Trump Auditioning Vice Presidential Shortlist To Donors At High-Profile Retreat

Before 45th President Donald Trump takes the stage at the Republican National Convention in mid-July in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he has a crucial decision to make that could determine the election and the future of the GOP: Who will serve as his running mate? 

A recent report from Bloomberg sheds some light on that question, with top candidates for the role being auditioned before wealthy donors at high-end fundraisers in Palm Beach, Florida. According to sources close to Team Trump, the campaign has narrowed down the top contenders to Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).

The four leading contenders for Trump's 2024 campaign, who could play a significant role as he navigates a Manhattan courtroom, bring a wealth of experience to the table. All four have a strong track record in statewide or national campaigns, with three even having run for president. Among them, J.D. Vance stands out as the most aligned with Trump's America First movement, a crucial consideration given Trump's ability to only serve one term.

This weekend, the four frontrunners will have a chance to win over support at a three-day donor retreat at the prestigious Four Seasons in Palm Beach. However, they won't be the only ones vying for attention. Other potential running mates, including Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), will also be in attendance, making for a competitive environment.

While donors will have the opportunity to vet the various candidates, the grassroots have expressed their support for some of those currently being considered. A CPAC straw poll taken earlier this year revealed that 15 percent of CPAC attendees wanted Vivek Ramaswamy (R-OH), another 15 percent wanted Noem (R-SD), nine percent wanted Tulsi Gabbard (I-HI), eight percent wanted Rep. Stefanik, eight percent wanted Scott, seven percent wanted Donalds, six percent wanted Kari Lake (R-AZ), and Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR), and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson all got five percent.

Trump has played close to his chest on who he is considering to be his number two in the White House if he's reelected for another four years. According to Bloomberg, Trump told a Michigan television station on Wednesday that he had yet to focus on who to pick. "We'll be making that decision, I think, closer to Wisconsin time," Trump said. "It's very early right now."

While Trump hasn't begun the formal process of meeting with the contenders in one-on-one meetings, he is expected to make the announcement of his choice by July. As Trump continues to be forced to remain in court over the next few months, Trump's running mate will have to make an energetic argument as to why the American people should reelect him for another term. 

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