Trump’s New Running Mate Imperative

WSJ ^ | July 7, 2024 | Editorial Board

[BurgessKoch]

The need for stability and experience should eliminate the young MAGA-in-a-hurry types like Sen. J.D. Vance or Members of the House.

As the GOP convention nears, and voters focus on the election, the race remains closer than it should be given Mr. Biden’s infirmities. Swing voters still worry about Mr. Trump and the possibility of four more years of turmoil. The former President can help his campaign, and the country, by projecting stability and calm.

We know many readers will think this is impossible, and maybe it is. Yet he showed admirable restraint after the debate last week, letting Democrats implode, until his profane golf-cart outburst.

The opportunity is there to present a reassuring alternative if Mr. Trump wants to take it. And he has a timely opening to send that message with his vice presidential choice in the next week. Now leading in the polls, he doesn’t need an attack-dog VP or someone to rally his core voters. He needs a choice who shows mature judgment and has the ability to appeal to anxious and undecided voters.

[Scrambler Bob]

I think it should be Dr. Ben Carson.
\= = =

And in the period between the voting and the innaguration, if Joe keels over, I’ll bet Dr. Ben pulls out a pocket knife and treats Joe’s brain problem.

Dr. Ben vs Dr. Jill = = = Cage Match!

[mbrfl]

>>Woman or black.

Right. Because Trump should base his decision on race and gender rather than merit, like the Democrats do.

[Engraved-on-His-hands]

We don’t always get our top choice. Trump mostly needs to facilitate damage control. Even more than winning a state, he needs to avoid a choice that would cost him a big chunk of votes. I think that the two worst choices that would cost him the most votes would be Vivek or Stefanik. The rest have varying degrees of qualities, but he could still win with any of the rest of them. I have my preferences, but I mostly hope that he doesn’t shoot himself in the foot.

[Mariner]

Rand Paul

[Mariner]

“C’mon people. It’s going to be Tim Scott.”

A DEI hire.

[lasereye]

I think Sen. Cotton is able to talk about issues better than most people in the Republican party. Plus he’s a former Army Ranger who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star. He doesn’t get mentioned much.

[palmer]

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin would bring governing experience in a swing state that may be competitive this year.

I don't think Virginia will swing, too much corruption in Yankee-controlled Virginia. Youngkin is ok on paper and has a winning message on anti-wokeness. That's how he earned his surprise upset. However I don't think he'd stand up to the deep state and might even be one.

[j.havenfarm]

Nope. Not taking that rap. Just as with vote by mail, we gotta play on the field that’s laid out for us. Unlike the choice of Kamala, we have bona fide qualified people in both groups. We went with boring guy last time. Let’s change it up this time

[lewislynn]

How do any of these entice Independents and Democrats?

Speaking for yourself?

[Paladin2]

Dick Cheney.

[kabar]

Ignore advice from the WSJ, which is no friend of Trump.

[Dr. Franklin]

There is nothing more hated by the left than a Black conservative. Look at how they treat Justice Thomas. They call them house n----s. Black women are a lost cause. They are the most hate-filled idiots I've ever come across. And the way white liberal women disparage black conservatives is the most hypocritical thing I've witnessed. A Black republican on the ticket doesn't attract a significant amount of black voters simply because of their race.

Trump is doing much better with African-American males. A guy like Dr. Ben Carson as V.P. makes it more likely that black men will vote for Trump. So, it makes sense, and he has proven his loyalty to Trump. After the Benedict Pence fiasco, Trump should prize loyalty in his V.P.

[MayflowerMadam]

“until his profane golf-cart outburst.”

Was his outburst literally profane (sacrilegious / blasphemous), or just crude? What I heard was harsh, but no worse than what I heard working in the Public Works Dept. (But I’m sure I didn’t hear everything he said.)

[proxy_user]

I also would suggest Youngkin. He would be a natural successor, just in case.

[MayflowerMadam]

“I love Carson but he’s a little too squishy for me.”

What issues has he been squishy on? I like him, too, but if he has had times where he’s caved, etc., I could change my mind. So far he’s my favorite.

I do like Harriet Hageman, but we need her in the Senate.

[Luke21]

Harriett is in the house, not the senate.

[dforest]

Tim Scott is another establishment choice. He is a McConnell butt boy. He would be a terrible choice.

[MayflowerMadam]

There a great meme out there having to do with a brain surgeon debating Kamala. Worthy of Pay Per View.

[dforest]

I also believe it will be Ben Carson. I keep coming back to him.

[bantam]

Please, NO, just no!!

I’m gonna bet on Sarah Huckabee Sanders!