Butler, PA – In a spectacle reminiscent of his reality TV days, former President Donald Trump likened his vice presidential selection process to “a sophisticated version of ‘The Apprentice,'” heightening suspense ahead of his pre-convention rally here on Saturday. As Trump prepares to announce his running mate just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the air in Pennsylvania is thick with anticipation.
The rally, set in the heart of Butler Farm Show grounds near Pittsburgh, is the final curtain before the GOP convention kicks off. Trump, ever the showman, has spent weeks building up the excitement, suggesting he might reveal his vice-presidential choice live on stage, a move that could electrify the convention and media alike.
“This is like a highly sophisticated version of ‘The Apprentice,'” Trump said during a radio interview on Friday, evoking the reality show that catapulted him to household name status. “I’d love to do it during the convention…or just slightly before the convention, like Monday,” he added, fanning the flames of speculation.
Throughout the week, Trump has skillfully kept the media guessing. At a rally at his Doral golf club in Florida, he hinted at the possibility of selecting Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his running mate, who was present in the audience. His campaign has been equally cryptic, sending fundraising emails with tantalizing subject lines like, “Will I announce my VP pick in 60 mins?”
The Butler rally, located in a critical battleground state, has sparked a flurry of speculation about potential contenders. Ohio Senator JD Vance, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Rubio are all in the mix, though none are expected to attend Saturday’s event, according to sources close to the campaign. This strategic absence only adds to the drama, as Trump’s supporters eagerly await his decision.
Historically, most major party nominees have unveiled their running mates before their respective conventions. However, Trump has expressed a nostalgic desire for a grand unveiling at the convention itself, recalling the days of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, who made their announcements at the party gatherings in 1980 and 1988, respectively.
“It’s challenging to wait until the last possible moment, but it makes it easier to break the news ahead of time,” Trump admitted. Yet, he reminisces about the “old days” and the media frenzy a live announcement would generate.
Logistical challenges accompany such a late reveal. The chosen vice-presidential candidate must deliver a pivotal speech at the convention on Wednesday night and prepare for a whirlwind of rallies, events, and debate preparations. Despite this, some of Trump’s allies are urging him to hold out until the convention, suggesting a reality-TV-style event.
Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal suggested on social media, “RNC should make the first night of the convention an ‘Apprentice’ show. VP live. Trump could fire each contender not chosen one at a time.”
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has already made rule changes to facilitate a last-minute announcement, expected to be adopted on Monday. Trump has also floated the idea of delaying the reveal until later in the week, potentially Tuesday or Wednesday.
Over the past few months, Trump has meticulously assessed his top contenders, observing their performances on television, at fundraisers, and during rallies. Notably, several, including Burgum and Vance, stood by him during his criminal hush money trial in New York. Trump’s decision-making process has been influenced by various factors, including the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party.
With President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign facing a crisis after a poor debate performance, Trump has found little incentive to announce his pick early. A premature reveal would likely divert attention from Biden’s struggles, which have fueled calls for him to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.
Trump acknowledged the potential impact of Biden’s situation on his own decision-making. “We wanted to see what they’re doing, to be honest. Because, you know, it might make a difference,” he said in a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
As the rally approaches, Trump remains coy about his final choice. “I have some really, really good candidates,” he said. “I may be leaning one way, but that can change sometimes — you see something you like or don’t like, and you lean a little differently.”
Each contender comes with their own strengths and weaknesses. When quizzed about JD Vance’s beard, Trump laughed off the concern, likening Vance to “a young Abraham Lincoln.” On Rubio’s “Florida problem” — the potential need for a move — Trump acknowledged the complications but didn’t rule him out.
As Trump takes the stage in Butler, the nation waits with bated breath. Will he continue the suspense until Milwaukee, or will the Pennsylvania rally mark the dramatic reveal of his running mate? One thing is certain: in true Trump fashion, the announcement will be anything but ordinary.
