Republicans Worried About Trump’s V.P. Pick
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) has emphasized that former President Donald Trump’s choice for vice president will hinge on addressing key voter concerns. Trump, the Republican Party’s likely presidential nominee, has yet to reveal his vice presidential pick for the 2024 election but has hinted that an announcement will come “closer to Wisconsin time,” referencing the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this July. Among the potential candidates rumored to be in consideration is Scott himself.
During an appearance on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Scott downplayed the significance of who might be chosen as vice president, instead focusing on the issues affecting Americans. “It’s not about the who, it’s about the what,” Scott said. He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s performance on various fronts, including border security, the economy, and foreign policy. Scott accused Harris of failing in her role as the border czar, contributing to what he termed the “greatest invasion in American history,” and criticized her economic policies and stance on the Middle East.
Scott stressed the importance of discussing the American dream with voters, particularly the feasibility of starting a business. He noted that if selected as Trump’s running mate, his campaign would center on securing another four years for Trump, not for personal gain but for the benefit of the American people. Scott also highlighted the impact of inflation under President Biden, stating that residents in his home state are now paying over $25,000 more for the same goods compared to the Trump administration.
Other names speculated to be on Trump’s shortlist for vice president include Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), and former Hawaii Democrat Tulsi Gabbard. However, Trump has confirmed that former UN ambassador and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is not being considered.
As the election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris has agreed to a debate with Trump’s eventual vice presidential candidate. This debate, like the presidential debates, will be broadcast without a live audience, scheduled for either July 23 or August 13 according to the Biden campaign.
Additionally, President Biden and Trump are set to face off in a CNN debate on June 27, with a subsequent debate on ABC scheduled for September 10.
Recent polls show that young voters aged 18-30 slightly favor Trump over Biden regarding issues like reducing prices and securing the southern border. Among these voters, 50% cited lowering prices as their primary financial concern, compared to 26% who prioritized higher wages and 15% who wanted more job opportunities.