FLBear5630 said:
whiterock said:
Guy Noir said:
The_barBEARian said:
I'm a MAGA guy through and through, but I think speak for most when I say we all still like Ron. No bridges were burned.
His political star has been ascending for years now and he had to capitalize by running for President or risk fading into obscurity. He ran a fairly clean campaign and got out at the right time. He is still in a good place for 2028 unless Tucker decides to run.
Trumps VP would be the one in the drivers seat in 2028. That is, if Trump decides to relinquish office at that time.
I suggest you evaluate candidates with respect to qualifications and platform rather than classifying yourself as MAGA.
I agree with barBEARian re RDS.
You are also correct that a sitting VP is a very strong position from which to seek the nomination. But it does matter who is that VP. If it's Haley (most likely option at this time), then you would have very establishment/moderate VP "in line" to go next. The base, however you describe it - MAGA or traditional conservatives - will not be enthusiastic and will look for options. Enter RDS. That sets the stage for a very conventional establishment vs. base contest in the 2028 primary.
Name VPs that were successful Presidents? Biden and Bush. Every other VP lost and most can't even be remembered. Being Trump's VP did wonders for Pence. Harris is a shoo in, right? RDS and Haley are both better off not tying themselves to Trump.
There have been 49 VPs. 12 of them (nearly a quarter) have become President: Addams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Arthur, Roosevelt, Coolidge, Truman, Nxon, Ford, Bush 41.
Some might point out that several on that list entered office upon death/resignation of the POTUS. I would respond - yes, that is the point! If you want to be POTUS, being VPOTUS is the catbird seat.
And if we add to the list the number of VPs who have received the Presidential nomination of their party, the list gets substantially longer. Sure, not all VPs who've gotten the nomination have gotten elected POTUS. But that's not the point - the nomination is the point. You have to get the nomination to have a chance to become POTUS. And being VPOTUS is the best inside-track you could have to get your party's nomination for POTUS. No other position is better. You have national rather than just statewide or regional connections. You have experience. You have had 4 years to stack the party with people loyal to you. The outgoing President's fundraising list is also YOUR fundraising list.
No one. NOT ONE of Trump's current or former primary opponent will turn down the offer to be VPOTUS nominee. Yeah, they'll posture that they'd never take it (for along list of reasons that benefit them while in campaign mode) but when the offer actually comes, they will take it. So would you. It's a no-lose proposition. If you win the election, you win and get the VP spot. If you lose the election, you've been showcasing yourself and have national name ID, as well as a scapegoat (the top of the ticket) to blame for the failure.
Trump critics always premise their argument with the "Radioactive Trump" fallacy. No one in their right mind would want to be associated with this guy. In fact, a nominee is a nominee, and a nominee always has a smorgasbord of willing partners eager to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency (see above.)
