Rice Says No to
Trump VP Talk

| published June 21, 2016 |

By Thursday Review staff

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she has no interest in being running-mate to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, despite more than two weeks of rumors that she was on a short list of candidates being vetted by Trump and his top staff.

Rice’s rejection of the idea comes by way of her chief of staff, Georgia Godfrey, who released a statement to Yahoo, Politico, and other news organizations over the weekend.

“Dr. Rice has repeatedly said in past cycles, as well as this one, she’s not interested in being vice-President,” the statement reads. “She’s happy at Stanford and plans to stay.”

The statement would seem to put an end to discussions and rumors that she was seriously considering the number-two spot on the GOP ticket with businessman and billionaire Trump. Rice’s position on the matter also strikes one more name off of Trump’s list of potential running mates for Trump, who now has enough delegates to secure a first ballot victory at the Republican convention this summer.

Rice has been discussed frequently in the past as both a Presidential candidate and a vice-Presidential candidate. In 2012 she was often listed by analysts as being among then-presumptive nominee Mitt Romney’s short list of favored running mates. That year, Romney chose instead Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan instead. Rice has repeatedly rejected offers of help if she would consider running for President—both in 2011-12, and again beginning last year.

Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions says that though he is not actively seeking the role, he would not rule out being considered by Trump as potential VP material. Sessions was an early and solid supporter of Trump before the start of the primaries and caucuses, and media sources have confirmed that his name remains on Trump’s list of favored running mates being vetted by Trump’s top people. Also being considered: Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, and former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.

Related Thursday Review articles:

Does Tim Kaine Top List of Clinton VPs; Keith H. Roberts; Thursday Review; June 9, 2016.

Clinton Wins California: clinches Delegate Victory; R. Alan Clanton; Thursday Review; June 8, 2016.