Donald Trump has yet to choose a running mate for his upcoming attempt to win the White House in 2024. He has made it clear that one litmus test for anyone who hopes to play the part of Mike Pence in a second Trump administration is that they cannot say they will accept the results of the election. Trump himself has stated that he will not commit to honoring the outcome in November, insisting that he will only accept the results if he believes the election was fair. This stance reflects his belief that any outcome that is not a victory for him is fraud, and he has even hinted at the possibility of political violence if he disagrees with the results.
Republican contenders for the vice presidential position, including Senator Tim Scott and Gov. Doug Burgum, have demonstrated their loyalty to Trump’s election denialism by avoiding direct questions about accepting the results of the 2024 election. This loyalty to Trump’s beliefs highlights the hold he has over the Republican Party and the unprecedented ideological commitment he is demanding from potential vice presidential nominees. By requiring this specific commitment, Trump is diverging from traditional political norms and making a break with established practices in choosing vice presidential candidates.
The vice presidency itself was not a significant consideration for the framers of the Constitution, who did not deliberately set out to create the position as part of the governance structure. The responsibilities of the vice president, as outlined in the Constitution, primarily revolve around presiding over the Senate and taking over the presidency in case of the president’s removal or incapacity. The role of the vice presidency has historically fluctuated in terms of influence and importance, but the vice presidential spot on a presidential ticket has always carried significant electoral weight and has been utilized to balance the ticket in various ways.
Traditionally, presidential nominees have chosen their running mates to balance the ticket geographically, ideologically, or in terms of experience. Examples of this include Abraham Lincoln’s pairing with Hannibal Hamlin, John F. Kennedy’s choice of Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan’s selection of George H.W. Bush. Trump initially followed this logic by choosing Mike Pence to appeal to conservative ideologues and evangelicals. However, Trump’s upcoming choice for a running mate is likely to prioritize loyalty to him over any specific set of ideas or party priorities, emphasizing his absolute right to power and potentially requiring the vice president to keep him in office regardless of constitutional norms.
In conclusion, Trump’s demand for loyalty to his election denialism from potential vice presidential nominees marks a departure from established political practices. The vice presidency, while initially an afterthought for the framers of the Constitution, has become crucial in modern politics, especially in terms of balancing a presidential ticket. Trump’s upcoming choice for a running mate is expected to prioritize loyalty to him over traditional considerations, highlighting his grip on the Republican Party and his willingness to break from political traditions to maintain power.
