Could Donald Trump be considering the selection of a female running mate for the upcoming 2024 election? Would Kari Lake fit the bill?
The Kari Lake Pick?
Various sources suggest her consideration is already underway as Trump continues to strategize ahead of next year’s general election.
Lake, a former television anchor who faced defeat in the Arizona gubernatorial race last November, aligns with Trump’s primary criteria for a vice presidential candidate.
She has demonstrated a staunch willingness to defend him resolutely, regardless of the issue or controversy. In June the ex-journalist even threatened armed resistance against anyone who wanted to “get” her idol.
However, Lake could also carry major drawbacks. Trump is keen to avoid the possibility of his running mate overshadowing him. Lake could be perceived as having ambitions for the presidency right from the start, given her political activities, such as a recent trip to Iowa. Her unsuccessful bid for governor also diminishes her appeal.
Indeed, various reports suggest Lake is gunning for the job, and that she “practically lives” at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Despite this, Trump’s affections for his quasi-roommate may be fading, with the Daily Beast claiming the ex-President believes Lake is a “spotlight hound”.
However Betfair polling last month suggested Lake could still be in with a chance of measuring drapes for the Naval Observatory.
These numerical values have undergone notable adjustments from their status in March 2023. Back then, Betfair presented diminished odds of 7/1 for Lake’s chances of being selected as Trump’s running mate.
The stats downplay the possibility of Lake becoming the running mate for a non-Trump candidate, with the odds for her securing the broader position of the GOP vice-presidential candidate were significantly higher at 7/5.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, has complained that speculations about Trump’s decisions are baseless and individuals attempting to predict his actions are misguided.
Some, including former Defence Secretary John Bolton, think Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, could be a suitable candidate. Despite being a prominent contender for the GOP nomination against Trump, it is believed that she wouldn’t draw any votes away from him.
Another strong contender is Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump’s former White House press secretary. While Sanders did not provide an endorsement when Trump sought it for the presidential race, there’s room for her to align with Trump if he appears to be a winning candidate.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is also often mentioned within Trump’s circle as a viable candidate for the vice presidential position.
In the end, Trump’s decision regarding a running mate will be made in his own time, and those speculating prematurely may face consequences, according to his spokesperson.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
From 19FortyFive
