A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

4 May 2016

Could Trump run without a vice presidential nominee?

The Republican Party will nominate Donald Trump, the billionaire reality show buffoon with the pimped-out Boeing 757 (gold plated seat belt buckles), and no governing experience, for President of the United States. Last night, after getting whupped by Trump in Indiana, Sen. Ted Cruz suspended his campaign. This morning, reports Politico, Gov. John Kasich, is throwing in the towel.

The last time the Republicans nominated a businessman with little political experience was in 1940, when they nominated Wendell Wilke (acceptance speech), who lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt. But Trump is no Wilke.

Now the question turns to the vice presidency. Whom will the Republicans nominate? Not all will want to be associated with Trump, but some, ambitious and taking notice that if Trump wins he will be 70 when inaugurated, will say yes. Here are a few:

  • Jan Brewer, former governor of Arizona.
  • Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey.
  • Gov. Paul LePage of Maine (he'd make Trump look like a diplomat).
  • Gov. Rick Scott of Florida.
  • Gov. Sam Browback of Kansas.
  • Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin.
  • Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan.
  • Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska.

Or, he could run without a vice presidential nominee. That’s never been done before, but I don’t think the constitution forbids it. Once president, he could appoint a vice president, who would be subject to congressional approval as per Amendment XXV.