The former president Donald Trump’s campaign is ramping up its vetting process for potential 2024 running mates.
According to GOP insiders, one name Democrats reportedly fear the most on Trump’s shortlist is Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
Rubio has strong political experience and appeals to Latinos as well as suburban and independent voters as a Hispanic Republican from the key swing state of Florida.
While he was initially critical of Trump in 2016, Rubio has since embraced the America First agenda.
“Rubio is a familiar face who has become one of the strongest voices in the Senate for the America First agenda, is excellent on TV, and can blast Biden effectively for his failed policies,” one top GOP strategist stated.
“Trump is doing very well with Latino voters and the addition of Rubio would only strengthen that, which could spell the end for Biden,” they said, noting that “Rubio would be a solid, safe pick, with a lot of upside.”
“While demonstrating his ability to win a slightly higher percentage of White voters in 2022 than Trump did in Florida in 2020, he also appeals to the suburban and independent voters that will be key to Trump’s success, and is the only contender from a true battleground state,” GOP strategist Matt Wolking said.
“Trump would balance out his ticket by picking Rubio for VP, which cannot be said for some of the other options. These reasons are why many Democrats fear the selection of Rubio the most,” he said.
However, some in Trump’s orbit question whether Rubio is fully committed to Trump and his brand of politics long term.
Other possibilities mentioned include politicians like Elise Stefanik and Sarah Sanders, as well as state governors.
“I’m not sure he’s a 100% Trump guy. That’s the one thing I would say, that he has not always been enthusiastic about Trump. I think that’s the one area I would find could be a little troubling to the Trump faithful. That might be an issue,” one inside source said.
“The other thing is the question of whether Rubio is the right person to carry the Republican colors in 2028 and beyond,” the source said. “I think he’s a good man. Don’t get me wrong. I think he’s been a great senator, and been very effective. I think he would be a more than adequate vice president, but it just gives me pause to think about him as a potential candidate, and whether he’s a Trump-faithful follower.”
“That would likely prove to be more a speedbump than a real obstacle to putting him on the ticket,” Wolking said.
Trump may wait until the Republican National Convention in July to officially announce his selection.
