Special Poll
Former Rep. David Jolly Criticizes Potential Running Mate Choices for Trump
Former Rep. David Jolly (R-Fla.), who left the Republican Party and has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, expressed strong opinions about the potential vice presidential picks for Trump. Jolly appeared on MSNBC to discuss the upcoming announcement of Trump’s running mate, with first-term Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) being top contenders.
Jolly commented, “I think Rubio and Burgum are two very safe picks and they both have the necessary experience and governing skills,” but he was critical of Vance, stating, “I think JD Vance is completely unqualified.” Jolly emphasized the importance of having a qualified vice president, saying, “As a country, we should want somebody qualified to serve. Rubio and Burgum, regardless of their ideology, meet that requirement.”
Vance has shown interest in the vice-presidential role, but in a recent interview, he mentioned, “I like being a senator. I’m not trying to leave the United States Senate. It’s an honor to serve the people of Ohio, and frankly, if you asked me, that’s where I expect to be in six months.” Elected to the Senate in 2022, Vance was initially a Trump critic but has since shifted to support the former president.
Following the first presidential debate, Rubio, Burgum, and Vance all praised Trump’s performance and criticized President Biden’s. Rubio, however, clarified that he is not currently the vice-presidential candidate, saying, “no one is right now.”
Jolly, who served Florida’s 13th District in the House from 2014-2017, believes Rubio has “put in his time” and, as a Cuban American, could attract a new voter demographic for Trump. Jolly also noted that Burgum, although less known nationally, might appeal to Trump as someone who could “stay in the shadows.”
Trump has indicated that he has already made his decision and will announce his running mate at the Republican National Convention, starting July 15. A rally is planned for Wednesday in Doral, Fla., near Rubio’s home city of Miami, which could hint at Rubio’s potential selection despite the complications of their same-state residency.
Jolly concluded, “The convention’s the week after next. Trump has to make a decision soon. Maybe it’s Wednesday. We don’t know.”