Whatever side of the line you stand on, Donald Trump’s considerations for Vice President will stir everyone’s interests. Each person he’s considering stands to either help or hurt his campaign in different ways. This man does an excellent job at polarizing people, so it stands to reason that his VP would have to start bringing the two sides together — at least somewhat.
In recent days Trump and his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, have hinted that the search for a VP is making some headway. The media has been salivating at who will be on the ticket beside Donald Trump and has started to throw out several names for consideration.
But Trump has kept his short list very close to his breast. He only revealed in an interview that he is looking for a VP with “political background rather than a business background.” Trump stated he doesn’t need someone else on the ticket that has been successful in business, but rather he needs someone who will help him “get bills passed through Congress.”
That means we won’t be seeing Ben Carson or any other rich businessman being named as Trump’s VP. Rather it will be someone who is a former or current governor, Congress member or other political insider.
So who exactly does Trump have on his short list for VP? It’s surely these three Washington VIP’s:
Jan Brewer
Jan Brewer is a former governor, and she’s already stated that she’s up for the task of VP on national TV. This has nothing to do with her gender, as she thinks that women will be swayed by the issues as opposed to voting for a candidate based on simple biological fact.
She’s openly praised his other potential nominees, but would also be willing to step in and get her hands dirty for the would-be president. However it should be noted that even in a traditionally conservative state like Arizona, she didn’t make a solid impression on the people as a great leader.
Her polling numbers aren’t all that favorable, and that could hurt Donald in the long run. She has reneged on promises about taxes and supported controversial bills regarding immigration and gay rights, which have managed to upset residents across the state.
Newt Gingrich
Newt Gingrich is certainly a presence and a force, which sounds an awful lot like the presumptive nominee himself. The man wants to band people together who are disappointed in the way the country is headed.
Separated, they stand to gain nothing but anger and hate for liberals who preach nothing but acceptance for those who do little to help themselves. Together though, they can actually inspire and create change that will benefit the country.
This philosophy makes it easy to understand why the two men get along, and why Gingrich seems to be launching an unofficial campaign for VP right alongside Mr. Trump.
His influence is undeniable within the race, and he has been confirmed to be within a small circle of people that has a chance of winning the other spot on the ticket.
Of course, there is also something to be said for picking someone who’s exactly like you, in that you leave people with the impression you’re unable to consider other points of view. Trump’s main appeal seems to be wrapped up in his straight-forward style, but that doesn’t mean the nation wants someone just like him as his running mate.
Jim Webb
The former senator from Virginia is an extremely interesting choice for VP because he’s technically a Democrat. While this may turn off some extremist conservatives, others will likely embrace Webb since he used to fight for the conservative platform. By harnessing the two sides of politics, Trump stands to start winning over the deeply split supporters of the liberal side.
Many Sanders supporters have already stated they wouldn’t vote for Hillary under any circumstances, and this just gives the undecided one more reason to turn their votes over to Trump. In such a controversial race, Webb is a man that has experience directly working with both groups.
One thing to keep in mind about Webb though is that he certainly has his fair share of skeletons in the closet. Opponents will drag up his support of the history associated with the Confederacy, and his comments about women being unsuited to serve in the military in fighting roles.
All politicians make statements they regret to some degree though, and it may just be a matter of starting from scratch for Webb to start building up his trust with the American people.
Trump should be looking to the candidate who will complement him in such a way where they won’t antagonize each other, but also where there will be give and take on both parts. It’s going to be a tough role to fill because of the political climate right now.
No matter what Trump decides in picking his VP role, he certainly has his work cut out for him in the upcoming months. He’ll need to take a disorganized country and start trying to put a sense of order back into the actions taken by the leaders of our country. The future of the Republican Party, and of America itself, truly depend on it.
