During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as top contenders for the role of former President Donald Trump’s running mate in a recent straw poll. The poll, conducted on Saturday, marked a significant shift as it was the first time in years that a question about the vice presidential pick overshadowed the one about the presidential nominee among the attendees.
The CPAC straw poll revealed a tie between Noem and Ramaswamy, highlighting the importance of this decision in the Republican primary race. It also underscored Trump’s continued influence over the GOP electorate at CPAC. As Trump’s campaign and advisers discuss potential contenders, the vice presidential question remains a focal point for the upcoming elections.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were tied for first place as Republican grassroot activists’ preference for former President Trump’s vice presidential pick. https://t.co/ZsO4fiwjqt
— The Hill (@thehill) February 25, 2024
Indeed, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) concluded with a resounding victory for former President Donald Trump in the presidential poll. As anticipated, he secured an overwhelming 94% of the support, leaving Nikki Haley trailing far behind with a mere 5%. The straw poll results were unveiled at the conclusion of the four-day CPAC event held outside Washington, D.C.
In the CPAC straw poll, both Noem and Ramaswamy secured 15% of the vote, making them the joint front-runners. Notably, former Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who previously ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 but has since become an independent, garnered 9% support. Following closely were Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, each receiving 8%.
Donald Trump has engaged in informal discussions with his advisers regarding potential running mates. His team has meticulously assessed the risks and rewards associated with various contenders. Publicly, Trump’s stance on the vice presidential role has been ambiguous.
While he previously asserted that he had already made a decision about his running mate, he later contradicted himself by stating that he was still undecided. Throughout this process, his campaign has actively amplified the sense of anticipation surrounding this crucial decision.
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