JD Vance Firms As Favourite For Trump VP Selection

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) has emerged as the slight favourite to take former President Donald Trump's Vice President selection. Several reports have indicated an announcement could come as soon as this week but it is more likely to be made at the Republican National Convention, kicking off on July 15.

• Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) are the other two names on the favourite list, but Trump has been characteristically coy and could throw out a surprise selection. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) could be a savvy choice if Trump is looking to firm up support amongst Black voters.
• The New York Times notes that the Trump campaign has an entire operation dedicated to boosting the contenders: “An internal booking team is explicitly tasked with making sure contenders are booked for cable news interviews and quoted in conservative media outlets..."
• The Times adds: “But the contenders also bring benefits for Mr. Trump. By shedding their reservations about him and participating in the vice-presidential selection process, they have made Mr. Trump more appealing to more traditional Republican voters and donors while also demonstrating his total dominance of the party.”
• The Washington Post notes: "Trump’s decision carries major potential implications for governance and politics. Trump is 78 and would be term limited if he wins in November. He has been a dominant figure in the Republican Party for eight years with no clear successor."