Report: Trump Poised to Throw Huge 'Curveball' Just Before Debate
This could really shake things up in Atlanta.
As the clock ticks closer to Thursday’s presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, there are rumors that Trump might have a major surprise for his Democratic opponent.
NBC News reported Tuesday, citing sources identified only as “people familiar with the situation,” that Trump might reveal his running mate before the debate at CNN headquarters.
Previously, Trump had stated he would announce his running mate before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, set to begin on July 15. However, this timeline might have shifted, and Trump is now contemplating a "curveball" to catch Biden off guard.
“People familiar with discussions about a pre-debate announcement had differing views about Trump’s leanings,” NBC reported. “One said he is eager to fill his ticket before he squares off with Biden. Another source said he would like the opportunity to throw a curveball to distract Biden before they meet but understands that such a move could create logistical and political complications.”
Any news report's credibility hinges on its sources, and anonymously sourced reports should always be taken with caution. However, a Trump announcement regarding his running mate would undoubtedly dominate headlines and shift attention from the Atlanta debate.
Such an announcement would be a national story, placing Trump at the center of the news cycle and potentially setting his opponent back. It’s a classic Trump maneuver, reminiscent of his dramatic 2015 campaign announcement.
This move would also broaden the campaign conversation beyond comparing Trump’s and Biden’s qualifications and the perceived successes and failures of their respective presidencies.
Whenever the announcement is made, Trump's pick will inevitably be compared to Biden’s Vice President Kamala Harris, whose popularity issues are well-known.
NBC reported on Friday that the leading contenders for the VP slot include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who had a brief bid for the Republican nomination this year; Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, a political newcomer in his first Senate term; and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who ran against Trump for the GOP nomination in 2016 but has since become a staunch supporter.
During a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Saturday, Trump told reporters he had already made his choice and that the announcement would “most likely” be at the debate on Thursday.
Burgum, Vance, and Rubio are all expected to attend the debate, according to NBC.
On Tuesday, Trump spokesman Brian Hughes appeared to downplay NBC’s report.
“As President Trump has said himself, the top criteria in selecting a vice president is a strong leader who will make a great president for eight years after his next four-year term concludes,” Hughes said in a statement to NBC. “But anyone telling you they know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying unless that person is named Donald J. Trump.”
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