Donald Trump has not yet chosen a running mate for his potential third presidential campaign, but it is clear that he is seeking a candidate who will not commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election if they do not go in his favor. Trump himself has stated that he will only accept the results if everything is honest, implying that any outcome that does not result in his victory would be considered fraudulent. This stance aligns with his previous refusal to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election and has led potential running mates, like Senator Tim Scott and Gov. Doug Burgum, to avoid explicitly stating whether they would accept the election results.
Scott and Burgum’s reluctance to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election showcases the power that Trump still holds over the Republican Party. By requiring this specific ideological loyalty from potential vice-presidential candidates, Trump is breaking with the traditional norms of American politics. The vice presidency itself was originally an afterthought in the Constitution, with limited enumerated responsibilities, but has gained importance over time in determining electoral outcomes and balancing presidential tickets.
Historically, vice-presidential nominations have been used by parties and presidential nominees to balance the ticket in terms of geography, ideology, or experience. For example, Abraham Lincoln was paired with a Radical Republican from Maine, while John F. Kennedy chose Lyndon B. Johnson to add experience and contrast. Trump initially followed this logic by choosing Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana to appeal to conservative ideologues and evangelicals. However, for his potential third campaign, he is likely to prioritize loyalty over ideological balance by choosing a candidate who is committed to his absolute right to power, regardless of the consent of the governed.
Despite the limited role of the vice presidency in governing the nation, the selection of a vice-presidential candidate can have significant electoral consequences. Trump’s choice of running mate will likely signal his commitment to maintaining power at all costs, regardless of democratic norms. One potential contender for vice president is Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, who, like other candidates, will be expected to prioritize loyalty to Trump over other considerations. In this way, Trump is disrupting traditional norms of vice-presidential selection and emphasizing the importance of unwavering support for his leadership.
