“The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows…”
Traditionally, every candidate for president will choose a running mate as their party’s candidate for the Vice Presidency after the candidate has won their party’s nomination. Some of the greatest presidents and political figures of our history were once vice presidents. President Theodore Roosevelt was picked to be President McKinley’s running mate as a way for his fellow Republicans in New York to dilute his influence in the Empire State. Speaker Paul Ryan used his vice presidential nomination in 2012 to elevate his power in the House, and ultimately, be elected Speaker. While serving as vice president is not exactly every politicians dream, it is in many ways the ultimate stepping stone to the presidency.
So, if these candidates won their party’s nomination today, who would they choose? Here are some names and faces you may want to keep up with over the next few months.
Let’s start with the Democrats…
Secretary Julián Castro
Julián Castro is an upcoming leader of the Democratic Party. Currently, he serves as the Secretary for Housing and Urban Development in Obama’s cabinet. Before his time in the cabinet, Castro was the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas. A graduate of Standford and Harvard Law, Castro would be the ideal choice for Hillary Clinton. She needs to look for a young, popular, relatable liberal. His Hispanic descent can help secure the Hispanic vote, which is crucial to any candidate. She needs someone who can offset her age and her ability to relate to the average American. Too bad she will not be able to find someone who can offset her email server.
Senator Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren is another Democratic up-and-comer. She gained notoriety for her prowess in fighting to protect consumers from fraud and for taking Ted Kennedy’s senate seat from Republican Scott Brown in 2012. Warren is an ideal choice for Bernie Sanders. She is an ardent populist from New England and can carry the vote for women. If Clinton does not win the nomination, she would save the day for liberals.
Senator Bernie Sanders
Lets face it. Not enough Democrats are “feeling the Bern”. Popularity with young people and college professors can only take you so far in the Democratic nomination. A great way for Clinton to unite the party and appease the far left would be to nominate Bernie Sanders. He would not be the most ideal choice, but it’s a win-win situation for both campaigns. Hillary gets the nomination and Bernie gets the platform to spread socialist.
Others among speculation…
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, former Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley
And now for Republicans…
Governor Sarah Palin
She’s baaaack. Just when you thought we got rid of Sarah “I can see Russia from my house” Palin. Her endorsement of Donald J. Trump thrust her back into the news cycle and into relevance in this election. If Trump wins the nomination, he will have to repair his relationship with women in this country…or at least you would think so, but honestly, his relationship with women probably couldn’t be worse and look how he is doing so far. It is not like Palin has anything to bring to the table, but she would be loyal to Herr Trump and that’s all that matters for the VP.
Governor Chris Christie
For his sake, lets hope his half-hearted endorsement and apparent fear of Trump pays off. Its not like he has a future in New Jersey, so the vice presidency is just about Christie’s last chance. Again, if Trump wins the nomination, Chris Christie would be an ideal choice. Evident by his obedience and fear, Christie would be another loyal choice for Trump.
Governor Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley gained national fame over the past summer, when she called for the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the statehouse in Columbia, following the tragedy at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston. Haley also gained notoriety for recent response to the State of the Union, in which she implicitly bashed Trump and gave an optimistic conservative message. If Rubio wins the nomination, she would certainly be his best choice. In South Carolina, not only did she endorse the Florida senator, she enthusiastically campaigned with him for several days. Even if she is not picked for the VP slot, she has a bright future ahead.
Senator Marco Rubio
While Rubio is still very much in the fight for the nomination, he should keep an open mind about backing Cruz if it he drops at any point. A Cruz-Rubio ticket would be strong sign of unity in the Republican party. The Tea Party conservative outsider and the “establishment” favorite would be coming together to bring down Trump and Hillary. Any sign of unity in the Republican Party would certainly be ideal after this dogfight of a primary is over. This ticket pulls Cruz away from the far right. Even just a little bit will help in the general election.
Senator Mike Lee
It is obvious that Ted Cruz is hated by just about everyone in the United States Senate, and Cruz could not be prouder. There is one senator, however, that is often labeled as Cruz’s best friend. Senator Lee is a staunch Tea Party conservative from Utah who has ardently stood with Cruz on various issues. While a Cruz presidency would perhaps have a place in the White House for Mike Lee, the Utah senator is only in his first term in the Senate and has little experience or skill for a cabinet position.
Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice
Okay, this is a little unlikely. Condi Rice would be perfect for this role. She would be an even better president. However, it seems like she has nothing ever to do with politics again. An ardent sports fan, she serves on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. Secretary Rice would prove to be a valuable expert on national security and foreign affairs for any president. She is a true scholar and one of the smartest people to have ever been involved in politics. She would be a great choice for both Cruz and Rubio, and even though her career in politics seems to be over, there is a vacant seat in the senate and I truly hope she runs.
Others among speculation…
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, former Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana
Campaigns are fluid. This list could change at a moments notice, so be sure to stay informed and be up to date on the 2016 presidential election and the unhinged state of American politics.
