With Donald Trump’s nomination as the Republican candidate for President all but assured in the minds of many, speculation turns to who could be his choice for Vice President.
Who could possibly maintain the level of fight Trump would bring back to the White House? Who could help represent the conservative values championed by a Trump administration?
And who would be willing to endure the endless drama?
Perhaps most importantly, who would bring votes with them for the general election to unseat President Joe Biden?
One name that has emerged comes from the Sunshine State of Florida – and it’s not who you might expect. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) has told Breitbart News that “of course” he’d be interested in teaming up with the former President.
“If it came up? Oh yeah, of course, because you have the opportunity to do really powerful things for the country and really help shape the country,” Donalds told the conservative outlet.
Still, he says he’d like to focus on doing his job as a member of Congress and let others speculate.
Exclusive — @ByronDonalds Would ‘Of Course’ Accept VP Role If Trump Offered: You Could ‘Really Help Shape the Country’https://t.co/UAbipn0ImV
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) July 13, 2023
Donalds As Trump’s Vice President?
Donalds has all the credentials Trump might like in a Vice President. He’s young, was nominated to be Speaker of the House multiple times before Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was voted in, and he objected to the certification of electors from Arizona and Pennsylvania in the 2020 presidential election.
And it doesn’t hurt that he provided one of the earliest endorsements of Trump in the 2024 presidential election back in April – a key move that helped take away from any potential momentum Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) might have garnered from lawmakers in his own state.
“There is only one leader at this time in our nation’s history who can seize the moment and deliver what we need – to get us back on track, provide strength and resolve, and Make America Great Again,” proclaimed Donalds. “That is why I’m honored to endorse President Donald J. Trump for President in 2024, and I ask my fellow Americans to join me.”
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Donalds currently serves on the House Financial Services and Oversight and Accountability Committees.
Who could resist a “Donald and Donalds” ticket?
Retweet this if you think my friend @RepDonaldsPress @ByronDonalds would make a great choice for Vice President.
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) May 24, 2023
RELATED: Report: Marjorie Taylor Greene Sees Herself as Trump’s VP Pick in 2024
What Are The Other Possibilities?
Speaking of DeSantis, Trump had previously suggested that there’d be a possibility that the man currently running a distant second in the polls could serve as his Vice President.
In a June 2021 interview, Trump was asked if he would consider DeSantis as his number two guy.
“Sure I would,” Trump replied.
Notice here that while Trump acknowledges that Ron DeSantis could be a potential 2024 running mate, the name Mike Pence doesn’t come up once even though Trump says he’s considering “numerous people that are great.” pic.twitter.com/9AR81RZotN
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) June 7, 2021
While it would certainly help unify voters against President Biden, times have changed, and Trump and DeSantis have since been engaged in a bitter primary fight.
Earlier this week, DeSantis said during a podcast interview that he has zero interest in becoming Trump’s pick for Vice President.
“I’m not a No. 2 guy,” DeSantis said. “I think I’m a leader. Governor of Florida, I’ve been able to accomplish a lot. I think I probably could do more staying there than being V.P., which doesn’t really have any authority.”
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung responded to that comment in a manner you’d come to expect.
“Ron DeSantis isn’t anybody’s guy. He’s not ‘the guy.’ He’s just ‘a guy,’” Cheung said in a statement. “Ron is just there, sullen and sad, because his numbers are as tiny as him.”
His numbers might be small, but they’re significant enough that without his supporters voting, Trump stands little chance of defeating Biden.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said he wouldn’t be interested in running as Donald Trump’s vice president if Trump wins the 2024 nomination. “I think I probably could do more staying there than being VP, which doesn’t really have any authority,” he said. https://t.co/kH2L8NyZ1Z
— NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) July 12, 2023
While it’s certainly premature for Trump to make any announcement, reports have also surfaced that he is considering New York Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as a potential running mate in 2024.
“Conversations about adding Stefanik to a future Trump ticket have gained steam in recent weeks at Mar-a-Lago and in other Republican circles,” CNN reported.
NEWS: Trump is eyeing Elise Stefanik for a potential running mate if he runs in 2024. And while VEEP talk is premature, the idea of adding Stefanik to a future Trump ticket has picked up steam at Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks, sources tell me & @GabbyOrr_. https://t.co/TIjNfsnu6O
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) May 25, 2022
Stefanik has been a vocal supporter of the former President, but has a more liberal voting record than even Liz Cheney, according to a Fox News analysis.
Other reports indicate that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R_GA), recently ousted from the House Freedom Caucus, is seeking to place herself at the forefront of Trump’s list for Vice President in 2024.
NEWS: MTG wants to be Trump VP
“She sees herself on the short list,” Steve Bannon told NBC.
A second source who has advised her said her “whole vision” is to get on the ticket.
This explains the *why* of her oft-chronicled recent rebrand efforts.
— Jonathan Allen (@jonallendc) January 25, 2023
An NBC News report indicated Trump views Greene (R-GA) in much the same manner with one source saying he “also believes Greene would be on Trump’s shortlist.”
Who else do you think should be on Trump’s shortlist for Vice President? Vivek Ramaswamy? Tucker Carlson? Tulsi Gabbard?
Tell us in the comments below and voice your opinion by sharing this article on Twitter.
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