The first U.S. Presidential debate has nearly arrived, with Joe Biden and Donald Trump set to square off for the first time in the lead up to the 2024 election, where Trump is expected to announce his pick for Vice President.
Trump is the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party. He is yet to choose his running mate, who will become his Vice President if he wins the election.
So, who is in the mix?
JD Vance
Who is he? Ohio Senator since 2022 and author of ‘Hillbilly Elegy’, a memoir reflecting on his middle-class upbringing and family struggles.
Relationship with Trump? A staunch Trump supporter, he’s long been touted as a future running mate for the ex-President.
Chances? Final shortlist and possibly top three.
Doug Burgum
Who is he? North Dakota Governor who sold his software company to Microsoft for more than $US1.1 billion ($AU1.6b) in 2001.
Relationship with Trump? Wealthy candidate who’s appearing at many Trump campaign rallies, considered the best choice for fundraising.
Chances? Soared from a relatively unknown figure to a top contender. We could become more familiar with him in record time.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Who is he? Biotech billionaire who threw his hat into the ring for the Republican presidential primary race. He became known for his rapid-fire, conspiracy theory-filled rants about the political establishment.
Relationship with Trump? He technically ran against Trump in the primaries, but is an avowed supporter.
Chances? Once a strong contender, U.S. media has reported Trump ruled out Ramaswamy as a running
mate. That could be a red herring, though!
Tim Scott
Who is he? South Carolina Senator since 2013, the 58-year-old has become one of the most prominent Black Republican politicians.
Relationship with Trump? Briefly ran in the presidential contest against Trump, quickly withdrew and endorsed Trump.
Chances? Solid, but not strong.
Kristi Noem
Who is she? Kristi Noem is South Dakota’s Governor, and a self-described “rancher, farmer, small business owner”.
Relationship with Trump? Fierce supporter of Trump, but offered some rare advice, saying he shouldn’t “get personal” with Joe Biden in the debate.
Chances? Noem was a strong contender. However, her fortunes tanked in May when she published a
memoir where she describes killing her dog and a goat.
Marco Rubio
Who is he? A Spanish-speaking Florida Senator since 2010, who’s spent much more time in Congress than most of his challengers.
Relationship with Trump? Rubio taunted Trump in 2016, saying he didn’t want to run as his Vice President during that election. However, both men have grown closer over the years.
Chances? Possible.
Nikki Haley
Who is she? Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Relationship with Trump? Haley was the last serious candidate standing against Trump in the Republican primary race. She has openly disagreed with him on multiple decisions and issues. Recently, she’s made
more favourable comments about Trump.
Chances? She’s an outside chance, but unlikely.
Tom Cotton
Who is he? Senator from Arkansas, a safe Republican state, and a military veteran known for his anti-abortion views and hawkish foreign policy positions on China. Once called slavery a “necessary evil” that built America.
Relationship with Trump? He has been on the former president’s radar before and he’s emerged as a late contender for Vice President.
Chances? U.S. media reports he’s been approached by the Trump campaign.
