'The bar is pretty low': Trump divides Internet as he prioritizes debate skills in VP running mate selection to challenge Kamala Harris

Donald Trump is prioritizing finding strong performers for both the presidential and vice presidential debates, set to begin early this year
PUBLISHED JUN 17, 2024
Donald Trump (right) is prioritizing the selection of a running mate who can effectively challenge Kamala Harris in debates (Getty Images)
Donald Trump (right) is prioritizing the selection of a running mate who can effectively challenge Kamala Harris in debates (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump seems to be placing a high priority on debating skills when considering potential candidates for this election cycle's vice president, stated the Daily Mail

Notably, Senators Tim Scott and Marco Rubio, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik are just a few of the many, formidable candidates vying for Trump's bottom spot on the ticket.

However, the New York Times profiled Ohio's freshman senator, JD Vance, in a lengthy piece that was published last week. Vance is a talented writer, a cultural conservative, and a former Trump opponent who is now a MAGA champion.

Trump prioritizes picking running mate to take on Kamala Harris in debate

According to The New York Times, Trump is prioritizing finding strong performers for both the presidential and vice presidential debates, set to begin early this year, because these debates hold significant importance for him.

His selection must be able to hold its own against Vice President Kamala Harris, whom the New York Times describes as "a seasoned politician and former prosecutor."

DELAWARE, OH - APRIL 23: J.D. Vance, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, arrives onstage
JD Vance is an appealing option for the former president to select as his running mate to the extent that he is a formidable debater who can easily defeat the incumbent VP (Getty Images)

Senator Vance stands out as an attractive option for the former president's running mate, largely because of his formidable debating skills that could potentially outshine the current Vice President.

His commitment to defending Trump in the media and his ability to maintain objectivity on stage are key factors contributing to his appeal.

Furthermore, despite having criticized Trump before the 2016 election, he underwent a notable change in perspective early in Trump's first term.

Trump endorsed Vance during his initial foray into formal politics, the Ohio Senate campaign in 2022. This endorsement came shortly after a tense debate between the primary contenders, businessman Mike Gibbons and former state treasurer Josh Mandel.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 20, 2024 in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump endorsed Vance in his first formal political contest, the Ohio Senate campaign in 2022 (Photo by Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Vance won over people by remaining composed and projecting maturity, while also addressing and correcting inappropriate actions by his peers..

In endorsing Vance, Trump emphasized Vance's ability to "destroy" his opponents in debate, a quality that the front-runner believes could significantly contribute to a winning campaign.

YOUNGSTOWN, OH - SEPTEMBER 17: Ohio Republican Senate Candidate JD Vance speaks to supporters at a S
JD Vance has an advantage over other contenders who had difficulty in debates during their presidential campaigns (Getty Images)

Even though a lot of Trump's possible vice presidential picks are gifted orators, Vance probably has an advantage over contenders like Tim Scott and Marco Rubio, who both had difficulty in debates during their presidential campaigns.

Ben Carson, a doctor and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is notably seen as a weak debater. Trump might still consider Carson's awkward entrance during a 2016 debate as a disadvantage for him.

Trump's priority in selecting running mate to challenge Kamala Harris sparks online debate

The internet community remained divided with mixed reactions as Donald Trump prioritized selecting a running mate to confront Kamala Harris in debates.

A user wrote on X, "In other words, Trump is scared to debate," while one added, "Oh this is going to be good."



 



 

Some online comments read, "ANYONE could out debate Kamala Harris. I seriously doubt she's influencing the selection process," and "Good grief, that’s an easy task. ANYONE would outshine 'world salad' Kamala!" [sic]

A person also wrote, "Someone who could 'take down' Kamala Harris in a debate? Good Lord! With that criteria, Trump could pick any member of a High School debate team!!" whereas one mentioned, "The bar is pretty low if the goal is to be a better speaker and debater than Kamala."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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