An ex-adviser to former President Bill Clinton predicts former President Donald Trump will remove Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential pick.
Rumors are swirling that Trump regrets choosing Vance. This comes after President Joe Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.
Despite Trump’s public praise of Vance, calling him “fantastic” and “well received,” concerns linger. Some Republicans worry the Ohio senator could be a liability in November.
Paul Begala, Clinton’s former adviser, suggested on CNN that Trump might replace Vance with Nikki Haley. He noted that Haley is “campaigning” for the VP slot.
Begala pointed out that Democrats have set a precedent by changing their ticket. “There’s a nonzero chance the Republicans take their vice presidential candidate off the ticket,” he said. “He’s been a dud.”
“He’s not good on the stump,” Begala continued. “Trump is charismatic, but JD is dull. Haley, on the other hand, is actively seeking the position.”
Begala speculated how different the race would be if Trump had chosen Haley. He believes she could bridge the gap to swing voters both parties want.
“Trump isn’t known for long-term relationships,” Begala added. “He’s not going to stick with JD.”
In response, Trump/Vance campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed Begala’s prediction. He remarked, “There’s a reason Paul Beluga [sic] no longer gets paid for his political advice.”
Haley may appeal more to undecided voters than Vance. However, her history as Trump’s primary challenger makes this switch unlikely.
Haley endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention but warned earlier that his nomination could lead to a Democratic win. Trump said in May that Haley wasn’t considered for VP.
Trump chose Vance as his running mate soon after surviving an assassination attempt. This decision has raised concerns about the ticket’s appeal to women after Biden dropped out.
Vance has faced backlash for supporting a national abortion ban. Both he and Trump, known for appointing justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, are softening their abortion stance.
The senator also criticized “childless cat ladies” running the country, a comment condemned across the political spectrum.