All other things equal, she would be my choice - smart, strong presenter, national/Congressional experience. However, I don't think the political calculus is favorable. South Dakota doesn't bring in a lot of political weight. I doubt she would swing many in the farm region and those EC votes are already pretty well set. And although I think she could swing some suburban moms, I don't know how strong that draw would be.

People have long since given up on making positive votes - voters vote against someone. We need to blunt that. Lake fails that metric. She will be idolized by the Trump base but will have trouble outside the rabid Trump camp and will not make any positive impact on the suburban mom vote.

Since this whole game is about pandering for votes, I pick Scott for VP. Black and can appeal to black voters, especially black men, who are questioning the Dem party and policies. Obvious national experience credentials. He can move the dial.

I would put Ramy as Sec of Commerce, Noem as Sec of Ag. Others on the stage MIGHT be considered but I would for sure not even discuss Pence, Hurd, or the Jersey Jelly Belly for the cabinet.

At this point, Trump knows who the patriots are and who will cut and run at the first shot. The most critical thing - the only thing that matters really - is to do whatever it takes to get THAT man elected. We will need a VP who can expand his base. He can carry the load the rest of the way.