Sessions is 69. Sarah Palin is 52.

[Vaduz]

However the MSM would be so happy if he opted for a woman, minority gay handy caped atheist socialist communist .....

[Crolis]

Oh..I thought DeMint was a little younger than that.

[Little Ray]

The Trump campaign needs to consider someone who isn’t 70+ years old.

[Resettozero]

Sixty-four is still quite youthful, by my reckoning.

[ek_hornbeck]

Not only would it look like pandering, it would be pandering.

Let's leave the affirmative action picks and the phony deference towards "minorities" to the liberal Democrats. First of all, they're so much better at that game, second of all, the only voters who are fooled or impressed by such pandering are the sort who vote Democrat anyway.