Pence, 57, would have to withdraw from his heated reelection race for governor of IN by Friday at noon if he is to run for vice president.
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With that said, it is unclear if the name of Trump’s soon-to-be-announced running mate will be released (or leaked) before Friday’s event.
Trump said that he plans to announce his choice by Saturday, but aides said news of his selection could emerge earlier. “Details to follow”, Trump tweeted.
Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich are all believed to be in the running to become Trump’s running mate.
Not to be completely outdone, Christie met with Trump’s children on Tuesday and Gingrich is reportedly meeting with them on Wednesday as well.
A source close to the campaign said Trump appeared to be leaning toward Pence but that he could always change his mind. According to multiple sources, Manafort has always been opposed to selecting Newt Gingrich to the ticket (and to a lesser extent Christie), believing that the loquacious former speaker would be undisciplined and hard to manage.
Unlike fellow failed candidates, like Jeb Bush, who continued to oppose eventual nominee Donald Trump after leaving the race, Christie instead quickly endorsed him.
Plus, the Republican Party itself seems to be pushing Trump to pick Pence. Traditionally, the vice presidential choice is used to build enthusiasm among party loyalists.
Trump has said he is looking for someone with expertise in getting legislation through Congress, but also someone who can help get him elected. “I think he has spoken into the frustration and the longings of the American people as no one since the 40th president, and I think you’re going to continue to see him do that”.
He has campaigned with all three in recent days as he girds for perhaps the most consequential decision of his campaign ahead of the November 8 election. His adult children, as well as son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have warmed to Pence, as has campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
One source said Trump wants a “fighter” and Christie – the tough talking former prosecutor and fits the bill.
Further evidence of a potentially conflicted conscience: While he said Tuesday he wanted a running mate “skilled in hand-to-hand combat”, he flipped the script late Wednesday, telling Fox News he actually doesn’t need a vice presidential candidate in the mold of an attack dog. He would also bring Midwestern appeal.
Douglas Young, political science and history professor at the University of North Georgia, said, “This has been the most unusual, even freaky, presidential election of my lifetime”.
“I just have to tell you that whatever decision is arrived at, we’ll consider this to have been a great honor and mostly a tribute to the people of Indiana”, Pence said about his meetings with Trump.
Trump also spoke Wednesday with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a short-list member who was in Washington, D.C., in his role as chair of Trump’s transition effort.
On Wednesday afternoon, Pence said he was “humbled to be a part” of the process.
Less than an hour later, Gingrich appeared on the network and suggested Trumps decision was imminent.
Gingrich is popular among many Trump advisers because of his grasp of policy and his counsel.
Trump arranged a meeting with his family between all of the candidates that are up for consideration.
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“Glad to know there’s a Mike Pence in OH”, the governor told the lemonade seller.
