Following a close call with an attempted assassination at a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump enters the Republican National Convention without having announced his vice presidential pick. The incident has underscored the gravity of the decision, with Trump emphasizing the importance of selecting someone qualified to step into the role of commander in chief if needed.
Trump had previously stated that the vice president position is crucial, especially in the event of a crisis. The shooting has added urgency to the decision-making process, with Trump meeting with potential candidates such as Ohio Sen. JD Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
Before the shooting, Trump had teased a dramatic reveal of his pick at the convention, likening it to a sophisticated version of his former show 'The Apprentice.' While he could announce his choice on Monday, he has also considered delaying the announcement until later in the week.
Despite the shooting, Trump and convention organizers have affirmed that the RNC's schedule will proceed as planned. Trump emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, stating that evil should not prevail.
Historically, waiting until the convention to announce a running mate is not unprecedented. Past examples include Ronald Reagan's last-minute decision to select George H.W. Bush in 1980 and George H.W. Bush's surprise choice of Dan Quayle in 1988.
In recent years, candidates have typically chosen their running mates shortly before their party's convention. John McCain selected Sarah Palin in 2008, Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris in 2020, and Trump picked Mike Pence in 2016.
The decision on Trump's vice presidential pick carries significant weight, given the recent assassination attempt and the critical role the vice president plays in the U.S. government.
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