The Double MAGA Ticket
Reflections on the RNC
Every four years, reporters hype the vice presidential selection story well beyond what it’s worth. In almost every instance, the choice of a running mate does little to shape public perceptions of the ticket, and a running mate usually does little more than help the nominee appeal to a particular demographic or to be more competitive in the running mate’s home state.
Mike Pence was a signal to white evangelicals that Donald Trump was an acceptable choice. Kamala Harris added youth and diversity to a ticket headed by an old white man. These were important strategic considerations, but in the end, people vote for the person at the top.
However rare, there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes a running mate does influence the way voters see their choice.
Bill Clinton’s selection of a fellow southern Boomer defied the conventional wisdom that a young outsider should select an old insider. Although the success of the ticket rested with Clinton, the presence of Al Gore infused the campaign with refreshing energy that communicated youth and allowed it to lay claim to the future. In a sense, Clinton and Gore together became more than the sum of their parts.
John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin also changed the character of his candidacy, but not for the better. An outside-the-box choice, the relatively unknown Alaska governor soon eclipsed the top of the ticket, with her antics causing the campaign angst while raising doubts about McCain’s judgment for selecting her.
J.D. Vance is in this category.
