Greg Abbott, the conservative governor of Texas, is reported “absolutely” on Donald Trump’s shortlist for vice president if Trump secures the Republican nomination to oppose Joe Biden.
Describing Abbott as a “spectacular man,” Trump informed Sean Hannity of Fox News that the three-term governor, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has “done a great job.” Trump further stated, “Yeah, certainly he would be somebody that I would very much consider.”
“So he’s on the list?” Hannity said.
“Absolutely, he is,” Trump said, as Abbott listened.
Abbott has orchestrated confrontations with Democratic officials by dispatching undocumented migrants to Democratic-controlled cities. He also clashed with the federal government by impeding border patrol access to the Rio Grande River, a common crossing point for migrants, and subsequently refused to adhere to orders to withdraw.
“He really stepped it up,” Trump said of Abbott on Thursday, during a visit to the spot in question, a park in Eagle Pass, part of a Texas trip the same day Biden visited the border elsewhere.
Abbott, Trump said, had “been amazing”.
However, Abbott recently stated to CNN that “there are so many people other than myself who are best situated” to be Trump’s running mate, indicating he would assist in the selection process.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, Abbott informed CBS of his intention to seek a fourth term as governor of Texas.
Under Trump’s direction, Republicans are leveraging conditions at the southern border for political advantage in an election year. This extends to the congressional GOP obstructing a bipartisan deal negotiated in the Senate on immigration policy.
During his own border trip, Biden invited Trump to “join me” in tackling the issue. Trump’s influence within his party remains formidable. This week, he scored a significant triumph when Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican Senate leader since 2006 but at odds with Trump since the January 6, 2021 attack on Congress, announced his intention to step down this year.
In Texas, Trump endorsed Abbott as McConnell’s replacement.
“I’d rather be governor of Texas,” Abbott said.
“I think you’re doing well,” Trump said. “I want to keep you in Texas.”
Trump is poised to secure the Republican presidential nomination once again, having triumphed in all primary contests. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, his final opponent, is expected to withdraw after Super Tuesday next week.
Informal auditions for Trump’s running mate persist.
When asked by Hannity about his shortlist, Trump offered a lukewarm assessment of the presidential campaign of South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who exited early and shifted to enthusiastic support.
“Tim, for himself, he was fine,” Trump said.
“He did OK. I mean, he was OK as a candidate, but he didn’t want to talk about himself. He’s a very good man. For me, he’s unbelievable. He’s a surrogate.”
