Former President Donald Trump is in the process of selecting his potential running mate for the upcoming election, with a senior official from his previous administration shedding light on the decision-making process. According to former national security adviser John Bolton, Trump may only ask two crucial questions of each candidate before making his final choice.
Bolton highlighted the significance of the questions that Trump deems most important. The first question revolves around the belief in the legitimacy of the 2020 election, specifically whether the candidate thinks it was stolen. The second question pertains to hypothetical scenarios, questioning whether the candidate would comply with directives similar to those given to Mike Pence on January 6.
Reports suggest that three individuals are still being considered for the Republican VP spot: Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. While Vance and Burgum are seen as front-runners, Rubio is considered a long shot for the position.
Bolton emphasized the necessity of absolute personal loyalty to Trump as a top priority for the potential running mate. He referenced the events of January 6, where Vice President Mike Pence stood up to Trump amidst the Capitol riots, showcasing integrity and courage.
Regarding the current VP hopefuls, Bolton expressed uncertainty about their ability to demonstrate similar integrity in challenging situations. Trump is expected to reveal his choice for running mate at the upcoming Republican National Convention, hinting that he already has a candidate in mind.
Bolton cautioned against making the announcement during the convention, suggesting that it would be more strategic to wait until after the Democrats have addressed concerns about Joe Biden's competence and leadership capabilities.
While speculation points towards Vance or Burgum as likely choices, Bolton reminded that decisions with Trump are never final until officially confirmed, leaving room for unexpected developments.