The Apprentice: Will Trump Choose Rubio, Vance, or Burgum for Vice President?

For months, the media-industrial complex has been generating a lot of speculation about the veepstakes, with much of it coming from the candidates themselves.

These stories would suddenly emerge: Tom Cotton, a formidable candidate; Ben Carson, a strong contender; Byron Donalds, a promising choice; Glenn Youngkin, a viable option. Despite their qualifications, people you knew were not seriously considered as Donald Trump's running mate.

The former president observed the TV interviews of the contenders, similar to "The Apprentice" process.

The report from Axios that Nikki Haley was being considered for VP was later refuted by Trump, who stated that she was not being considered. This was not surprising given the tension between them and her lack of an endorsement.

The uncertainty in most of the stories was due to Trump's indecisiveness. Although he has now declared his decision, he has not yet informed the fortunate candidate. It's worth noting that Trump has a history of changing his mind at the last minute, which is something he is well-known for.

With the vetting process ongoing and several news outlets stating that it is down to a lucky three, I am more inclined to believe those reports.

Those three are Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance and Doug Burgum.

The decision of whom to choose often depends on whom Trump is most comfortable with. In 2016, it was Mike Pence, who was Trump's loyalist until January 6th.

Rubio, the only well-known politician, could be a popular choice for the first Hispanic vice president, even though the Hispanic community is not a homogeneous group and Cuban-Americans would be the most enthusiastic. I don't think the Constitution's prohibition against two candidates from the same state is a significant obstacle, as Rubio can easily relocate to another state.

I have interviewed Rubio multiple times, but what stands out to me is his ability to connect with people during town halls in 2016. He is a skilled speaker and has demonstrated his expertise in foreign policy. Additionally, he has put aside their past disagreements with Trump and has reconciled with him.

From the outset, Rubio would be vying for the presidency in 2028, regardless of whether he was overt or subtle in his intentions.

Rubio has opted not to campaign for the job, unlike some other aspirants who attended Trump's Manhattan trial. This has led some to speculate that Trump is unsure about Rubio's desire for the job, but I believe it's simply a matter of different campaigning styles.

J.D. Vance, a senator for less than two years, is not widely recognized and gained public attention through his best-selling book "Hillbilly Elegy," which received both praise and criticism for its portrayal of the kind of White voters who supported Trump. Despite facing challenges in his childhood, including his grandmother's reliance on Meals on Wheels for food, Vance has achieved success.

In 2016, Vance opposed the ex-president and was a staunch "Never Trump" supporter, calling him an "idiot" and "reprehensible." However, when he ran for office himself, he dropped this stance.

Vance, backed by Donald Trump Jr. and possessing the sharpest intellect of the group, has a pro-MAGA voting record, but his view of the revolution differs from Trump's. In an interview two years ago, Vance stated that Trump should fire every mid-level bureaucrat and civil servant in the administrative state and replace them with his own people, which would violate civil service rules.

Vance revealed to Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist who knew him prior to his authorship, that the anti-Trump conservatives despised the former president because he posed a threat to their profitable way of life in the country.

The Washington Post reported that the Ohio senator stated, "To be well-liked by the establishment, you must refrain from expressing anything interesting."

The problem is that Vance will say many intriguing things, which will attract the attention of the boss.

Burgum, the governor of North Dakota for eight years, has been a focus of Trump's attention despite their political differences.

He is a tech tycoon who sold his company to Microsoft for a billion dollars two decades ago, is charming in a subdued manner, and has the dignified appearance of a vice president, which Trump appreciates.

Burgum, whom I interviewed recently, played down his prospects and stated that he has a number of private-sector concepts he'd like to explore instead of accepting a Cabinet position. He handled issue questions with ease, often providing a sharp one-liner.

After attending the Alvin Bragg case and reading the media coverage, he said to me, "I believe they were in a different trial than I was at. Americans have already acquitted Donald Trump."

My colleague noted that he is still new to the national game and appears to be a real person due to his rough edges.

The soft-spoken man can also deliver a powerful blow. According to Burgum, "Joe Biden is effectively ruling as a dictator by circumventing Congress on immigration, border protection, student loan forgiveness, and even defying the Supreme Court." This argument has gained traction since it was first made.

By not aiming to run for president in four years, drawing little attention from the president, and having a greater chance than previously thought, Burgum creates the fewest problems for Trump.

Trump may choose someone other than the three listed candidates, and it is possible that he could change his mind at the last minute. We would not be able to verify his decision since we have no way of confirming it.

The announcement of a running mate at a convention is no longer popular, as seen with Dan Quayle, who faced intense media scrutiny and ethical questions when chosen by George H.W. Bush, causing significant disruptions to the event.

Sarah Palin, the Alaska governor and hockey mom, was a smash hit at the convention when John McCain picked her. However, she was later viewed as inexperienced and unprepared under questioning by Katie Couric and others.

I believe Trump will reveal his pick prior to the Milwaukee convention, allowing the narrative to unfold before the focus shifts to the nominee.

But again, with Donald Trump, anything is possible.