[UPDATED AT THE BOTTOM]
CNN is reporting this morning that Trump is apparently leaning towards picking Mike Pence as his running mate going into November:
Donald Trump is leaning toward picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as the Republican vice presidential nominee, a senior Trump adviser told CNN on Thursday.
But until an offer is made and accepted, nothing is for certain in this very fluid situation. The Trump adviser cautioned Trump’s leaning could change.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, also under consideration, told CNN Thursday morning that he expects to be informed of the decision around 1-2 p.m.
The real estate mogul is slated to announce his decision Friday at 11 a.m. in New York, and multiple sources have said Trump’s shortlist is down to Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Asked what his gut feeling was, Gingrich told CNN that he “would not be at all surprised if it was Pence.”
“Mike’s got a lot of strengths and he’s substantially younger. I’m two years older than Trump and Pence is 20 years younger than me. I think having somebody who represents a somewhat younger voice would have some advantages,” he said.
Pence just doesn’t seem to be a good fit for Trump and I’m not really sure what he adds to the ticket. He’s been a solid conservative in the past on most issues, but he’s going to have to sell much of that out just to be on the ticket. And he just doesn’t come off as credible when he sings Trump’s praises on the campaign trail.
Gingrich at least established some credibility in the Trump sphere as not completely selling out when he criticized Trump for his racist remarks on Judge Curiel. Newt is also a solid debater and could help Trump fight against Hillary’s attacks as the campaign continues.
Ironically, the one guy I think would add the most to the ticket isn’t even being mentioned anymore, Lt. General Mike Flynn. If Trump were to pick him, it would communicate that he is very serious when it comes to defeating our jihadist enemies and keeping this country safe. And that’s a big deal in this election, especially with all the terror attacks around the world as of late.
None of them are perfect choices but between the three I mentioned, Pence is the last one I’d pick for Trump’s VP. Heck, I’d put him below Chris Christie even.
Just not a good fit.
UPDATE: It’s Pence:
ROLL CALL – Donald Trump is planning to announce that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is his choice for his vice presidential running mate, according to a Republican with direct knowledge of the decision.
As Trump narrowed in on his choice of Pence, the two men spent time at both Trump’s golf resort in New Jersey in early July and at the Indiana governor’s mansion this week.
In addition to testing the men’s chemistry together, Trump was reportedly impressed with Pence’s calm demeanor, his experience on Capitol Hill and as a governor, and Pence’s potential to assist Trump in governing, should the ticket win in November.
IndyStar has confirmed, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will be Donald Trump's VP pick. https://t.co/QFhLLwxTPo
— IndyStar (@indystar) July 14, 2016