As the auditioning to be Donald Trump’s running mate reaches a fever pitch before the Republican National Convention kicks into gear in mid-July, billionaire donors are increasingly being used as “pawns” by the leading contenders for the second slot to catch the former president’s eye.
According to a report from the New York Times, one of the keys to becoming the GOP VP nominee is the ability to bring more cash to the general election campaign, and hopefuls are flaunting their big-money contacts as a reason to be the chosen one. The report also notes that not all of the wealthy donors are pleased at being used as bait.
The Times’ Michael C. Bender and Theodore Schleifer report, “Republican hopefuls are looking to convince Mr. Trump that they have the financial backing behind them that could help swing the race,” before adding, “Many vice-presidential hopefuls, including some outside contenders wise to the financial dynamic, have responded, boasting — and sometimes exaggerating — the amount they could raise for the ticket. The posturing, in some cases, has drawn sneers from some Republican donors, who feel like they are being used as pawns in internecine warfare.”
In the case of Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), he has failed to rope in one of his biggest benefactors, billionaire Peter Thiel, who wants nothing to do with the convicted felon ex-president. Thiel told attendees at the Aspen Ideas Festival this week, “If you hold a gun to my head, I will vote for Trump. I’m not going to give any money to his super PAC.”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) has also annoyed some of his rich supporters who have other plans for him. At a recent gathering of wealthy donors interested in a policy forum, he is behind, more than a few “bristled at the way the Scott team and the news media have implicitly positioned them as endorsers of a Trump-Scott ticket,” according to a person close to these donors. This source noted that many people signed onto Mr. Scott’s event believing that he is likely to be the next powerful chair of the Senate Banking Committee.
The Times also reports that “An aide to Mr. Scott declined to comment.”
As the race to secure the VP slot heats up, the role of wealthy donors and their reactions to being leveraged in political maneuvering will continue to be a critical factor. The candidates’ ability to navigate these dynamics and secure financial support could significantly impact their chances of being chosen as Trump’s running mate.