Gingrich for Trump's VP?

He's open to it, and on lots of short lists
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted May 4, 2016 12:02 PM CDT
Gingrich for Trump's VP?
Donald Trump with then-candidate Newt Gingrich in 2011.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

With Donald Trump adding the title of "presumptive nominee" to his resume, the chatter about a potential running mate is increasing. Chris Christie, Ben Carson, and even MSNBC's Joe Scarborough are among the names popping up, but one in particular seems to be on most short lists: Newt Gingrich. (See the New York Times, Washington Times, and Cox Media, among others.) The former House speaker has been one of Trump's most vocal backers, and he tells the New York Times that "it would be very hard for a patriotic citizen to say no." At the National Review, Myra Adams weighs the pros and cons and finds that it makes sense in some fundamental ways. Essentially, Gingrich would play the role of Trump's "chief strategist," balancing his sweeping views with wonky logistics.

"If Trump is the embodiment of the populist fantasy of the outsider—with no political experience—who is thrust into power by an angry electorate with a mandate to turn Washington on its head, right all the wrongs, and 'make America great again,' Gingrich could be Trump’s wise sidekick." There are some downsides, too—the pair have six marriages between them, which wouldn't seem to bode well with the women's vote—but Adams thinks wife Callista Gingrich could play a big role in the campaign. As for Trump himself, he says he has no name in mind just yet, reports ABC News. "I think probably I would like to go with somebody with great political experience." (More Donald Trump 2016 stories.)

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