Michael Bender, a political correspondent for The New York Times, provides a deep dive into Donald Trump's unique search for a vice presidential candidate ahead of the 2024 election. He highlights Trump's shift from seeking credibility through running mates to focusing on personal loyalty and media presence. Bender discusses the evolving dynamics among potential picks like J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, and the implications of their relationships with Trump. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by GOP contenders aligning with Trump amidst shifting party identity.
Trump prioritizes running mates who won't overshadow him, shifting from previous criteria.
Being VP under Trump requires compromising dignity and acknowledging his dominance in politics.
Deep dives
Trump's Evolving VP Strategy
Trump's approach to selecting a vice president has shifted from seeking credibility and appeal among certain voter blocks to prioritizing candidates who won't overshadow his own spotlight in the current election landscape.
Key Attributes of Top VP Contenders
Top contenders like J.D. Vance offer strong televised defense of Trump, while Marco Rubio brings loyalty and attack skills. Doug Burgum's independence and generational alignment appeal to Trump; however, his untested national stage presence presents a potential wildcard.
VP Role Under Trump's Administration
Being VP under Trump implies navigating precarious positions, compromising personal dignity, and potentially shifting legal interpretations towards a more authoritarian stance. willingness to serve in this capacity reflects a recognition of Trump's dominance in the political landscape.
The makeup of the 2024 presidential race has felt inevitable from the start — with one notable exception: Donald J. Trump’s choice of a running mate.
Michael Bender, a political correspondent for The Times, explains why Mr. Trump’s requirements in a No. 2 are very different this time round than they were eight years ago.
Guest: Michael Bender, a political correspondent for The New York Times.
Ben Carson is a wild card in the vice-presidential sweepstakes, but don’t count him out just yet.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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