In a surprising turn of events, North Dakota governor Kristi Noem saw her chances of becoming Donald Trump’s running mate decrease after a section of her forthcoming memoir revealed her decision to euthanize a 14-month-old dog named Cricket. Noem’s story was met with backlash, and it appears that she may have miscalculated the response from her fellow Republicans and Trump himself. Despite this setback, there are still several potential candidates on Trump’s VP shortlist, including J.D. Vance, who has repaired his relationship with Trump after previously criticizing him.
Another potential candidate for Trump’s VP is Florida senator Marco Rubio, although logistical concerns may prevent this due to the 12th Amendment’s restrictions on candidates from the same state. South Carolina senator Tim Scott, who made history as the first Black Republican VP candidate, could potentially appeal to Black voters disillusioned with President Joe Biden. Additionally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has expressed interest in joining Trump’s administration, although her recent conflicts with Trump could impact her chances.
Kari Lake, an election-denying conspiracy theorist running for Senate in Arizona, has reportedly been trying to win over Trump’s favor by flattering him at his Mar-a-Lago club. Rep. Elise Stefanik is another potential VP candidate who has been a staunch supporter of Trump, despite controversy surrounding her stance on Jan. 6 rioters. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is also being considered due to his positive relationship with Trump during the primary campaign.
Although Sen. Mitt Romney is not on Trump’s VP list due to their contentious relationship, his past dog story highlights the significance of how candidates treat animals in politics. Romney faced criticism for putting his Irish setter in a crate on the roof of his car during a 1983 road trip, which became a notable issue during his presidential campaign in 2012. Romney emphasized that his treatment of his dog was different from Noem’s decision to euthanize her dog, underscoring the importance of how candidates’ actions can influence voter perceptions.
