Weekly Blog

Trump's VP Shortlist

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down for Each

According to breaking reports, former President Donald Trump has narrowed his search for a vice presidential candidate and sent vetting paperwork to a list of  SEVEN top contenders. Trump’s shortlist includes prominent figures from the Republican party, a former cabinet member, and a low-key state governor.

 Trump is expected to make a final decision closer to the Republican National Convention in July. Here are the contenders with PROs and CONs, and my "Max Murray rating" of each:  thumbs up or thumbs down.

Doug Burgum

PRO: Doug Burgum is a successful businessman and the current governor of North Dakota. He has a strong background in technology and innovation, having founded Great Plains Software, which Microsoft later acquired. He has focused on economic development, infrastructure improvements, and education reform as governor.

CON: Burgum lacks the national political experience and name recognition needed for a vice presidential candidate. His relatively low profile is a disadvantage in a national campaign.

MAX: Thumbs Down 👎

Marco Rubio

PRO: Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator from Florida and a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He has a law degree from the University of Miami and has been involved in politics since his early 20s. Rubio is known for his conservative views on economic and social issues and has been a vocal critic of the Obama administration's foreign policy.

CON: Rubio has faced criticism for his perceived lack of consistency and strong political stances. Some believe he has been inconsistent in his positions, particularly on immigration issues, which could be a liability in a general election.

MAX: Thumbs down 👎

J.D. Vance

PRO: J.D. Vance is a venture capitalist and author of the bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy." He holds a law degree from Yale University and has worked as a principal at Mithril Capital Management. Vance's book, which chronicles his upbringing in a troubled family in rural Ohio, has been praised for its insights into the struggles of working-class Americans.

CON: Vance has been criticized for his controversial views on certain social issues, which may alienate moderate voters. His lack of political experience and outspoken nature are liabilities in a national campaign.

MAX: Thumbs down 👎

Tim Scott

PRO: Tim Scott is a South Carolina senator and the first African American elected to the House and Senate. He holds a degree in political science from Charleston Southern University and has worked in the insurance industry. Scott has strongly advocated tax reform, school choice, and criminal justice reform.

CON: Scott has been criticized for his staunch conservative voting record, particularly on healthcare and taxes, which could be unpopular with more moderate voters. Some also question his ability to appeal to a broad range of voters due to his more conservative positions.

Max: Thumbs Up 👍

Byron Donalds

PRO: Byron Donalds is a Florida U.S. Representative and a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. He holds a degree in finance from Florida State University and has worked in the financial services industry. Donalds is known for his conservative views on economic and social issues and has been a vocal supporter of President Trump.

CON: Donalds has faced criticism for his lack of experience at the national level and his relatively short tenure in Congress. His conservative voting record and outspoken nature could also be seen as potential liabilities in a general election.

Max: Two Thumbs up (My Choice) 👍👍

Elise Stefanik

PRO: Elise Stefanik is a U.S. Representative from New York and the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She holds a degree in government from Harvard University and has worked in the Bush White House and the Romney presidential campaign. Stefanik is known for her moderate views on social issues and her focus on economic development and job creation.

CON: Stefanik has been criticized for her shift from a moderate Republican to a staunch Trump supporter, which could alienate more moderate voters. Some also question her ability to appeal to a broad range of voters due to her more conservative positions.

MAX: Thumbs down 👎

Ben Carson

PRO: Ben Carson is a retired neurosurgeon and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Trump. He holds a medical degree from the University of Michigan and has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in pediatric neurosurgery. Carson is known for his conservative views on social and economic issues and emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance.

CON: While respected for his medical career, Carson has faced criticism for his lack of political experience and controversial views on certain social issues. His low-key demeanor and lack of political experience are liabilities in a national campaign.

Max: Thumbs up (Trump’s probable choice) 👍

END