In a peculiar political scenario, there are no declared candidates, no set election date, and just one person casting a vote.
The intrigue centers around an unofficial campaign aimed at swaying former President Donald Trump as he contemplates his choice for a vice-presidential running mate.
Some advisors argue for candidates who could help Trump appeal to key voter demographics, while others emphasize the importance of strong communication skills or selecting someone who wouldn’t overshadow him.
Key figures in Trump’s circle, including his former pollster Kellyanne Conway and his son Don Jr., are subtly nudging the Republican frontrunner to steer his decision.
Although around eight candidates are in consideration, insiders report that the decision will likely come down to three main contenders—unless Trump opts for a surprising twist.
Here’s a look at who is backing each potential choice:
J.D. Vance – Don. Jr and Charlie Kirk
J.D. Vance, the U.S. senator from Ohio, has picked up steam in the running mate race
Charlie Kirk (left), founder of grassroots movement Turning Point USA, and Donald Trump Jr. have both come out for the Ohio senator
Trump’s eldest son campaigned for Vance when he was running for his Ohio Senate seat in 2022 and the two have become close since. They ‘shoot the s***’ regularly, as Vance put it during a recent appearance on Don Jr.’s podcast.
‘I’ve advocated for you for all the reasons you’re talking about,’ Trump Jr. said.
‘I really want to see, like, the JD Vance-Kamala Harris vice presidential debate.’
Vance also has Charlie Kirk, founder of the influential grassroots movement Turning Point USA in his camp.
‘I’m very biased. He’s a friend of mine,’ Kirk told DailyMail.com before Vance topped a straw poll of attendees to Turning Point Action’s People’s Convention in Detroit.
‘But he brings so much to the table.’
His blue-collar appeal in Ohio would convert easily to a winning formula in rust belt battleground states such as Pennsylvania, he said, where the presidential election could be won or lost. And at just 39 years of age, he represents a generational shift, said Kirk.
Doug Burgum – Steve Bannon and Rupert Murdoch
Gov. Doug Burgum has developed a close relationship with Donald Trump in recent months
Burgum has media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former White House strategist Steve Bannon talking him up as a candidate
Insiders say former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has been talking up the North Dakota governor behind the scenes (despite also recently pushing Vance).
While other candidates could try to steal the limelight and the affections of the MAGA base from Trump, Burgum is the vice president most likely to remain quietly loyal in the background, runs the thinking.
Burgum has also benefited from positive coverage in Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
Last week his New York Post endorsed Burgum as the best pick from the three most likely candidates (although it also praised Rubio.)
‘To us, North Dakota’s Burgum stands out,’ its editorial board said.
‘He’s sharp as a tack, a real doer when it comes to business deals (reinforcing Trump’s brand) and knows his way around the tech world.’
Marco Rubio – Sean Hannity and Kellyanne Conway
Sen. Marco Rubio clashed badly with Trump in 2016 when they were rivals for the Republican nomination. But he has emerged in recent week as a possible veep selection
Sean Hannity and Kellyanne Conway are in Rubio’s camp
The Florida senator would have to change residency to a different state to Trump in order to run on the same ticket, but his supporters say he could be the key to unlocking the Hispanic vote for Trump.
Insiders say that of all the demographic groups, Hispanic voters are the one that Trump keeps coming back to in discussions.
Rubio can count on the influential support of Conway, who is credited with doing more than anyone else to catapult Mike Pence into the role in 2016.
Although she has not gone public with her support, she has not exactly hidden it either.
In a New York Times op-ed, she listed a range of candidates who could help Trump govern, who could help neutralize the Democratic position on abortion, or who could bring in a key demographic group. Rubio was the only name on each of the three lists.
Similarly discreet is Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, another influential figure with Trump who has a hotline to the former president.
