As the feeding frenzy for Democrats continues following President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance, the fallout is affecting more than just him and his party.

Former President Donald Trump has less than a week to name his running mate before the Republican National Convention begins Monday in Milwaukee. The shortlist of contenders reportedly includes North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). 

However, the dynamics of the decision may have changed dramatically as a result of the debate — and not because of anything that Trump said or did. Biden’s utter refusal to step aside in the wake of what has been politely called “age-related decline,” despite talk of invoking the 25th Amendment, has left Democrats fighting among themselves as the president fiercely struggles to keep the party united. 

If the poll numbers are accurate and if they continue to hold, Trump may no longer need to choose a vice president who will help him compete in a swing state. Here’s the start of an Axios report on how the post-debate reality may influence Trump’s choice:

Donald Trump’s decision on a running mate could be affected by the fallout from President Biden’s dismal performance in their debate, senior GOP sources tell Axios.

Why it matters: Some Democrats’ calls for Biden to be replaced as the party’s nominee left Trump feeling particularly bullish last week about his chances of winning in November, a senior GOP source familiar with Trump’s thinking told Axios — and that might be good news for Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

  • The GOP sources believe Biden’s woes could leave Trump feeling free to pick a conservative firebrand such as Vance over lower-key top contenders such as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum or Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Trump’s pick remains anyone’s guess, and he’s not saying — yet. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity late Tuesday that he’d announce his nominee for vice president “probably before the [GOP] convention,” which begins Monday in Milwaukee.

  • An announcement is coming soon: Events in Milwaukee will include his VP pick.