Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump and his allies are gearing up for the upcoming GOP convention in Milwaukee this July. They are focusing on building a strong fundraising operation, expanding donor outreach, establishing campaign infrastructure in battleground states, and wooing Republicans who didn’t support Trump in the primaries. One crucial step Trump will take before the convention is selecting his running mate, and speculation about potential candidates has been running wild.
Several names have been floated, including familiar figures like Gov. Doug Burgum, Nikki Haley, Kristi Noem, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Marco Rubio, and Tim Scott. While each individual brings certain strengths to the table, some downsides must be considered. However, one name that has stirred a lot of attention is Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii. Despite her unorthodox background and policy positions, there has been buzz about her potentially being considered for the GOP’s vice-presidential spot.
.@realDonaldTrump Secures Puerto Rico’s 23 Delegates.
Republican Party of Puerto Rico Completes Presidential Primary Process.
23 Delegates from Puerto Rico are Chosen for the Republican National Convention to Formally Nominate Donald Trump as the Republican Party's Presidential… pic.twitter.com/vnP4xgxm7Z
— Puerto Rico GOP 🇺🇸🇵🇷 Partido Republicano de PR (@GOP_PR51) April 21, 2024
Gabbard’s history as a Democrat and her support for progressive policies like Medicare for All and free college tuition makes it hard for some to picture her on the Republican ticket. Her background as a former Democrat and her policies are not typical of a GOP candidate. Additionally, her unconventional upbringing and religious beliefs could potentially alienate some conservative voters.
Furthermore, Gabbard’s foreign policy views and interactions with leaders like Bashar Assad and her approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have also raised concerns among some conservatives. However, her stance has garnered support from a faction within the Republican Party, which aligns with her views on international relations.
Despite attempts to appeal to Republicans and a reported meeting with Trump to discuss foreign policy, Gabbard’s limited connections within the GOP’s donor class and her potential to overshadow Trump’s message could make her a risky pick. In addition, with Kamala Harris as the incumbent vice president, Republicans are keen on finding a running mate who can effectively counter her influence. This has led to doubt about Gabbard’s ability to help Trump secure the necessary support from the wider Republican base.
Ultimately, while the idea of Gabbard as a potential running mate may be intriguing to some, the concerns surrounding her policy positions, background, and possible limited appeal to the Republican base make her an unlikely choice for Trump’s vice-presidential pick.
