JD Vance says there would be a 'bit of disappointment' if he is not Trump's running mate

A day before the first presidential debate, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, said he would be a "little" disappointed if former President Donald Trump does not choose him as his running mate in an interview on FOX & Friends that aired Wednesday.

Vance, who is thought to be near the top of Trump's vice-presidential shortlist, appeared on FOX & Friends alongside his wife Usha Vance, as part of the network's "special series" interviewing those who could join the Republican ticket this November. In the interview, Vance confirmed he has been in conversation with Trump's 2024 campaign. He added that he could help Trump defend against Democratic attacks that Republicans "hate" people of color or poor people because he comes from a poor family and working-class community.

"My best guess is they’re looking at me and they’re looking at a lot of other people too, and they’ll ask me if they ask me. And if they don’t, that’s fine," Vance told FOX & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones. "I'm human, right? So, when you know this thing is a possibility, if it doesn't happen, there's certainly going to be a little bit of disappointment."

More: Trump's VP options: Sizing up their pros and cons from Tucker Carlson to Kari Lake

He added, however, that he loves his current job representing Ohio in the Senate and being a dad.

“That’s not going to change, whether Trump asked me to be vice president or not,” Vance said.

The network will air a similar sit-down with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Thursday and with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum Monday.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_

-

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JD Vance makes case for Trump VP spot on FOX & Friends