Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of profiles of 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump’s running mate.
Multiple election and election experts told Fox News Digital that the front-runner on former President Trump’s running mate list has major “downsides” that could make him a poor choice. .
The competition among those hoping to be President Trump’s running mate continued this week. Those widely believed to be among the finalists have appeared alongside the former president at various media outlets and events, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who Some say it lacks the “wow factor.”
Republican strategist Dave Polianski cited concerns about Burgum’s lack of publicity despite running in last year’s Republican presidential primary. “I don’t think he’s someone who would attack or infuriate Republicans.” .
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From left to right: Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. (Getty Images)
He argued that while setting fire to the base was not the main objective in choosing a running mate, there was not an “overwhelming cry” from Republicans across the country for Burgum to be selected.
“Again, it shouldn’t necessarily be the deciding factor, but there’s no wow factor with him,” Polianski said.
Veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove said Burgum’s name recognition was also questionable, and the presidential race could be decided by who wins voters in battleground states of Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada. , agreed that Mr. Burgum “comes from a small, heavily Republican state.” and Wisconsin.
Loeb also predicted that Burgum’s wealth “could make him a target on the left.”
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Republican strategist Erin Perine told Fox that “the downside of Burgum’s selection is not very controversial given the other choices the former president could have made,” but the He agreed with Rove that Burgum, who hails from a reliably red state, would not influence the electoral map.
“Some may argue that other potential candidates could bring more expertise, greater visibility, or diversity to the ticket. As a result, as a vice presidential candidate. “It raises questions about Mr. Burgum’s suitability for the position,” she said. Burgum announced last year that he would not be Trump’s running mate, and could face intense media scrutiny for his absence from North Dakota over the past year. He added that the selection process is likely to be complicated.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum urges voters to support Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump during a campaign rally in the basement ballroom of The Margate Resort in Laconia, New Hampshire, on January 22, 2024. encouraged them to do so. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“It doesn’t take long for the media to jump on board, and campaigning as a sitting governor has proven difficult for those who have run for other offices in the past,” she said.
Others have been more outspoken about Burgum’s potential selection, including those close to the Trump campaign, citing concerns about his name recognition and North Dakota background. “There are more bad aspects than good,” he said.
“If I had to rank him, I would put him in the top five, maybe fifth or sixth, but no more than that,” the source said.
“I don’t see any reason for Governor Burgum to be part of the discussion other than media speculation,” Republican pollster Scott Rasmussen told Fox. I think it will play a different role.” Role in the campaign. ”
Despite these concerns, Mr. Burgum has a number of good qualities that experts say could give Mr. Trump a boost, including his track record as a state executive and business leader.
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Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump attends the annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner hosted by the Minnesota Republican Party on May 17, 2024 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“Mr. Burgum is a successful two-term governor who championed education reform, tax cuts and government reform in a major energy and agricultural state,” Rove said. “He also founded Great Plains Software, a technology company in the heart of the Midwest, sold it to Microsoft, and became the company’s top executive before entering politics.”
Polyanski said one of the most “compelling” reasons for putting Burgum’s name on the ticket was his television appearances.
“He’s proven himself over the last month to be a great, very agile, very capable communicator,” he said. “Burgum has shown that he can achieve some success in terms of his communication skills and his ability to get his message across.”
Perine said that Burgum’s “no pretense, no-nonsense attitude has boosted North Dakota’s economy and security,” and that Burgum’s “transition from businessman to governor” is “a mirror image of Trump, which the former president holds in high esteem.” ” he said.
A source close to the Trump campaign praised the governor as a “vote getter.”
“He’s a decent guy,” the source said.
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From left to right: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. All have been floated as former President Trump’s running mate candidates. (Getty Images)
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, South Dakota Gov. Christie, and others. The possibility has arisen that many prominent politicians will join Mr. Trump as Republican candidates. Noem, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
While President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are free to roam, Trump, who spent much of the week in court in New York City, is still weighing his running mate options. He suggested last week that he might wait until the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July to nominate a candidate.
Fox News Digital has reached out to a Burkum representative for comment.
Get the latest on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more with Fox News Digital’s Election Hub.
