New York, April 1 (Laquedem News Service): In a surprise move, Donald J. Trump announced today that his running mate on the Republican presidential ticket will be the late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia.
In a press conference at the Trump Tower, Mr. Trump said: "Justice Scalia has a distinguished record of public service and an unparalleled intellect, and the gravitas to lead. He'll make history as the first man to move from the Supreme Court to the Vice Presidency, and he'll be a powerful voice for underrepresented necro-Americans." Mr. Trump went on to praise Mr. Scalia's views on abortion restrictions, voting restrictions, federalism, and the Alien and Sedition Act.
Political analysts believe that Mr. Trump's selection is coldly political, an attempt to appeal to the party's conservative base that has been lining up behind Mr. Trump's main rival, Senator Ted Cruz of Florida. In his years on the court, Mr. Scalia had become a favorite of right-wing talk-show hosts and columnists, a group of influential Republicans who are expected to enthusiastically support Mr. Trump's choice.
Unusually, the candidate took questions from reporters. One reporter pointed out that Mr. Scalia had died in February. Would he be able to do the job? "So what?" Mr. Trump replied, "The vice president doesn't have to do anything except break ties, and we're gonna keep control of the Senate, so there won't be any tie votes." Asked how the campaign would handle a deceased candidate, Mr. Trump said, "Look. Whoever the old socialist or what's-her-name picks for VP has to be out on the trail, and will say something stupid, and you press people are gonna be all over that. My running mate won't say a word. No words, no embarrassments. I don't need anyone's help to embarrass my campaign - I can do it myself."