In the lead-up to the Republican National Convention, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has suggested a surprising candidate for former President Trump's vice-presidential pick: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).
This recommendation deviates from the speculated frontrunners, GOP Sens. J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Marco Rubio (Fla.), and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R). Trump has also recently mentioned Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) as a potential candidate.
According to The Hill, McCarthy's endorsement of Youngkin came during a panel interview on "Real Time with Bill Maher." McCarthy stated, Rubio would be excellent. Tim Scott would be excellent. If you really want to play the game, I want to win the election, pick Youngkin in Virginia. Put Youngkin in play and the race is over. The former Speaker's comments suggest a strategic move to secure a Republican victory in the upcoming election.
Maher questioned McCarthy's rationale, asking how Youngkin's selection over the other potential candidates could enhance Trump's chances against President Biden. McCarthy responded by highlighting the electoral significance of Virginia, a state that has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 2004. He argued that Youngkin's popularity in Virginia could help the GOP carry the state and its 13 electoral votes.
McCarthy, who resigned from the House earlier this year after a historic vote ousted him from the leadership role, also pointed out that Youngkin recently attended Trumps rally in Virginia, their first public appearance together. This public endorsement by Trump could further bolster Youngkin's appeal as a vice-presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr., the former Presidents son, is advocating for Vance, while other party members are supporting Rubio or Burgum. Trump himself has remained elusive about his final choice, stating in a recent radio interview, I have some really, really good candidates. And you know, I may be leaning one way and that changes sometimes. You know, all of a sudden you see something that you like or you dont like and you lean a little bit differently.
McCarthy humorously likened the selection process to "The Apprentice," echoing Trump's own words. However, he added, hes going to make you guess who it is.
Youngkin, who received Trump's endorsement, won his gubernatorial election in 2021, flipping the seat after Democrats had held the governors mansion for eight years. This victory could be seen as a testament to Youngkin's ability to rally conservative voters, a quality that could prove invaluable in the upcoming presidential election. As the Republican National Convention approaches, the anticipation surrounding Trump's vice-presidential pick continues to build, with Youngkin now a potential contender.
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