WASHINGTON — Former President ’s process of choosing a running mate has entered its final stages in a frenzied and increasingly theatrical fashion as he privately narrows his focus to a set of top contenders. At the same time, he is encouraging his team to fuel speculation about other candidates — and about the possibility that his pick could be announced at any moment. Behind closed doors, Trump has been primarily interested in Sen.
JD Vance of Ohio, Gov. of North Dakota and Sen. of Florida, according to three people who have spoken to the former president in recent days and insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.
But Trump has befuddled some friends and advisers by continuing to solicit opinions on other contenders, including Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and former housing secretary during his administration, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. Meanwhile, a series of cryptic and suggestive messages from Trump’s campaign that the announcement could come as soon as this week has ignited 72 hours of unbridled conjecture, confusing political observers and Republican allies.
Several Republican strategists said there was little obvious advantage for Trump to announce his vice-presidential pick during the same week as his first debate with , which will unfold Thursday night in Atlanta. Trump has invited to the debate a parade of his potential picks, including the leading three contenders, and given them the task of defending his performance in front.
