Trump's Potential Running Mate Picks Could Face Constitutional Challenge

Donald Trump is considering two prominent Florida politicians, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, as potential running mates for the upcoming presidential election. However, a constitutional hurdle could complicate his decision. Under the U.S. Constitution, a president and vice president cannot reside in the same state. Since Trump declared his Palm Beach estate his home in 2019, the 12th Amendment could prevent Florida's 30 electors from casting their votes for a Trump-Rubio or Trump-Donalds ticket if Republicans win the state.

Legal experts suggest there are methods to navigate this issue, albeit with some inconvenience. Constitutional scholar Sanford Levinson from the University of Texas School of Law pointed out that it is generally easier to run candidates from different states. The 12th Amendment, added to the Constitution in 1804, aims to limit the power of large states. If Trump secures Florida, the state's 30 electors could vote for him for president but not for another Floridian as vice president.

Florida holds the third most electoral votes in the country, behind California and Texas. In a tight election, Florida's votes could be pivotal, and state electors might abstain from voting or face legal challenges if they vote for an all-Floridian ticket. Historical precedent exists: D*** Cheney changed his Texas residency by registering to vote in Wyoming, circumventing the same constitutional issue during George W. Bush's campaign. Courts ultimately ruled Cheney was qualified to be vice president.

The Electoral College will meet on Dec. 17, and if Trump wins the Nov. 5 election, his running mate could change residency afterward. Bob Jarvis, a constitutional law professor at Nova Southeastern University, advised Rubio against changing his residency until after the election. Rubio commented it would be presumptuous to discuss moving as he is not yet the vice presidential choice. Meanwhile, Republicans National Committee chairman Michael Whatley declined to speculate on the possibility of two Florida residents on the ticket.

On the Democratic side, Joe Biden's recent debate performance has raised concerns among party members, who are panicked and searching for alternatives to the 81-year-old president. Critics question whether Biden is the right candidate to oppose Trump, seen as a significant threat to American democracy. If Biden steps down, Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore could be potential contenders. Despite Harris being the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history and the first Black and first Asian American vice president, she has faced significant negative press, sexist and racist attacks, and a challenging policy portfolio.

Harris has emerged as the administration's leading voice on abortion rights and recently marked the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade with a strong warning against Trump. During a recent debate in Atlanta, Biden's performance faltered, but Harris quickly came to his defense. She emphasized Biden's accomplishments over the past three-and-a-half years, despite calls for him to step aside. In a February Times/Siena poll, Harris trailed Trump by six points, while Biden trailed by five.

Former South Carolina lawmaker Bakari Sellers and Tulsi Gabbard, rumored to be on Trump's running mate shortlist, have also weighed in on the qualities needed for Trump's vice presidential pick. As the election cycle progresses, both parties continue to strategize their path to victory amidst internal and external challenges.

Conservative Bias:

Well, folks, here we go again with the Democrats trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people. Donald Trump, a man who has tirelessly fought for this country's greatness, is now facing a so-called "constitutional challenge" just because he wants to pick the best running mate, who happens to be from Florida. The liberals are salivating at the chance to create chaos and confusion, using the 12th Amendment as their latest weapon. They can't stand the idea of Trump winning again, so they throw every obstacle in his path. It's classic liberal strategy: when you can't win on merit, resort to technicalities and legal loopholes. Meanwhile, the Democrats are in complete disarray, with Joe Biden stumbling through debates and Kamala Harris, the administration's t***n diversity hire, trying to pick up the pieces. They are so desperate that they're already lining up a parade of leftist governors as potential replacements, all while ignoring their own party's failures and the real issues facing America. The Democrats are a mess, folks, and they'll do anything to cling to power, even if it means undermining the Constitution and the will of the people.

Liberal Bias:

Here we go again with the Republicans and their blatant disregard for constitutional norms. Donald Trump, the man who has already wreaked havoc on American democracy, is now considering two Florida politicians as his running mates, despite the clear constitutional prohibition against it. This is just another example of the GOP's willingness to bend and break the rules to suit their own ends. They don't care about the law or the Constitution—they only care about power. And let's not forget, Trump has already shown he's willing to do anything to win, even if it means legal gymnastics to sidestep the 12th Amendment. On the other side, we have Joe Biden, who has been tirelessly working to repair the damage done by the previous administration. Yet, he's facing relentless attacks and second-guessing from within his own party. Kamala Harris, despite her historic role and significant accomplishments, is subjected to sexist and racist attacks, all while managing a challenging policy portfolio. The Republicans, meanwhile, are lining up sycophants like Tulsi Gabbard, who are eager to ride Trump's coattails. It's a disgrace, and it shows just how far the GOP has fallen from any semblance of integrity or respect for democratic principles.