Trump personally selected Vance in July, but a series of controversies surrounding the Ohio senator has led to questions about whether Trump might opt for another running mate just weeks before the election, as mentioned in a report from USA Today.
Controversies cloud Vance’s role
JD Vance, who rose to prominence with the publication of his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has faced a series of problems since being chosen as Trump’s running mate. Notable missteps include his controversial remarks about “childless cat ladies” and his unfounded claims that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the vice president’s running mate, was a “childless man.”
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Additionally, photos showing Vance cross-dressing while studying at Yale have helped heighten scrutiny, according to the USA Today report. These controversies have raised concerns within the Republican Party, with some questioning whether Vance is the right choice to run alongside Trump on the ticket. Despite efforts to shift the focus to core issues that resonate with the Republican base, such as border security, Vance’s public missteps have continued to draw attention.
RFK Jr. and other potential replacements
Amid growing uncertainty surrounding Vance, speculation has swirled about who might replace him if Trump were to make a change. One potential option was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his own post presidential campaign in late August and then supported Trump.
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However, Kennedy has since indicated that he was promised a role in the Trump administration rather than a spot on the ticket.
Other names being floated include Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, both of whom Trump considered before he ultimately chose Vance. Those figures remain in the pipeline of potential replacements, though it’s unclear whether any serious moves are being made.
Time and legal constraints
One major factor complicating any potential change is the timing. The ballot deadline for Vance’s home state of Ohio is reportedly September 1. That means Trump will have to decide by Labor Day whether to replace Vance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has highlighted that deadline, adding pressure on Trump’s campaign to finalize its decision.
Concerns within the GOP
Within the Republican Party, Vance’s standing on the ticket is both anxious and confident. Marc Short, former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, stressed that Vance must tread carefully to not “lose President Trump’s confidence.” He noted that Trump is known for forming opinions quickly, which could increase the risk for Vance if controversies continue to overshadow the campaign.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Trump to see whether he sticks with his running mate or makes a last-minute change. The coming days will be critical in determining the final composition of the Republican ticket.
FAQ
Who will win the 2024 US Elections?
According to the latest forecasts from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill, Vice President Kamala Harris has a 56% chance of winning the US presidential election.
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The 2024 United States presidential election will mark the 60th quadrennial presidential election, scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
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