[W]e think that Trump could face a decision..., a choice between making a flashy pick and playing it safe. Trump is showing plenty of signs of preferring the former option — especially if he unveils his selection during a primetime show at the convention, as seems possible — but it may be that the latter makes more sense, both in football and in politics.
Trump could obviously go any number of ways on his vice presidential pick. His instincts, to the extent that we (or anyone else) can understand them, probably will push him in the direction of an attention-grabbing pick — the Manziel-esque pick. But a better option would probably be a safer, more substantive selection. - Larry J. Sabato, Kyle Kondik and Geoffrey Skelley
Based on the list below, who do you see Donald Trump choosing as his running mate:
2016 Republican vice presidential possibilities (in alphabetical order)
| Candidate | Key VP Advantages | Key VP Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OUTSIDE THE BOX PICK | •N/A | •N/A |
 | Jan Brewer Ex-Governor, AZ | •Woman to counteract Clinton •Strong anti-illegal immigration focus | • Appeal may be too similar to Trump’s •Inevitable Palin comparisons |
 | Scott Brown Ex-Senator, MA | •Blue-collar appeal, famous for driving his truck around on campaign trail •Republican who has won in blue state | •Lost 2014 NH Senate bid •Style over substance? •Too moderate? Social views could hurt party unity |
 | Shelley Moore Capito Senator, WV | •Woman to counteract Clinton •Well respected and well vetted | •WV is definitely NOT a swing state •Too moderate? Social views could hurt party unity |
 | Chris Christie Governor, NJ | •Already on board the Trump Train | •Too much of same personality as Trump? •Bridge scandal hangover? •Not going to put NJ in play |
 | Bob Corker Senator, TN | •Brings serious foreign policy cachet to ticket •Respected member of the Senate, political vet •Geographical diversity | •Might not be flashy enough for Trump •TN is not a swing state |
 | Joni Ernst Senator, IA | •Woman to counteract Clinton •Swing-state senator •Would bring stylistically different but still-strong stump presence to the ticket | •Lack of high-level governing experience |
 | Deb Fischer Senator, NE | •Woman to counteract Clinton | •NE is not a swing state |
 | Mary Fallin Governor, OK | •Woman to counteract Clinton •Credibility with conservatives | •Not a flashy pick •OK is not a swing state |
 | Newt Gingrich Ex-Speaker of the House | •Strong on the stump •Serves as retrospective critic of Bill Clinton’s administration | •Has-been? • History of infidelity might compound Trump’s problems with women |
 | Lindsey Graham Senator, SC | •Just kidding | •Yes, just kidding |
 | John Kasich Governor, OH | •Popular swing-state governor •Long governing track record •Could help further unify party | •Might not have mindset to be a No. 2 •Ran toward center in primary, wouldn’t excite conservatives |
 | Paul LePage Governor, ME | •Outsider qualities • Duplicates Trump’s appeal | •Loose cannon on the stump • Duplicates Trump’s shortcomings |
 | David Perdue Senator, GA | •Outsider credentials •Businessman with some governing experience | •First-term senator, probably doesn’t compensate enough for the holes in Trump’s resume |
 | Rob Portman Senator, OH | •Swing-state senator •Gravitas would reassure elite conservatives •Fundraising machine | •Faces tough reelection race he would have to run in concurrently •Not well-known nationally — or really even in Ohio |
 | Rick Scott Governor, FL | •Swing-state governor •Already on board the Trump Train | •Mixed governing record, not very popular at home •Medicare fraud scandal in his past |
 | Tim Scott Senator, SC | •African American, can help Trump address his problems among nonwhite voters •Tons of credibility amongst conservatives | •Seems unlikely to want job •Does not help in swing states, unlikely to make major difference with black voters |
 | Jeff Sessions Senator, AL | •Already on board the Trump Train, first senator to endorse him | •Doesn’t add anything new or different to the ticket |
 | John Thune Senator, SD | •Respectable, safe Republican who could add gravitas to Trump ticket | •Largely anonymous nationally |
 | Scott Walker Governor, WI | •Heroic conservative credentials •Checks boxes for many wings of party | •Underwhelmed in presidential campaign •Backed Ted Cruz in Wisconsin, would Trump pick him? |
 | Jim Webb Ex-Senator, VA | •Doubles down on white working class appeal •Foreign policy experience and knowledge | •Ostensibly still a Democrat, could prompt convention revolt •Poor on the stump |
I see Donald Trump choosing either Chris Christie or Newt Gingrich. Both are respected republicans who have already publicly backed/endorsed him. I think he would have a better chance of winning if he chose Chris Christie as his running mate due to him being a respected republican and a presidential candidate already. He has a lot of political experience and he would bring his supporters over to Trump. I think Chris Christie is his best choice for VP.
ReplyDelete-Nick Pignetti
In all honesty, I could see Trump picking someone like Scott Brown, as I feel he needs someone close to or just as flashy as himself on the stump. The man sounds flashy enough and seems to have a southern appeal to him, possibly appealing to a large amount of republicans for Trump. Brown also appeals to blue collars and minorities, so this could play a key role for Trump in trying to receive support from Hispanics and the lower classes, which he could substantially use in his campaign.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen that Trump strives to make brash decisions this entire election. Therefore, I see Trump boldly choosing Christie as his VP selection. Even though Christie might not put New Jersey in play, Trump does not need Christie's assistance. Trump is still highly and clearly favored in the New Jersey polls, so it is almost guaranteed Trump will win the 51 delegates no matter who his VP selection is. Christie already supporting Trump is a huge advantage but another advantage is Christie's similar personality. Many are voting for Trump simply because of his audacious personality, so Christie will be seen as another plus for these voters.
ReplyDeleteI can see trump picking Bob Corker as his VP because of his foreign policy. Trump seriously lacks in foreign policy and without even being president many countries already hate or disapprove of trump. Corker may not be the flashiest pick but he is the more sensible one. If trump wants to actually succeed as president, foreign policy is extremely important right now with the threat of ISIS causing the need to many countries to cooperate.
ReplyDelete-Rishabh Mistry
Katelyn Wolfgang:
ReplyDeleteI think that Trump should pick Bob Corker as his Vice President. While Tennessee is not a swing state and he is not a flashy pick, he is good with foreign policy and that can help Trump in that area where he is not doing well. He is also a respected member of the Senate and has had a large amount of experience in politics which could help Trump as he has none. Trump is weak in foreign policy and has not had a job in the government before so Bob Corker could help him with that. If Trump finally realizes he could be president and he wants to actually do well, then Bob Corker seems like the best pick for him.
Bob Corker seems like the best choice for Trump's VP spot. Two things that Trump lacks is 1. respect from politicians and his own party and 2. foreign policy knowledge. Bob Corker could bring both of these necessary characteristics to the ticket. I also think Trump needs someone more mellow, although he is known for being flashy and out there, in order to win the general election he has to take it down a notch. Trump may also need a VP from a southern state to get more southern voters on board. The only other candidate for VP I would consider for him is Christie but he doesn't need a VP from the same geographic location as him and Christie can be a little bit crazy too. It also seems like Christie might get in trouble for bashing Trump all throughout primaries and then suddenly supporting him once he dropped out. Dare I say bandwagon?
ReplyDeleteMost of the candidates listed here would either 1.) not accept the offer or 2.) not be conducive to Trump's abrasive campaigning style. Many of the Republicans listed here are far to traditionalist in their campaigning, talking points, and messaging. Trump's best pick for VP is Gingrich. He fills in a lot of the gaps Trump has and is amongst the most accomplished Republican legislator and leader alive today. He is politically experienced, well-connected, and knows how to get legislation passed. His Contract with America is very much akin to Trump's campaign tactics that marry simple policy ideas with a can-do, take-action attitude. Also, I predict this election will be incredibly nostalgic, and in many ways it will. Clinton has all ready declared that she will "put Bill in charge of revitalizing the economy." What that exactly means, I do not know, but it's purpose is to connect the idea of a strong booming economy as we saw during the 90s as the product of the Clinton presidency policy. By including Gingrich, Speaker of the House during the Clinton presidency, Trump would be able to make similar appeals to voter's desires for a return to the growth and prosperity of the period.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBased on the list, I see Donald Trump choosing Senator Bob Corker as his running mate. Foreign affairs is one of the areas in which Clinton seems to be ahead of Trump, so choosing the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee could possibly increase support for and trust in Trump's campaign. Moreover, having that number 2 who is respected in the Senate and who has a lot of political experience will most likely aid Trump in filling the holes on his resume. Corker's geographical diversity may also help attract more voters. I don't think it matters if Corker isn't too flashy because Trump has that trait covered and, like the article's allusion to football demonstrates, a flashy exterior may not always promise a stable interior.
ReplyDeleteTrump could go two directions with this pick. He could choose the right candidate, or he could pick the flashy candidate. Knowing him, I honestly cannot tell which way he will go. If he is smart, I think he should pick someone not flashy, who will either appeal to republicans or appeal to moderates, and have political experience. If he goes this route I think he should pick Newt Gingrich. He is incredibly well established and will be bring credibility to the campaign. Trump should go this route, if he is to win this election, it will be because of Trump, not a running mate. If he goes the flashy route, I think he will go Chris Christie, they both stand as Washington outsiders, and that pick would bring a ton of press coverage. I think Trump should go Gingrich, but I think he will go Christie.
ReplyDeleteI think Donald Trump should choose Senator Bob Corker as his running mate. One of Trump's biggest weaknesses is his lack of experience in politics, whereas Corker is a veteran politician. Corker is also a "respected member" of the Senate which could give Trump more respect and backing from the Republican Party. Trump's other major weakness has been his foreign policy, which is also his biggest deficiency against Hillary Clinton. Corker would bring a lot of foreign policy experience to counteract Trump's lack of experience and help him compete with Clinton.
ReplyDeleteI cannot even begin to fathom who would agree to run with Trump...Based on the list above, which caused me to believe Trump himself will outshine all his potential running mates, Trump would pick someone who is a safer choice. This goes against the article who immediately noted the Manziel-esque pick seems likely. I disagree with the article on this idea because Trump himself seems to live for the spotlight. Having that taken away from him or having to worry about reigning in someone else's ideas so that they are concurrent with his own would be too much of a hassle. Thus, Rob Portman or John Thune would be valid picks.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, if Trump is really a Democrat or is planning to spring it on the Republicans he will run third-party for whatever reason, he might as well choose Jim Webb to create the mayhem he seems to feed off of.
It will certainly be interesting to see who he chooses because at this point he could choose anyone and the public would be equally surprised and not surprised.
I think the best VP candidate for Donald Trump would be Bob Corker. Trump is in need of someone with experience on his ticket, and Corker has it. He has a lot of foreign policy experience along with a lot of economic experience. He serves on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and is also a former finance commissioner, giving Corker a lot of credibility. He is also a respected member in the Senate, giving Trump a much needed boost on his ticket.
ReplyDeleteI see Donald Trump picking Chris Christie as a VP nominee. Christie is already in support of Trump, and the two are on friendly terms. However, I think a Trump/Christie ticket would not go over well with voters, because of their harsh personalities.
ReplyDeleteJessica Ellison
I think it's a slim chance that Chris Christie is chosen as Trumps VP because he has already accepted the job of helping Trump move into the White House which is more than enough for him since he failed New Jersey and isn't what Trump needs as a running mate. This is a pick way out in left field but I think Trump should choose Mark Cuban. One of the main platforms Trump runs on is the fact that he is not a politician and that's the change the White House needs so I think he should choose Cuban to go along with the trend. Cuban is a billionaire just like Trump and their experience is just what America needs from what they've learned from running businesses. Neither had any foreign policy experience which just sweetens the deal since they will be more focused on our problems as a nation and not what's going on with the rest of the world. He need to fix the Homefront before we can really go out and deal with everyone else. They know how to run companies and I believe they can run America. Trump also has nothing to lose in this election and might as well go for the flashy pick then someone practical. Manziel would have worked in the right system and Cuban would work in this system. All these other candidates try to focus Trump on a political scale but Cuban brings the wildcard effort just a Trump. Go Mavs!
ReplyDeleteI think someone like Scott Brown would be the stereotypical pick for someone like Donald Trump. Donald Trump being the white collar business negotiator, and Scott Brown being the blue collar worker looking out for the "little man" farmers and everyday people. The only thing wrong with this combination is the geographic concentration in the Northeast, fading out possibilities to snag untapped voters in the United States. Paul LePage would be a wildcard pick but highly possible, the two are very similar and I think that might be a quality Mr. Trump deeply desires
ReplyDeleteTrump needs someone who would appeal heavily to the republican base, someone like Lindsey Graham or Chris Christie. He needs to get the republicans to respect him as a candidate, because even though he is the nominee and has a good shot at winning the general election (God help up), most of his votes are not from the hardcore republicans because they don't want him as the nominee or the president. A good vp pick could help that, but probably won't solve that.
ReplyDeleteI think that Donald Trump has probably narrowed down his choices to Bob Corker and Chris Christie. I think Donald Trump should choose Bob Corker as his running mate because he is a political veteran. The fact that he also has a background in real estate is probably appealing to Trump. Bob Corkers may also help to make the Trump Campaign look more legitimate, due to the respect Corker has. Lastly, Bob Corker would provide the knowledge of foreign politics that is so important and that Trump is a little lacking in.
ReplyDeleteI think that even though Donald Trump might hate doing it, he will pick John Kasich as his VP because he thinks it is a smart political move rather than him actually like Kasich and his moderate views. Because so many democrats already are very uneasy with Hillary Clinton, Kasich as VP could motivate the moderates and not as extreme liberals to come over to the red side. Kasich would definitely win over Ohio for Trump and it is a swing state and Kasich is a very popular governor with a good track record. Kasich would bring the party together and maybe the Republican party wouldn't hate Trump so much. In conclusion, Kasich might not be Trump's favorite person, but Trump is smart enough to know that with Kasich by his side in the general election, he has a very good chance of winning.
ReplyDeleteTrump is definitely going to pick a politician as his VP, as it would greatly increase is general appeal. Somebody like Joni Ernst would fit great on the Trump ticket in my opinion, because not only is she a woman, she brings a quieter, calmer presence to the boisterous Trump. Trump needs to get somebody who knows how to negotiate and sell ideas to politician, because no matter how good of a businessman he may be, the ideas he's selling are NOT going to be an easy sell to congressmen, both democratic for obvious reasons, and even republicans who are scared of losing their seat if they appear to support Trump. At first I was thinking that Jim Webb would be a good pick, but as I thought about it, it would only further push away "true" conservatives who already believe Trump is a raging liberal. A very conservative, experienced politician is what Trump needs.
ReplyDeleteI see trump choosing Gingrich or Webb. His platform seems to be "protect america from foreign influence. Hence " let's build a huge wall on the border". Jim Webb has experience dealing with foreign representatives and is big on supporting the white working class, which is who gives trump all his money. Trump would want to protect his business and his platform. He's going to nominate whoever reinforces his platform.
ReplyDeleteI think that Trump will be choosing Bob Corker as his running mate. Corker would be a good balance for Trump. He isn't the flashiest candidate which may attract the more voters to vote for trump. Bob Corker would be a good asset to Trump as he has more knowledge on foreign policy which Trump lacks. Having said all of that, I could also see Trump picking Chris Christie as his running mate as well because they have similar views . Christie has also publicly endorsed Trump, and that can come into play when trump chooses his running mate.
ReplyDeleteI could see Trump picking Jim Webb. Jim Webb brings a more balanced platform to Trumps campaign, with his support for abortion and gay rights. I believe that this is key for Trump to be able to really overtake Clinton. Trump lacks the moderate vote, and could easily loose the election without picking the right vice presidential candidate, and this point he can't really afford to pick someone just to gain more media attention. Trump will need to get the moderate vote in order win the election, and keep resentment toward the him, and the republican party lower than it is now.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of what any of these blog posts say, Trump will probably choose a running mate completely different than we expected. Anti-Trump voters have complained about his character and his experience. I think Trump need an experienced VP, strong on Foreign policy and not nearly as flashy and out there trump is. Kasich would be a good running mate to reach the more moderate republicans and gain some states trump fail to capitalize on in the primaries. Kasich didn't have a bad following considering trumps lead. Bob Corker would be another strong choice as a running mate due to his knowledge on foreign policy and that he is not as well known and flashy as trump. another important trait Trumps running mate needs to have is to show the American public he can work with and get through to trump. Anyways, Trump will probably blindside us all and chose someone we never thought.
ReplyDeleteI see Donald Trump going with Chris Christie as his VP nominee. It would be a good middle ground between flashy and smart, as well as rewarding the good dig for following him around and supporting him for the past couple of months. Chris Christie has experience inside Washington, and has that grandios quality that Trump would want for the ratings. He's treating this just like a reality show, saying he doesn't want to reveal his VP before the convention because it would spoil all the fun, why would he stop here.
ReplyDeleteI believe Donald Trump will choose Joni Ernst. Trump's first priority should be to find someone who will agree to be his running mate. His second priority should be to find some way to make up the gender gap. Ernst has no yet endorsed Trump, but her political ideology suggests that she would have no problem doing so: she has proposed eliminating the IRS and EPA. Ernst may be a freshman senator, but she was able to get elected to a previously democratic seat. Ernst is an Iraq War veteran, a strong woman on the ticket may be just what Trump thinks he needs to challenge Clinton.
ReplyDeleteI think that it'd be in Trump's best interest to go with a VP that can really balance out his ticket to presidency, but with that said, I definitely seeing someone similar to him because he's come this far so he's probably thinking he might as well go all the way and not compromise. Tim Scott would be the "right" choice, as he would pull in a greater variety of voters and has experience and respect in areas where Trump lacks both of those. I think most moderate republicans deciding between Clinton and Trump would feel better voting for Trump if he had a more traditional ideal-wise guy like Scott as the VP. However, I doubt Scott will accept that nomination, so the other way Trump would go is with Christie. He's already well-known and has that same fiery spirit Trump has. And the biggest benefit to choosing Trump is that we know for sure he wouldn't say no.
ReplyDeleteWeak on foreign policy, Trump's ideal VP would be Bob Corker because of his expertise and experience. Although not too flashly or part of a swing state, Corker's knowledge of foreign policy is the aspect that would help Trump the most. Corker is also a well-respected Congressman and having him in support of Trump would bring more votes for him.
ReplyDeleteIf Trump is curious about who not to pick as his VP, it's Chris Christi. CC's approval ratings have basically gone down the drain. Although he is on board on the Trump train, he would not help the already not-so-popular Trump especially in New Jersey. I was going to choose Jim Webb because of his foreign policy experience, but he's a democrat; thus, the most ideal option for Trump would be Bob Corker. Despite some republicans not really liking Corker because of his moderate views on foreign policy, he is still a very strong choice for Trump because he is very effective when it comes to foreign policy and does a lot of crucial behind the scenes work.
ReplyDeleteGerald Bonsu
While I feel that Joni Ernst would be the smartest strategic move, I don't know if Trump is progressive enough to choose a female candidate as his running mate. He may gravitate towards a more liberal candidate in an attempt to swing back to the middle and grab the independents, making Jim Webb a choice in my opinion, because he makes a flashy pick and still picks up the moderate voters. However, I think he will pick a flashier candidate that no one has thought of yet. It is in his character to be the flashiest person he can, so I believe he will pick someone with a more liberal view than his with as much strength as him that no one has pictured him with yet. Maybe he'll ask Hillary.
ReplyDeleteJoey Burcham