OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The veepstakes for President Donald Trump, the presumptive nominee for president for the Republican Party, is getting hotter.
Many names have been mentioned as possible contenders for the spot, usually women, but a new name has emerged as the frontrunner, and it is one of his former opponents for the 2016 Republican nomination.
The contender is Dr. Ben Carson, Trump’s former Director of Housing and Urban Development and a staunch supporter of the former president, The Calvin Coolidge Project reported.
“A source who is familiar with President Trump’s thinking tells me that @RealBenCarson is the leading frontrunner to be his Vice President choice in 2024 at this time,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.
Many people on X responded with approval, with some mentioning the fact that the soft-spoken Dr. Carson is the perfect compliment to the more brash Trump.
Unlike many who served in former President Trump’s administration, Dr. Carson has remained loyal to the former president, which is something that Trump values.
In October, Carson made his support for the former president official by giving him his endorsement.
“Our nation is in desperate need of strong leadership. A President who fights for the American people, our freedoms, our safety, and our future. Donald J. Trump is that leader and I am proud to give him my full endorsement for President of the United States today. Join me in this fight to Make America Great Again!” he said.
But Carson is far from a lock as, in September, the former president hinted at who his choice could be, and it was not the doctor.
Unlike President Joe Biden, the former president will not give a definite answer on picking a female vice president, though he said he likes the idea.
“Mr. President, have you thought about a potential running mate if you were to win the nomination?” NBC “Meet The Press” anchor Kristen Welker said to the former president in an interview on Sunday.
“I like not to think too much about that. You always do a little bit, but I really don’t think it’s time. I want to win. And, you know, it’s very interesting about running mates. When you get down to a vice president, they said, ‘Nobody’s ever made that kind of a difference. It’s still about the person that’s going to be president.’ But it’s an important decision,” he said.
“Are you leaning toward a woman?” the anchor said.
“I like the concept, but we’re going to pick the best person. But I do like the concept, yes,” he said.
“A lot of people noticed when Governor Noem endorsed you, there were Trump/Noem signs. Do you have your eye on her?” the anchor said.
“I do. I think she’s fantastic. She’s been a great governor. She gave me a very full-throated endorsement, a beautiful endorsement, actually. And, you know, it’s been a very good state for me. And certainly, she’d be one of the people I’d consider, or for something else, maybe. But we have a lot of people. We have a lot of great people in the Republican Party,” he said.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) addressed speculation that she might be Trump’s running mate in 2024. Mace is a member of the Republican Party.
Mace was asked by Charlamagne tha God, host of The Daily Show, if she would be interested in being Trump’s running mate during a recent appearance on the show.
“I think it’s intriguing. It’s interesting,” she said. “I haven’t been asked yet, and my focus is now on South Carolina as it always will be, and I understand why people might be talking about it. I do a lot for women’s issues and Republicans lost women last year.”
“But my focus today, as it always will be, I love the Lowcountry, where you and I grew up in, and that’s where my focus is. It’s a conversation we need to have because I want my little girl to know that she can be president one day,” she added.
