Who expected this?
Tulsi Gabbard’s emergence as a potential Republican vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 election garnered considerable attention following remarks made by Donald Trump during a Fox News town hall on Tuesday.
A former Democratic House of Representatives member, Gabbard’s departure from the party in October 2022 was marked by sharp criticism, citing what she termed as the party’s alignment with an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and allegations of fostering “anti-white racism.” Since then, she has transitioned into a frequent contributor on Fox News and has made appearances at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in both 2022 and 2023.
Betfair, a leading bookmaker based in the U.K., notably adjusted the odds on Gabbard becoming the GOP’s vice-presidential candidate for 2024 from 35/1 to 22/1 following Trump’s acknowledgment of her being on his potential shortlist.
During the Fox News town hall, host Laura Ingraham listed six individuals as potential running mates for Trump based on audience suggestions. Among them were Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Kristi Noem, Byron Donalds, and Gabbard.
Trump confirmed that all six individuals were under consideration, emphasizing the importance of selecting a running mate with “common sense” amidst the country’s myriad challenges.
Despite Governor Noem retaining her status as the Betfair favorite for the vice-presidential nomination, with slight improvements in her odds, Gabbard’s emergence on the radar indicates a dynamic shift in the landscape.
Other contenders, such as Ramaswamy and Representative Elise Stefanik, also experienced fluctuations in their odds, highlighting the fluidity of the situation.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom noted the heightened interest in the Republican vice-presidential race, with punters showing support for various candidates, including those who previously contested for the party’s presidential nomination.
Trump’s public acknowledgment of potential candidates, particularly his praise for Senator Tim Scott, underscores the significance of their roles in shaping the future direction of the Republican ticket.
Meanwhile, Gabbard’s upcoming appearance at a fundraiser for Trump, themed around “celebrating the Constitution,” further underscores her alignment with elements of the Republican Party, signaling a potential political realignment for the former Democratic figure.
In essence, Gabbard’s sudden prominence in discussions surrounding the 2024 Republican vice-presidential nomination reflects a broader narrative of shifting alliances and evolving political dynamics within the party.