March 14, 2024
KEY POINTS FROM THIS ARTICLE
— If he sticks to history—and he very well may not—Donald Trump’s eventual vice presidential selection will be someone with high governmental experience.
— While Democratic VP nominees have very often come from the Senate, the backgrounds of Republican running mates have been more diverse in terms of previous government experience.
— The VP slot may be seen as particularly valuable on the Republican side because anyone elected with Trump knows that the Constitution prevents him from seeking a third term in 2028, meaning that the VP could run in four years instead of having to wait the customary eight for a presidential ticket headed by someone who has not previously been president.
— On the other hand, Mike Pence’s experience with Trump may deter some from making themselves available.
— Trump, a Florida resident, would be unlikely to pick someone else from Florida as his running mate because of the 12th Amendment.