Jimmy Kimmel Isn’t Impressed by Trump’s Vice President Shortlist

Jimmy Kimmel recently made some controversial comments about former President Donald Trump. He spoke about Trump’s considerations for a vice-presidential running mate. Kimmel made several jokes about the apparent Vice Presidential shortlist.

Diverse Contenders

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Trump recently shared his list of potential vice-presidential candidates. It includes prominent figures such as Senator Tim Scott, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy. Some of these figures were former presidential candidates and competed in the Republican primaries before conceding.

Kimmel’s Comments

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Jimmy Kimmel was very critical of Trump’s shortlist. He joked that Trump “had better bookings on The Celebrity Apprentice.” He questioned some of Trump’s choices to include particular people on the list, including Ron DeSantis. Kimmel said, “That’s right. The forecast is cloudy with a chance of Meatball Ron.”

Why Ron?

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Speaking about his choice to include DeSantis, Kimmel asked, “How is Ron Desantis on his shortlist? Maybe he thinks it’s a list of people who are short?” Many people have made jokes about DeSantis’s short stature. In fact, during his presidential campaign, there were rumors that he had deliberately worn cowboy boots to appear taller.

The Overall Candidates

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Speaking about all the candidates, Kimmel said, “Wow, what a group. […] It’s like [Trump] went running mate shopping at Goodwill, and that’s what they came up with.” He also spoke about Trump’s current legal situation. Recently, Trump compared his $355 million fine to the death of Alexei Navalny, which Kimmel called a “new line of nonsense.”

Comments on Navalny

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Navalny was a Russian leader who opposed the current leader, Vladimir Putin. He recently died, and Trump claimed his own legal case was “a form of Navalny.” Kimmel spoke about this and said, “It’s a disgusting thing to say. This is a fine he got.” Many people agreed with Kimmel’s comments and argued that Trump’s remarks were insensitive.

Trump’s Comments

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Speaking about his own choice, Trump said, “They’re all good; they’re all solid. And, I always say, I want people with common sense because there’s so many things happening in this country that don’t make sense.” However, he notably did not choose a specific candidate that he supported the most.

All Solid

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Trump added, “They’re all good, they’re all solid. And, I always say, I want people with common sense because there’s so many things happening in this country that don’t make sense.” In other comments, Trump has routinely criticized the Biden administration, calling it “anti-American,” among others.

A Focused Ally

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Trump’s decision to include Senator Tim Scott’s is particularly important. Scott previously endorsed Trump and has consistently campaigned for Trump. It appears this has made Trump think of him as a key supporter. His support for Trump, especially in his home state, suggests that he has respect for Trump and is considering a potential strategic alliance.

Other Support

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Additionally, Scott worked on opportunity zones during Trump’s 2017 tax cut legislation. As a 58-year-old Black man, this could help Trump expand his coalition of supporters. Trump has praised Scott, especially for their joint work on economic development. This suggests he could have a role in the administration if Trump is successful.

From Rival to Shortlist

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Ron DeSantis is another interesting choice of vice president. During the primaries, there was a clear rivalry between him and Trump. Despite their previous conflicts, DeSantis endorsed Trump after conceding the race. Some people have suggested this may indicate a reconciliation of sorts, which could prove to be very beneficial for Trump.

Ramaswamy’s Entrepreneurial Edge

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Similarly, some political analysts have said that including Vivek Ramaswamy is Trump’s attempt to appear more open to diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ramaswamy’s entrepreneurial journey and outsider perspective could bring a fresh dynamic to the campaign. This could help Trump to appeal to a wide range of voters.

Trump’s Legal Cases

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Kimmel also spoke about New York Attorney General Letitia James’s threat to Trump. She previously said that he would seize his assets if he did not or was unable to pay the fine. Kimmel said, “If he doesn’t come up with the money, she might seize Trump Tower. Turns out, one of the downsides of putting your name on everything you own is that everyone knows who owns it.”

Nikki Haley’s Absence

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Notably, Trump has not mentioned Nikki Haley, his other competitor, as one of the vice presidential candidates. Her experience as an ambassador to the United Nations under Trump could prove to be useful. Equally, her identity as a woman of color could attract Independent and moderate suburban female voters.

Haley’s Denial

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Despite her accomplishments and the speculation that she could increase Trump’s chances against Biden, Haley has publicly stated she would not accept a vice-presidential position. She previously said, “I don’t play for second.” Her history of conflict with Trump could prevent her from being a vice president candidate.

Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota

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One person Trump hasn’t mentioned is Governor Kristi Noem. She has been a very firm ally of Trump and has publicly endorsed him. Trump praised her as a great governor and appreciated her support for him. Noem has previously expressed interest in the position and has shown strong support for Trump’s policies and leadership style.

Expansive Vice Presidential Search

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In 2016, Trump’s choice for a vice-presidential candidate was focused on geographical and ideological balance. However, his recent comments suggest Trump is now trying to follow his instincts. This shift opens the door to a diverse mix of potential running mates across different genders, races, and ethnicities.

Focus on Loyalty and Diverse Representation

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After his experience with Mike Pence in 2016, loyalty is likely an important factor as well. He appears to want a running who shares his vision and idea for America. By including candidates from diverse backgrounds, Trump may be trying to appeal to a wider audience than he did previously.

Trump’s Emphasis on Legal Expertise

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Previously, Trump suggested that he wanted a vice president with a strong legal background. Analysts have suggested this is because of his ongoing legal challenges. They argue that this is an attempt to strengthen his campaign’s legal skills and present a team capable of addressing his legal issues head-on.