With Donald Trump reportedly acknowledging to his inner circle that an unconstitutional third term is unlikely, attention has shifted to Vice President JD Vance, who has positioned himself as a potential successor without formally announcing his candidacy.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump has repeatedly told White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that a third term "isn't possible," but has refrained from giving Vance a definitive endorsement to inherit the MAGA mantle.
CNN's Harry Enten reported Monday that betting markets favor Vance in an unsettled field. The vice president maintains a substantial lead in New Hampshire polling. However, the New Republic's Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling noted that Vance faces significant national favorability challenges — a concerning development for Republicans.
While Talking Point USA, now led by Charlie Kirk's widow Erika, has pledged to support Vance and endorsed him a week ago, polling data suggests limited enthusiasm for his candidacy. Quinlan Houghtaling of The New Republic observed, "no one seems to like him."
A CNN poll conducted earlier this month found that only 22 percent of Republicans support Vance's presidential bid. Respondents cited his intelligence as a potential asset and his likelihood of continuing Trump's agenda as factors in his favor.
Despite his status as the presumptive frontrunner after nearly a year auditioning as Trump's successor, Vance's favorability does not translate to electability. A striking 64 percent of those polled indicated they currently have "no one specific in mind" as their preferred candidate.
Adding to Vance's challenges, longtime Trump confidant Steve Bannon appears to be mounting a campaign against the vice president, telling his followers that Vance is "not tough enough" for the presidency.
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