Donald Trump is a mastermind when it comes to creating charged competition. This same principle he previously applied in Miss Universe beauty pageants and “The Apprentice” is now at work as he scopes out his vice president. Suddenly, someone you might not expect is in the running: Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota.
Doug Burgum, a name most of us aren’t familiar with, bid for the presidency last year. Unfortunately, his campaign was as memorable as a water balloon in a lake. His efforts were so feeble that he offered $20 gift cards for $1 donations just to barely qualify for the debates, which didn’t exactly take him very far. He’s a political unknown outside of the geek world and his home state.
Burgum’s main advantages aren’t his charisma or broad popular appeal, but his personal wealth and the reassurance he brings to the Republican Party’s capitalist faction. Fellow GOP candidates like Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance may appeal to specific minority or working-class demographics, yet what Burgum adds to the ticket primarily is an enormous bank account. Estimates suggest that Burgum’s wealth could be well into the hundreds of millions.
Trump has been continually outspent in the political arena, and his ongoing legal battles have further drained his campaign funds. Having a running mate like Burgum, who can significantly fortify the campaign’s fiscal standing, is undeniably an attractive proposition.
Additionally, Burgum’s political credibility could help placate more economically focused Republicans, who get jittery with Trump’s flamboyance and populist leanings. It’s seen before when he chose Mike Pence to win over the evangelicals and old guard conservatives during his first run. This time Burgum might be the soothing balm Trump needs for the libertarian and business-centric wings of the party.
Moreover, Trump’s affinity for traditional markers of authority could play a role in this surprise vice-presidential pick. ExxonMobil CEOs, and military leaders are his company of choice, echoing his preference for perceived strength and prowess.
But let’s not go all-in on the idea of Burgum becoming VP just yet. There’s a good chance he won’t be the chosen one. Yet, his name on the shortlist is stirring enough to hold our attention and stretch the countdown a bit longer. Then again, as we know, the spectacle of choice is where Trump thrives.
In conclusion, the stakes of VP pick are about more than just who makes the cut. They’re about the decision-making drama that keeps us all in suspense and reminds us who’s running the show. Trump is known for loving a good contest, and this one keeps us all guessing about his next move. It’s a strategy right out of “The Apprentice” playbook: Keep the cameras rolling as long as you possibly can.
