NEWS AND OPINION:

So whom will former President Donald Trump pick for his running mate as the campaign season rolls on? The news media continue to fixate on the possible identity of the future vice president, complete with lists of favorites, speculation, and much analysis. Here are some headlines from the past 72 hours:

“Trump isn’t choosing a running mate, he’s casting a co-star” (The New York Times); “Trump’s VP pick will have little impact on voters’ choice for president, despite fevered speculation” (New York Post); “And the nominee is…? Who will Trump pick for V.P.?” (National Public Radio); and “’Greatest threat’: Former top Kamala Harris aide reveals which Trump VP pick could sink her candidacy” (Fox News).

And here are a few more:

“Will Donald Trump choose Doug Burgum as his running mate? Website fuels VP speculation” (USA Today); “How Marco Rubio went from rival to one of Donald Trump’s VP finalists” (The Washington Post); “[Mike] Pence’s ordeal isn’t deterring Trump’s potential ticket mates” (CNN), “Trump’s VP Candidates: JD Vance Famous for ’Hillbilly Elegy’ Memoir on Shortlist” (Bloomberg); “Sen. [Tim] Scott in the running to be Trump’s vice president” (Bloomberg), and “Amid VP audition, Burgum claims U.S. is already a ‘dictatorship’” (MSNBC).

FOXIFIED

In the meantime, Fox News has revealed coverage plans for the debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, airing on CNN and set for Thursday — giving both the hopefuls and the news media some time to fine-tune their strategy for the big night.

Here’s what Fox News will present when the time comes:

The debate coverage — featuring a simulcast of the CNN programming — begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time, to be anchored by “Fox News Sunday” host Shannon Bream.

The programing continues to an 11 p.m. “spin room” finale hosted by Sean Hannity, followed by continued coverage at midnight anchored by Trace Gallagher, an early bird “Fox & Friends First,” airing at 4 a.m. and a four-hour “Fox & Friends,” which begins at 5 a.m. Eastern.

And here’s the complete list of Fox News personalities who will be on hand for the coverage: Jesse Watters, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum, Dana Perino, Brit Hume, Kellyanne Conway, Richard Fowler, Karl Rove, Aishah Hasnie, Peter Doocy and Chad Pergram.

Fox News Digital  — found at FoxNews.com — will feature live blogs and updates, and will livestream the debate coverage from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Fox News Audio will also offer a live simulcast to radio affiliates with coverage beginning at 8:55 p.m. Eastern, and will provide an hour of post-debate coverage with reporting and analysis.

’WE NEED CHANGE’

Retired Navy Capt. Hung Cao — who spent 25 years in Special Operations, specifically explosive-ordnance disposal and deep-sea diving — won Tuesday’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Virginia and is now set to take on Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democratic incumbent, in November.

Mr. Cao is still battle ready.

“I put my life on the line for our American values and freedom because I know that America is worth defending. But today, career politicians like Tim ’Hillary’ Kaine are eroding the very liberties my fellow troops and I risked the ultimate sacrifice for. They’ve lost sight of what matters and are more interested in playing political games than serving the people they’re supposed to represent,” Mr. Cao said in a campaign announcement shared with Inside the Beltway.

The “Hillary” here refers to 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who picked Mr. Kaine as her running mate.

“Now, I’m stepping up because we need a change. I fought for this country once, taking on terrorists face to face - I’m certainly not afraid to take on establishment politicians. We need strong leaders who will put the hardworking American people before special interests and the Clinton family insiders,” Mr. Cao said.

“I’ve made a commitment to our country before, and now, I’m ready to make a new one as a U.S. Senator,” he said.

A MOMENT IN QUEENSBURY

One New York Republican journeyed Thursday to Queensbury, New York, a picturesque town at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Warren County, and on the shores of Lake George.  

Rep. Elise Stefanik was there to pay a call on a business that has some genuine can-do spirit.

“I was blown away by today’s tour and visit at Kirsh Helmets in Queensbury. This incredible veteran-owned small business is manufacturing the only 100% made in America motorcycle helmets focused on safety with innovation technology. I look forward to working to promote growth opportunities and strong economic policies to grow this local manufacturing business. A big thank you to the owners and bikers who participated in today’s event,” Ms. Stefanik said in a statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

It was indeed a cordial moment — and a teachable moment for other lawmakers. Such uncomplicated but helpful visits are most appreciated.

“Kirsh Helmets was pleased to welcome Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to our Queensbury Facility to highlight the only motorcycle helmet that is 100% American made,” said Jason Kirshon, CEO of Kirsh Helmets.

“The congresswoman’s commitment to listening to the concerns of small business like Kirsh and bringing those concerns to Congress is greatly appreciated,” he noted.

WEEKEND REAL ESTATE

For sale: Classic “post and beam” farmhouse built in 1764 on 5 acres in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in the Southern Berkshire Mountains region. Four bedrooms, three baths, carefully preserved interior stone features, wood paneling and flooring amid some modern color accents, chef’s kitchen, three fireplaces; 2,289 square feet. Includes new windows, historic barn, four-car heated garage, exterior hot tub, mature landscaping, in-ground swimming pool, additional outbuilding. Priced at $995,000 through LanceRealEstate.com. Enter 242719 in the search function.  

POLL DU JOUR

• 24% of U.S. adults say inflation is the biggest concern facing American families right now.

• 14% cite the U.S. economy as the biggest concern.

• 11% cite everyday bills.

• 6% cite political stability.

• 5% cite housing costs.

• 4% cite immigration.

• 4% cite job security.

• 3% cite health care costs.

• 3% cite civil rights and racial issues.

• 2% cite college costs and loans.

• 2% cite climate change.

• 2% cite abortion issues.

SOURCE: A Monmouth University poll of 1,106 U.S. adults conducted June 6-10.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.

• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.