Assessing Trump’s vice presidential shortlist

Mike Pence faces a tight deadline to withdraw from the state’s gubernatorial race if he is selected to be Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick. “She has done a great job as Senator of Iowa!” Joni Ernst, Mike Pence and Tom Cotton have been mentioned in recent tweets. But Ernst did not say whether the vice presidency was discussed. Ernst’s background could help Trump with his lack of foreign policy and national security experience.

Donald Trump spent the 4th of July holiday with Indiana Governor Mike Pence, another potential VP candidate.

Does Trump want to double the bombast by picking a brash straight-talker who mirrors his own style, like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich? Many establishment types in the party are skipping the GOP convention.

The presumptive Republican nominee will choose from a narrowing list of potential running mates that represent a wide range of styles.

Ernst is the first female senator from Iowa and the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate. “I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to strengthen our economy, keep our nation safe, and ensure America is always a strong, stabilizing force around the globe“.

Ernst released a written statement after the meeting with Trump.

He wouldn’t comment on being considered as Trump’s running mate Sunday night in Indiana. He is teasing the process in an unusually public way.

But Trump’s campaign has been quiet about who he’ll pick – and when he’ll make an announcement.

Currently, Gingrich and Christie are the only contenders who two contenders who have been confirmed as being vetted by attorney Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., who had vetted former Republican Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska for the John McCain campaign in 2008.

In addition to adding military experience to the ticket, Ernst’s inclusion might also help Trump improve his appeal among women voters, with whom he now lags.

Ernst met with Trump in New Jersey on Monday, and afterwards said she and Trump had, “a good conversation”.

Pence is now locked in a close flight for re-election and would have to drop his bid by July 15 in order to join Trump’s ticket because of an in statute that prevents him from running for statewide and federal office at the same time. Ted Cruz of Texas shortly before the IN primary IN April, the state contest that ultimately sealed Trump’s status as the party nominee. Pundits expect Trump to announce his pick this month, in hopes of drumming up excitement before the GOP Convention. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media.