The other contemporary concept is balance: the vice presidential nominee can balance the ticket in terms of demographics, or possibly geography. This, I think, is the most relevant frame of reference for the current election. It no doubt explains why the New York Post is promoting Tim Scott as the VP front-runner. Scott is a good guy and of course he is black, but he is basically a values candidate.

The question, I think, is what kind of balance should Trump seek? I think he needs, more than geographic or demographic balance, personality balance. Someone who is solid, reliable, non-dramatic, not susceptible to tabloid distractions, with a record of success in business and an air of obvious competence that will reassure the business community, Wall Street, and upper-income voters. In my view, more than any of the other VP contenders, Burgum has those qualities in spades.

So I have come around to the idea that, while Trump has other good options, selecting Doug Burgum as his vice presidential nominee could be a smart choice. One more thing: it also offers the prospect of Doug Burgum debating Kamala Harris, which could be a mismatch for the ages.