In a move that would blur the lines between politics and reality TV, former President Donald Trump is reportedly adopting an ‘Apprentice-style’ approach to select his vice-presidential running mate for the upcoming election.
According to a top advisor, the process is gearing up to be both a spectacle and a strategic play, aiming to captivate the Republican base with a mix of suspense and drama reminiscent of Trump’s television background.
Sources close to the Trump campaign believe that the selection process is entering a serious phase, with efforts underway to narrow down the list of potential candidates.
The approach, mirroring the format of Trump’s hit reality TV show “The Apprentice,” suggests that contenders will face a series of challenges or evaluations that will be closely monitored by Trump himself, alongside a keen audience of supporters and political analysts.
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Julia Manchester, a National Politics reporter for The Hill, commented on the development to Fox News, noting that Trump’s penchant for drama and suspense aligns with his supporters’ expectations.
“This is no surprise,” Manchester explained. “We know that Donald Trump really likes the drama and he likes the suspense. He knows that his supporters like to watch that, so they’ll appreciate how this process is going to be drawn out.”
Politico reported:
While who is up or down seemingly changes by the minute, the list has included everyone from Tim Scott and Kristi Noem to Byron Donalds, Elise Stefanik, Tulsi Gabbard and J.D. Vance, whom Trump has called a “fighter.”
Trump, despite saying he doesn’t think the vice president matters all that much, regularly asks guests at his Mar-a-Lago club for their opinion on different options and, with a flair for suspense, teases his choices in private meetings and media interviews. The process is expected to take months.
“He’s going to draw this out ‘Apprentice’-style,” said one person close to the Trump campaign who was granted anonymity to speak freely.
The former president has said his top criterion is picking someone “who is going to be a good president … in case of emergency.” But Trump is also sensitive to electoral needs, and part of the consideration is having someone who can help expand his appeal in November.
Despite Trump’s previous assertions that the Vice President’s role is of limited importance, his search criteria looks at the need for a candidate capable of assuming the presidency in an emergency, while also possessing the ability to broaden his electoral appeal in November.
The search has also been marked by a level of unpredictability, with Trump offering varied opinions on potential candidates.
The selection process has not been without its controversies and strategic considerations, as various advisers and allies weigh in. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) warned against taking speculation too seriously, stating, “He’ll ask you about people.”
Meanwhile, Kellyanne Conway, former senior counselor to Trump, advised focusing on a candidate who can contribute to winning the election and governing effectively.
As the campaign progresses, the strategy may set a new precedent for how political campaigns are conducted, blending entertainment with serious political decision-making. Whether the approach will be effective in securing electoral victory remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks another chapter in Trump’s unconventional political journey.
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