Trump’s recent campaign stop in South Dakota, a traditionally Republican stronghold, has sparked speculation about Governor Kristi Noem potentially becoming his running mate in the 2024 election.
During a campaign event in Rapid City, Noem publicly endorsed Trump, pledging her full support to help him secure victory. Trump expressed his appreciation for her endorsement, describing it as “beautiful” and suggesting that she would be on his shortlist for potential running mates.
When asked by an interviewer about the possibility of Noem as his running mate, Trump praised her but also acknowledged the presence of several other strong contenders within the Republican Party.
In addition to Noem, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Trump’s former press secretary and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders have been mentioned as potential running mates.
Noem herself has emphasized the importance of Trump having a strong partner to win back the White House, someone with a business background and a deep understanding of everyday life, including the roles of wife, mother, and grandmother.
The choice of a female running mate for Trump would naturally draw comparisons to Vice President Kamala Harris, whose impact on President Joe Biden’s re-election prospects has been a subject of debate. Trump, who is not young himself, would need a running mate capable of stepping into the role of president if necessary.
Trump, however, downplayed concerns about his age, citing examples of older world leaders and emphasizing that he is not yet close to 80 years old.
When it comes to running mates, Trump emphasized that the focus is primarily on the presidential candidate, as voters tend to prioritize the top of the ticket in general elections. He suggested that his choice for a running mate would likely be someone who complements his leadership style and does not overshadow him.
Potential candidates like Kari Lake or Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene, who share Trump’s style and approach, could pose challenges if they were chosen as running mates.
Trump may opt for a female counterpart to Mike Pence, someone who is unassuming and can effectively deliver his message without overshadowing him. Governors like Kristi Noem or former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley could fit this profile, offering a complementary partnership to address Trump’s weaknesses.
