Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), according to Ashley Etienne, a former director of vice president Harris’s communications, would pose the most challenge to her former boss during a debate.
According to Coates, former President Trump might select his vice presidential nominee depending on who he believes will fare best in a discussion with Senator Harris.
“I think JD Vance would pose the greatest threat to Kamala Harris,” Etienne said.
“I mean, he’s an incredible debater. I think he has this quality that makes him seem palpable to that 1 to 2 percent that actually might vote or that’s undecided, that will actually pay attention to the debates because most people don’t pay attention to the debates.” she continued.
“I think he’s just got a quality about him where he’s super smart and sharp and quick-witted. I just think they’d like it, I think it’s going to be a challenge to see the two of them face-to-face. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but I think he’s gonna be the greatest threat,” she concluded.
This month, Trump has intensified his pursuit of a vice president and sent screening requests to a few possible contenders. Governor Doug Burgum (R) of North Dakota and Senators Tim Scott (R) of South Carolina, Marco Rubio (R) of Florida, and Vance are on that list.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and Ben Carson—his former secretary of housing and urban development—are all purportedly on Tump’s list.
At 39 years old, Vance was elected to the Senate last year and is among Trump’s prospective vice presidential candidates who are also among the youngest members of the Senate.
Days after a jury in New York found Trump guilty on 34 counts of felonies, Vance and other prospective vice presidential contenders appeared on television to defend Trump.
According to Trump, he will make his selection public during the July 15–18 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
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