Journalists and commentators were looking forward to the boost in clicks and views that typically accompanies a robust presidential primary. But since the Republican primary was over before it began, and the media’s beloved Democrats are now making a mess of both domestic and foreign policy, many in the commentariat are spending a lot of time speculating about who former President Donald Trump will select as his running mate. 

After Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) nuked her veepstakes odds with the bizarre decision to prove her toughness by bragging about shooting a puppy with a 12-gauge, North Dakota governor and former sort-of presidential candidate Doug Burgum emerged as a top choice. Other names such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), perpetual Arizona candidate Kari Lake, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard have also been floated by “sources,” but Trump’s vice presidential pick likely won’t matter one way or the other.