During an intimate dinner at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump engaged in a discussion about his potential running mate if he were to become the Republican nominee. The conversation quickly turned to Rep. Elise Stefanik, a formidable upstate New York Republican. Attendees at the dinner table couldn’t help but rave about her recent viral moment, where she fearlessly questioned university presidents about antisemitism on campus.
Trump was impressed by Stefanik’s qualities as a possible vice-presidential candidate, nodding approvingly and declaring, “She’s a killer.” Since then, Trump and his allies have started seriously considering Stefanik as a running mate for the 2024 election. Several individuals familiar with the matter, including people in Trump’s inner circle, Stefanik’s fundraising bundlers, and former Trump administration officials, have reported this growing interest.
Stefanik’s rise to prominence began even before her viral moment. Her unwavering loyalty is one of the key characteristics Trump seeks in a running mate. Combined with her ability to generate headlines on critical issues, Stefanik becomes an irresistible candidate for vice president. Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist in the White House and the mastermind behind his 2016 campaign, affirms, “Stefanik is at the top.”
Once considered a moderate Republican who worked on Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, Stefanik has since transformed herself into one of Trump’s strongest allies on Capitol Hill following his presidential victory. Trump himself acknowledged her dedication during a lunch in spring 2022, stating, “She was kind of with us before, but she’s really with us now.”
When asked about the possibility of being Trump’s running mate, Stefanik declined to comment, stating that her focus is on her role in Congress. Her loyalty to Trump is evident, especially when compared to former Vice President Mike Pence. Pence drew Trump’s ire and that of his supporters when he refused to challenge Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. In contrast, Stefanik has consistently defended Trump and even served on his impeachment defense team in 2019.
Stefanik’s unwavering allegiance to Trump has not gone unnoticed. Her ability to seize opportune moments to advance Trump’s agenda and dismantle his adversaries has propelled her to the forefront of the competition. The December dinner at Mar-a-Lago was not the first time Trump had mentioned Stefanik as a prospective vice-presidential candidate. At a fundraising event for Stefanik’s committee, Trump revealed that he was closely watching her actions as he moved closer to deciding whether to run for president. He has even mentioned that she could be the next president after 2024.
Stefanik’s influence extends beyond her loyalty and her strategic clashes with Trump’s opponents. She has also proven herself as a fierce fighter in court battles involving Trump. Stefanik has targeted the judge overseeing the New York civil fraud case against Trump, called for an investigation into Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, and filed a complaint against a federal judge involved in the grand jury for special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment.
Not only is Stefanik a trusted ally of Trump, but she also possesses deep knowledge of Capitol Hill, which would make her an invaluable asset to Trump’s ticket. Her relationships in the House and the respect she commands in the Senate make her a compelling choice. In addition, Stefanik’s accessibility and dedication to her constituents have made her a well-known figure in New York and an effective fundraiser.
Bringing Stefanik onboard could further strengthen Trump’s already formidable fundraising operation. In the fourth quarter alone, Stefanik’s team raised over $5 million, coinciding with her high-profile confrontation with university presidents. Alongside Stefanik, Steve Bannon also suggests South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake as potential VP picks. Bannon also believes that Nikki Haley should not be underestimated, especially since she has garnered support from right-leaning business and media sectors.
Stefanik’s roots in New York and her success in winning over a district that twice voted for former President Barack Obama make her an appealing choice for Trump, who seeks to capitalize on Biden’s decreasing popularity among some voters in traditionally blue states. Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republican Club, believes Stefanik’s ability to expand the party and appeal to various demographics aligns with Trump’s objectives.
Although veteran Republican strategist Roger Stone recognizes Stefanik’s courage and leadership qualities, he notes that it is still early in the process. Trump has suggested that he already knows his running mate, but his campaign advisor has clarified that nothing is finalized. Those close to Trump anticipate that a public announcement will come closer to the start of the convention, comparing it to a season finale of his reality show.
Source link: F5mag.com