Former President Donald Trump has cloaked his vice-presidential choice in secrecy while floating “teasers” for months. While four possible finalists have risen to the top of a long list, analysts still hold out the possibility of a surprise dark horse pick. However, it’s possible that the 45th president could select a lesser-known, dark horse candidate for vice president (VP), such as Virginia Gov.
Glenn Youngkin or Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Doug Kaplan, president of Florida-based Kaplan Strategies, told The Epoch Times.
Now, days before the GOP’s nominating convention is to begin, the timeframe for the former president’s VP decision is narrowing. Politicos consider this VP pick more consequential than usual because this particular nominee will be backing up a candidate who is 78 years old and facing sentencing on a criminal conviction and multiple other criminal cases. Besides being ready to serve if the presidential candidate were unable to fulfill his duties for any reason, the VP pick could sway some voters based on his or her geography, personal traits, or qualifications.
The former president’s VP choice will also help mold a possible second Trump presidency and chart the future of the Republican Party, Mr. Kaplan said. An announcement could come just before, or during, the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which will be held between July 15–18.
A running mate must be named for GOP delegates to officially choose their presidential and vice-pre.
