President Donald Trump hyped up speculation about his vice-presidential pick at an energetic rally in Florida.
The 45th president ignited fresh speculation about Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) being his choice of running mate for November
Trump, speaking to a crowd in Miami, Florida, suggested Rubio may be the one to get the job.
Miami has a large Republican-leaning Cuban population and Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants.
“I think they probably think I’m going to be announcing that Marco’s going to be vice president,” Trump said.
Rubio faced off with Trump in the 2016 Republican primary.
At the time, Trump disparaged him as “Little Marco” but Rubio later emerged as a defender of the 45th POTUS during his presidency.
Two other contenders who have received a great deal of press are relative newcomers.
Freshman Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) was a Trump critic in 2016 before shifting to become an outspoken Trump supporter.
North Dakota’s Republican Governor Doug Burgum emerged from obscurity after mounting a long-shot primary challenge to Trump last year.
Burgum, a billionaire who made his fortune in computers, is known for his low-key persona, a sharp contrast with the larger-than-life Trump.
Trump’s rally in Doral, Florida on Tuesday fueled more speculation about Rubio, who gave a speech on stage.
Trump teased Rubio over the VP rumors.
“Marco, you’re going to vote for it, I hope,” Trump said, alluding to his proposals to eliminate taxes on tips.
“Well, you may or may not be there to vote for it.
“But you’ll be involved.”
After months of teasing, Trump is expected to finally announce his running mate in the coming days ahead of the Republican National Convention, which starts Monday.
Due to 12th Amendment limitations, Rubio would need to move to a new state to join Trump on the ticket, since they both live in Florida.
Trump spoke about the issue during a podcast interview Wednesday with Brian Kilmeade.
During the interview, Trump dropped more hints about Rubio, Vance, and Burgum.
“No, but it does make it more complicated,” Trump said of Rubio’s Florida residency.
“There are people that don’t have that complication.”
Trump also dismissed the notion that he is basing his decision on the possibility of Democrat President Joe Biden being replaced.
“I think I’m pretty well set in my own mind, but you know, you got some good people, and I have changed a little bit, but you have, they’re all great — anyone would be fantastic.”
