A former aide to Vice President Kamala Harris shared her thoughts on the ongoing race to be former President Donald Trump’s VP, noting that one candidate would be the biggest threat in a debate.
Former communications director for Harris, Ashley Etienne, shared with CNN last week that Republican Sen. JD Vance (OH) is the one potential Trump VP that she says poses “the greatest threat to Kamala Harris.”
“I mean, he’s an incredible debater,” Etienne said. “I think he has this quality that makes him seem palpable to that 1 to 2 percent that actually might vote or that’s undecided, that will actually pay attention to the debates because most people don’t pay attention to the debates.”
The former aide went on to say his intelligence would be a benefit to him in a matchup against her former boss.
“I think he’s just got a quality about him where he’s super smart and sharp and quick-witted. I just think they’d like it. I think it’s going to be a challenge to see the two of them face-to-face. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but I think he’s gonna be the greatest threat,” she added.
The search for Trump’s next VP was set in motion this month, with experts and those close to the decision continue to point to a handful of potential running mates.
Among the names still reportedly being considered include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R), Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Vance, Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and Ben Carson.
However, the case for Trump picking Vance seems to be getting better as we move closer to the 2024 election, with many pointing to the first-time senator and 39-year-old as a fresh new voice in Congress that could become the face of the party.
Still, Trump has yet to play his hand despite being less than 10 days from his first debate with President Joe Biden.
The two will meet on June 27, but a date has yet to be set for their vice presidents. Nonetheless, Harris has said she is ready for whoever he picks.
“I’m ready to make the case — whoever he picks, no matter who it is,” she said, according to a Democratic National Committee news release.