BLUF: Discussion around potential running mates for former President Donald Trump’s possible 2024 bid has been intensifying, with numerous names surfacing, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
OSINT: Various speculative choices have emerged concerning who might join former President Donald Trump in his potential run for office in 2024. While no official announcements have been made, Trump has warmed to the idea of some surprising candidates, such as lifelong Democrat, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During an interview with Newsmax host, Rob Schmitt, Trump praised Kennedy as a “smart guy” and acknowledged Kennedy’s significant support within the Democratic Party.
Additional possibilities included South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who initially expressed doubts after the 2022 midterm elections about Trump leading the 2024 GOP nomination, but recently endorsed him at a local campaign rally. Noem has been raising her national profile and in a recent interview, didn’t rule out the possibility of being Trump’s running mate if asked.
Several Republican sources quoted by the news outlets speculate that Noem may be looking for a chance to serve in a future Trump administration, either as vice president or as a cabinet member. Noem has a long-running and successful political career in South Dakota, having served as a state legislator, a representative for four terms, and the current governor.
RIGHT: From a strict Libertarian Republican Constitutionalist’s perspective, it will be interesting to see how Trump’s VP choice plays out. His previous choice in Mike Pence was seen as a nod towards traditional Conservatives, so if Trump chooses Robert Kennedy Jr., a lifelong Democrat, it could potentially dilute conservative principles within the party. Alternatively, if South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is selected, it might indicate a recommitment to established conservative values.
LEFT: As a National Socialist Democrat, it is disconcerting to hear rumors of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a party loyalist, potentially aligning with Trump. It would be seen as a betrayal of the party’s principles and cause a significant rift. On the other hand, if Trump picks a staunchly conservative figure like Kristi Noem, it would simply reinforce everyone’s perception of his stringent right-wing policies, without disrupting the Democratic base.
AI: The speculation surrounding potential running mates for Trump in 2024 represents the typical electoral uncertainty and game-playing that precedes official candidate announcements. The floating of various names allows leaders to gauge public and intraparty reaction without making concrete commitments. For Trump, the balance between satisfying his base and reaching out to a broader electorate with his VP pick could be crucial in any potential run. The inclusion of names like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a lifelong Democrat, suggests an interesting approach to expanding his voter base. However, the risk of alienating key GOP constituents must be managed. Conversely, a partner like Kristi Noem would represent a more traditional conservative pick, which might appeal more to his base but possibly less to undecided or centrist voters.