Tucker Carlson is voicing his opposition to Rupert Murdoch's efforts to sway Trump's vice-presidential pick.
Murdoch's Campaign for Doug Burgum
Breitbart reported that Murdoch, former head and board member of News Corp and Fox Corporation, is actively trying to persuade former President Donald Trump to choose North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his running mate. The tycoon has reportedly called Trump multiple times daily and utilized his media empire's flagship properties, including The Wall Street Journal, to lobby Trump and his close circle.
“Rupert Murdoch has launched a full-scale lobbying effort to get Donald Trump to pick North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum for vice president, sources told NOTUS,” NOTUS's Reese Gorman wrote. “And if Trump won't pick Burgum, these sources said, Murdoch apparently has one last request: At least don't pick Sen. J.D. Vance. Sources told NOTUS Friday that Murdoch has been pushing for Burgum — and against Vance — for quite some time now, both over the phone and by dispatching surrogates to Trump in person. A source close to Trump told NOTUS that Murdoch has been regularly calling the former president — often multiple times a day — to urge him to choose Burgum. One Fox News communications consultant told NOTUS that Murdoch had also sent employees from the New York Post down to Mar-a-Lago to bash Vance and make the case for the North Dakota governor. And the source close to Trump told NOTUS something similar — that Murdoch had sent News Corp executives to meet with the former president to personally make the pitch for Burgum and against Vance.”
What's more, the story from NOTUS also features an on-record quote from former Fox News primetime host Tucker Carlson speaking out against the Murdoch obsession with blocking Vance.
Carlson's Critique
“A lot of supposedly conservative news outlets turn out to have zero interest in anything their readers and viewers care about. Instead, they're focused on promoting pointless wars,” Carlson said. “That's why they're working so hard to destroy J.D. Vance before Trump can pick him. Let's hope they don't succeed.”
Throughout the explosive piece, Gorman quotes several people familiar with the matter who say that Murdoch's efforts are designed to try to reassert his control over the Republican Party and take it back from Trump, while riding out Trump's likely next term and then reverting back to the olden days of the GOP establishment.
The Veepstakes: Burgum vs. Vance
J.D. Vance: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Appeal to Working-Class Voters: Vance's background and bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” resonate with working-class voters, potentially attracting those who feel overlooked by the political establishment.
- Midwestern Influence: As an Ohio native, Vance could help bolster support in crucial Midwestern states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Populist Credentials: His rhetoric on economic inequality and the opioid crisis aligns with Trump's base, energizing populist and anti-establishment voters.
- Media Savvy: Vance's public speaking and media presence make him an effective campaign spokesperson.
Cons:
- Controversial Statements: Vance's past remarks, such as suggesting Trump replace civil servants with loyalists, could alienate persuadable voters.
- Perceived Opportunism: Critics point to his shift from Trump critic to supporter, questioning his authenticity.
- Policy Inexperience: With a limited legislative record, Vance's effectiveness in policy implementation is uncertain.
- Divisive Figure: His polarizing views might limit the ticket's appeal, particularly given his underperformance in Ohio compared to Trump's previous campaigns.
Doug Burgum: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Executive Experience: Burgum's experience as a governor may reassure voters who have concerns about Trump's freewheeling schedule.
- Economic Expertise: With a successful business background, including selling his company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion, Burgum aligns with Trump's focus on economic growth.
- Sensible Image: Burgum's pragmatic governance style could attract moderate and independent voters seeking a balanced alternative to Biden.
- Clean Image: A scandal-free political career helps present a cleaner ticket, appealing to undecided voters who support Trump's policies but are wary of his controversies.
Cons:
- Limited National Recognition: As North Dakota's governor, Burgum lacks the national profile of other potential running mates.
- Small-State Influence: North Dakota's three electoral votes offer limited strategic advantage compared to larger states.
- Moderate Stances: His pragmatic approach might not resonate with Trump's fervent supporters, potentially causing friction within the base and dampening turnout.
Interactive Poll: Who Should Trump Pick?
Will Trump follow Murdoch's advice or take a different path? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Murdock is trying to destroy PresidentTrump! Vance is the best choice or Elise Steffick.
I like Sarah Huckabee Sanders for VP. She’s great!