How Biden's woes could influence Trump's long-awaited VP pick
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Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photos: Drew Angerer, Steven Ferdman, Bill Pugliano, and Justin Sullivan/Getty Images and Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Donald Trump's decision on a running mate could be affected by the fallout from President Biden's dismal performance in their debate, senior GOP sources tell Axios.
Why it matters: Some Democrats' calls for Biden to be replaced as the party's nominee left Trump feeling particularly bullish last week about his chances of winning in November, a senior GOP source familiar with Trump's thinking told Axios — and that might be good news for Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
- The GOP sources believe Biden's woes could leave Trump feeling free to pick a conservative firebrand such as Vance over lower-key top contenders such as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum or Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
Trump's pick remains anyone's guess, and he's not saying — yet. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity late Tuesday that he'd announce his nominee for vice president "probably before the [GOP] convention," which begins Monday in Milwaukee.
- An announcement is coming soon: Events in Milwaukee will include his VP pick.
Between the lines: The sources noted that Trump has shifted gears several times while picking a running mate. They say he's likely feeling more leeway to select someone he likes personally rather than whoever he thinks could be the most politically beneficial.
- Vance is closest to Trump's ideological match.
- He's been one of Trump's top Senate allies, lauded as an articulate voice for populist conservatives. Vance also is friends with Donald Trump Jr.
Driving the news: Rubio is the only VP contender currently slated to join Trump at his rally this evening at his Doral golf club in Miami.
- Rubio will have a speaking role, a person familiar with his plans told Axios.
Rubio hasn't been as overt in auditioning for the VP spot as the other top contenders. But he's quietly been aligning his positions with Trump's MAGA platform.
- Colleagues in Congress saw his vote against additional funding for Ukraine in April as the clearest sign that he's interested in the VP slot.
- Rubio also has emphasized the need to invest in and maintain U.S. industrial superiority to counter China's economic rise.
Trump likes Burgum's measured demeanor and his experience as governor, as well as his success as a tech entrepreneur, Axios has reported.
The intrigue: Before the Biden-Trump debate on June 27, Vance, Burgum, Rubio, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson attended a fundraiser at the home of former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.).
- The VP contenders were then bused to CNN's studio in Atlanta, where they watched the debate from a volleyball court before heading into the spin room.
- Each surrogate was accompanied by a Trump campaign liaison and staffer.
