The Strategist

America's second steersman: Why the US presidential candidates cannot decide on their vice-presidents



07/05/2016 - 17:17



Congresses of the Republican and Democratic parties are at the door, but the main presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, have not yet decided on their candidates for vice-presidency. It is not easy to find reliable partners for the election, especially for Trump, who is considered the most unpredictable politician for many years of US history.



Krassotkin (derivative), Gage Skidmore (Donald Trump), Gage Skidmore (Hillary Clinton)
Krassotkin (derivative), Gage Skidmore (Donald Trump), Gage Skidmore (Hillary Clinton)
Eccentric billionaire Donald Trump proceeded to the selection of candidates for the US vice presidency. According to US media reports, the main candidate of the Republican Party can make say his final word before the party congress in July. A candidate for vice-presidency could also be found during the Congress. Yet, experts point that it’s important for Trump to find the right person in advance, since is a question of political prestige rather than hurry.

As reported by CNN, the list of the best candidates included Bob Corker, US Senator from the state of Tennessee, previously worked with the Democrats. Some Republicans consider this a shortcoming, but some others put it in a good light. According to them, Corker can be an ideal negotiator for the future president.

Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie, almost steadfast in his support for Trump, is another candidate. His name has long called as a possible nominee. Christie is an experienced politician, he has even participated in the current presidential campaign, but fizzled. It is expected that his party experience and contacts can help Trump, this "black sheep" in the Republican camp.

The "Trump's list" also mentions Governor of Florida Rick Scott, Senator of South Dakota John Thune, Governor of Oklahoma Mary Fallin, Governor of Indiana Mike Pence, Junior Senator from Alabama Jeff Sessions, Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire and Scott Brown, former Massachusetts State Senator. However, they have little chances compared to the previous two.

Trump’s team is charged with a difficult task - they have to find a partner for the most unusual presidential candidate in US history.

Trump has no military or political experience - even Ronald Reagan, a former actor, was governor of California before he became US president.

In addition, Trump boasts with a nasty temper. He can be rough and inconsistent. Thanks to this, he may face a problem in organization of the "political marriage", which would worsen the situation even within the Republican Party. According to experts, the latter is already on the verge of collapse.

What is more, 70-year-old Trump, in the event of his election to the post, would be the oldest president ever came into office.

The choice may also be affected by a recent turmoil that led to sudden dismissal of Corey Lewandowski, Head of Trump’s campaign.

He served his boss faithfully, yet still got sacked.

Same problems are chasing Hillary. Unlike Trump, Clinton has already been in power and has great communication among the establishment, yet she still has difficulties.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper is called among the possible candidates. He is known as a supporter of restrictions on the right to bear arms. Clinton has the same attitude. Another one candidate is Julian Castro, member of Obama’s cabinet, the former mayor of San Antonio, Texas. He is considered as a politician who is able to attract Hispanic voters to vote.

Some experts half serious half playful say that Clinton should chose her husband, former President Bill Clinton, as a vice-president, even though the law bans this.

If Clinton decides that she needs to appease disgruntled fans of Democrat Socialist Bernie Sanders, then Elizabeth Warren, a US Senator from Massachusetts, would be a good choice. However, there are arguments against Warren, who has no long-standing and strong relationship with Clinton. Besides, Clinton team believes that Warren, on her current position, already acts as an effective critic of Trump.

There were times when experience in vice-presidency helped climb to the higher post. In 1989, George H. W. Bush, Vice President by Ronald Reagan, became the US President. At the same time, experts say, influence and power of Vice President depend primarily on his personality and charisma.

Vice-President also controls the Congress, and his word is decisive if the votes are suddenly split in half. Thus, he actually plays a dual role. Together with the president, he presents the executive power, but has also certain powers in the legislature as President of the US Senate.

source: voanews.com