Potential Trump Running Mates Head For The Hills In Droves

Leading Republican politicians appear to be following a long-held tradition in 2016. They seem to be denying any ambitions to be vice-president, with one major difference — this year they actually mean it.

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With the possibility of Donald Trump as nominee, looming ever more threateningly on the horizon, potential vice-presidents are heading for the hills in droves. The long list of Republicans who have rejected any suggestion that they will run alongside Trump is revealing, and it shows just how poorly his own colleagues think of him.

While it’s common for politicians to decline to run for vice-president politely and behind closed doors, the fact that many are doing this publicly and fervently, represents a major break with protocol. This break can’t be seen as anything but a slap in the face for Trump.

Senator Lindsey Graham likened running alongside Trump to, “buying a ticket on the Titanic.” An adviser to Scott Walker said the Wisconsin Governor, “has a visceral negative reaction to Trump’s character.” A spokesman for Gov. John Kasich of Ohio responded with, “Never. No chance.” When asked if Jeb Bush would consider the role, his senior adviser simply wrote, “Hahahahahahahaha.”

Others who have rejected any suggestions they will run on Trump’s ticket include Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona, and Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina, both of whom have been very vocal about their lack of interest in being Trump’s vice president.

The fact that Trump has a tendency to publicly pick fights with his colleagues hasn’t helped his case. Many are turned off by his angry tone and fearful that his unfavorable ratings with key demographics, especially women and Hispanics, will damage their own electoral prospects.

Trump is obviously aware of the contempt he is held in by a large portion of his own party. He indicated in a recent interview that he is attempting to repair damage and forge stronger relationships within the GOP.

To help show his support for women, leading Republicans are advising Trump to choose a female for the role of running mate. True to form though, Trump has already alienated most of the potential female candidates among the small pool in the Republican Party.

With his stance on Hispanics and his delayed response in distancing himself from Klu Klux Klan endorsements, Trump has steadily made his platform radioactive.

Trump has declined to directly name any potential candidates but stated that he was looking for someone with:

“…a strong political background, who was well respected on the Hill, who can help me with legislation, and who could be a great president.”

Considering his own tenuous (at best) grasp of policy and legislation, Trump’s running mate will certainly have his or her work cut out for them if he wins.

Janine Harrison is an Australian-based writer living in Sydney. She has a keen interest in international politics and culture.