The first U.S. Presidential debate has nearly arrived, withandset to square off for the first time in the lead up to the 2024 election, where Trump is expected to announce his pick for Vice President.
Trump is the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party. He is yet to choose his running mate, who will become his Vice President if he wins the election.
So, who is in the mix?
JD Vance
and author of ‘Hillbilly Elegy’, a memoir reflecting on his middle-class upbringing and family struggles.
A staunch Trump supporter, he’s long been touted as a future running mate for the ex-President.
Final shortlist and possibly top three.
Doug Burgum
North Dakota Governor who sold his software company to Microsoft for more than $US1.1 billion ($AU1.6b) in 2001.
Wealthy candidate who’s appearing at many Trump campaign rallies, considered the best choice for fundraising.
Soared from a relatively unknown figure to a top contender. We could become more familiar with him in record time.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Biotech billionaire who threw his hat into the ring for the Republican presidential primary race. He became known for his rapid-fire, conspiracy theory-filled rants about the political establishment.
He technically ran against Trump in the primaries, but is an avowed supporter.
Once a strong contender, U.S. media has reported Trump ruled out Ramaswamy as a runningmate. That could be a red herring, though!
Tim Scott
South Carolina Senator since 2013, the 58-year-old has become one of the most prominent Black Republican politicians.
Briefly ran in the presidential contest against Trump, quickly withdrew and endorsed Trump.
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Solid, but not strong.
Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem is, and a self-described “rancher, farmer, small business owner”.
Fierce supporter of Trump, but offered some rare advice, saying he shouldn’t “get personal” with Joe Biden in the debate.
Noem was a strong contender. However, her fortunes tanked in May when she published amemoir where she describes killing her dog and a goat.
Marco Rubio
A Spanish-speaking Florida Senator since 2010, who’s spent much more time in Congress than most of his challengers.
Rubio taunted Trump in 2016, saying he didn’t want to run as his Vice President during that election. However, both men have grown closer over the years.
Possible.
Nikki Haley
Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Haley was the last serious candidate standing against Trump in the Republican primary race. She has openly disagreed with him on multiple decisions and issues. Recently, she’s mademore favourable comments about Trump.
She’s an outside chance, but unlikely.
Tom Cotton
Senator from Arkansas, a safe Republican state, and a military veteran known for his anti-abortion views and hawkish foreign policy positions on China. Once called slavery a “necessary evil” that built America.
He has been on the former president’s radar before and he’s emerged as a late contender for Vice President.
U.S. media reports he’s been approached by the Trump campaign.
