Rhode Island native vetted as possible Trump running mate

July 10, 2016 6:50 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Sources close to retired Lt. General Michael Flynn have confirmed to ABC6 that he is being vetted as a potential running mate for presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. The Republican National Convention is just over a week away and Trump is expected to announce who will join him on the ticket any day now.

"We have ten people that we’re looking at very seriously,” Donald Trump said.

The latest name thrown into the mix is a 33-year Army veteran, former chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Rhode Island native Michael Flynn.

"I was not surprised based on the fact that he’s been serving as an advisor to Trump for awhile,” said political analyst Kay Israel.

Political analyst Kay Israel says Flynn advises trump on issues of foreign policy and national security.

"I think he’s perceived as being weak in three basic areas. One is national defense. Two is foreign policy. And three is actually working with and dealing with Congress,” Israel explained.

Flynn was born and raised in Middletown and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. Compared to other potential running mates, like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Indiana governor Mike Pence, Flynn is different in several ways. For one, he’s a Democrat.

"He claims to be a Democrat but with moderate instincts. Given that it’s hard to figure out what that liberal nature is,” Israel said.

In an interview with ABC news, Flynn shared his views on some key social issues including abortion. He said he believes women should have the right to choose. Israel, though, says Flynn is conservative and has been very critical of the Obama administration. Ultimately, he’s unsure if the Rhode Island native will be the key to success come November.

"He doesn’t bring that much to the ticket in terms of what he’ll bring in terms of votes. It may give a little more credibility to Trump in terms of as I said one of the areas he’s lacking in,” said Israel.

On the other side of the aisle, Hillary Clinton is vetting people the old fashioned way behind closed doors; however we do know that Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is reportedly being considered.