Speculation about Donald Trump’s VP pick is rampant—see here and here. What should immigration patriots want?
From an immigration patriot perspective, there are three considerations:
- First, reinforcing Trump’s immigration patriot stance.
While Clinton v. Trump provides the first-ever real major-party choice on immigration, we cannot be blind cheerleaders of Trump, and we want to make sure he continues to champion our issue.
- Secondly, a running mate who will help Trump win in November.
Trump, it goes without saying, is not your conventional GOP nominee. Thus, considerations beyond charisma and ties to a swing state are important. The usual claptrap about the VP “balancing the ticket” does not exactly apply.
Usually, “moderates” pick VPs who will appeal to conservatives and vice versa. But Trump transcends the typical conservative v. moderate Republican template. Trump fared relatively poor among the churchgoing Christians and very conservative voters who typically make the GOP base. He needs to make these voters feel welcome in his coalition, without turning off independent and Democratic voters to whom his socially moderate and economically populist stance could appeal. (In a future column, I will elaborate on this strategy, but it’s also necessary to consider with his VP pick.)
And Trump has other considerations when “balancing the ticket.” Given his age and two previous marriages, a younger and never-divorced candidate would be ideal.
- Thirdly, the loyal candidate must be loyal. ...
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