The Trump re-election campaign has revealed plans for an event that could feature the announcement of his vice-presidential choice. According to a campaign flyer, supporters are invited to a “Freedom First Event” during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 18, where the vice-presidential nominee will be introduced alongside former President Trump.
The event is promoted as a high-profile fundraiser, with table prices set at donations ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Photo opportunities are available for $100,000, while a $5,000 donation includes a ticket to the reception.
Trump has masterfully kept the public guessing about his choice for a running mate. He has often hinted that the selection would be announced at the Republican National Convention, and confirmed that his chosen candidate was present at last week’s debate in Atlanta. Following the debate, notable figures from his shortlist appeared in the spin room, fueling further speculation.
These included Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Representatives yron Donalds and Elise Stefanik, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Dr. Ben Carson. “Trump is looking for three things,” one Trump Campaign insider recently told the New York Post. “He’s looking for who can raise money, he’s looking for who is an effective surrogate on TV with adversarial media, and he’s looking at who will do the best job debating Kamala Harris.”
During an appearance last month on FNC’s “Special Report,” Vance (R-OH) weighed in on the possibility that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would ask him to be his running mate for the November election. Vance said he had not been asked but suggested that if he were asked, he would say yes. “Could you imagine yourself behind the Resolute Desk as president?” FNC host Bret Baier asked. (see video below)
“Well, look, Bret, I think that’s ultimately — that’s Donald Trump’s choice, whether he selects me as vice president,” Vance replied. “My attitude is there is a lot that needs to happen in the United States Senate. I like being a senator, Bret. The president has not asked me. But if he does, I’d certainly let you know.” Baier responded: “Yeah, I mean, to just say, are you ready to be president on day one? That’s the biggest job for a vice-presidential pick, right? Could you be comfortable being president?”
“Look, Bret, I’ve seen a lot of people operate in politics, and I feel very comfortable with the fact that I could do the job,” Vance said. “But, look, you have to have some humility going into this, too. It’s a massive, massive job for anybody to undertake. I’m not auditioning for the job. I asked the people of Ohio to elect me to be a United States Senator,” said Vance.
“But, certainly, look, if Trump picks up the phone and calls you, the first sort of thought you have to have with yourself is, not just, could I be vice president, but could I stand ultimately in the big chair? And, look, if he asks me, I’ll think about it, but I think the answer is yes,” he indicated.
“Frankly, we’ve had way too many political insiders, Bret, who have done a very terrible job of governing this country,” he continued. “Some of them have had a lot of political experience. Some of them have had no political experience.
“And the final point I’ll say about that, Bret, is I know Trump very well. I like him. He’s in very good health. And so I think whoever he selects as vice president is going to have a real opportunity to be a very good vice president for the country for the next four years. And there are a lot of good people who could serve that job,” Vance added.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.