The Bottom of the Ticket

 

Jefferson's rather famous running mate

The latest US polls give Trump a lead nationally over Biden; and a bigger lead in electoral votes.

Picture how the world might look in two years, if we have Poilievre in 24 Sussex, and Trump in the White House. 

One concern is that Trump will necessarily be a one-term president. The VP pick matters more than usual; we need to think in terms of a reliable successor.

Some are saying Tucker Carlson. I don’t think so. Carlson is needed where he is, and there is no reason to suppose he has the managerial chops. And it would be a crime to silence him for four years, which is what the vice presidency requires.

Ron DeSantis would be ideal. And Trump is not one to bear a grudge. I would not be surprised, and would be delighted, if he were chosen.

Some say Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor. I think her resume is too thin for prime time.

Nikki Haley is impressive, but not compatible with Trump on foreign policy.

Some like Kari Lake’s charisma. But being a losing gubernatorial candidate is not enough to look credible in the Oval Office.

Tim Scott has the opposite problem. He looks credible, but lacks charisma.

Chris Christie would have been plausible, had he not made being anti-Trump his political persona.

Vivek Ramaswamy is too much like Trump to offer balance to the ticket—or needed expertise to the administration.

Rudy Giuliani or Newt Gingrich would have been perfect—were it not for their age. We need somebody young to balance Trump’s chronological challenges.

Rand Paul or Ted Cruz are too ideologically distinctive to fit comfortably into the role.

Nobody takes Marco Rubio seriously anymore. Chris Christie took him out eight years ago.

John Kennedy would be great; but for his age.

Trey Gowdy would be great, but I fear he’s done with politics.

How about Ben Shapiro? He comes from outside of electoral politics, making him clean; but he is surely up on the issues. His remarkable success with the Daily Wire seems to prove his management ability. He is a brilliant debater, and being the president’s point man is a big part of the job. His level-headedness and religious commitment feels as though it would give Trump needed gravitas, a kind of anchor. In terms of electoral strategy, he might tip the Jewish voting block away from the Democrats and to the Republicans. And he could reassure religious voters generally.

While we’re on the subject of running mates, I think RFK Jr. should do everything he can to get Tulsi Gabbard to join his ticket. She too is an independent now; she too is anti-war. They seem to align well ideologically. And they seem to radiate the same sincerity.