Republican Sen. Thom Tillis says Trump's 2028 GOP successor is a "jump ball"
The Takeout: Thom Tillis Calls for Trump’s 2028 GOP Success as a “Jump Ball”In an interview on CBSTV last month, RepublicanSen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina suggested that his 2028 opponent would be a “jump ball.” This term is a bit more elusive than the usual political buzzwords, but it’s clear that Tillis is making a compelling case for who should be the next Republican president.
### What Is a “Jump Ball”?
The phrase “jump ball” was first coined by conservative commentator to describe a candidate who can both win and push the party forward. This doesn’t mean they’re just pushing their own agenda; it means they’re actually capable of both winning votes and inspiring loyalty within the political base.
Tillin’s statement is not about suggesting that anyone will be the next Republican president, but rather about identifying a specific type of candidate who would be best suited to take over the leadership role in Trump’s 2028 campaign. He sees himself as the “jump ball” of the GOP (Golden Triangle Parteys), meaning he believes his opponent is capable of both winning and driving the party forward.
### The Context: Vice President JD Vance
President Donald Trump suggested that Vice President Jane Doe (referred to here as JD Vance) would be the heir apparent to Vice President Bill Clinton. Vance was a significant figure in the Democratic Party’s early days, and some have dismissed him as a “maverick” or even an “independent candidate.” However, many Republicans believe Vance has the potential to fill the vice presidential role if Trump is willing to pivot.
Tillin’s statement comes after several high-profile Republican candidates in recent years have made similar claims about their own opponents. Some are calling themselves “jump balls,” while others are more cautious and focus on other criteria for success. Regardless, the trend seems to be that those who can both unite the party around a candidate and inspire loyalty within the base are seen as more likely to succeed.
### The Article Coverage
Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported extensively on this issue. Political reporter Marianna Sotomayor wrote about how “jump ball” candidates often face strong Republican backerbase in their campaign. They can’t just rely on their own party’s loyalty; they need to appeal to a broader audience that understands the impact of their policies on national priorities.
Oriana González from NOTUS (a political reporter) also highlighted the importance of “jump ball” candidates. She noted that these candidates often focus not only on winning electors but also on driving the party’s trajectory forward, which includes supporting policies that align with the interests of both voters and the nation as a whole.
### The conversation continues: Thom Tillis
Thom Tillis, a Republican Sen. from North Carolina, joined the “The Takeout” segment to elaborate on his perspective. He clarified that he does not think the vice president is a lock to succeed his boss. Instead, he believes there are other qualities and criteria that make a candidate a great jump ball.
Tillin also shared personal anecdotes about how his own campaign has shown that it can work. For example, when working with former Vice President Joe Biden on the 2016 election, he helped Biden build a strong following in many states. This experience suggested to him that there are practical ways for candidates like Vance to succeed if Trump is willing.
### The broader implications
Tillin’s comments reflect the ongoing debate over who should be the next Republican president. While some believe that a Democratic candidate would do best, others argue that a Republican could have even greater chances of success due to their ability to unite with an unflinching base and push for policies that benefit both voters and society.
### Conclusion
In his interview, Thom Tillis clearly sees “jump ball” as the key to future presidential election success. Whether it’s by inspiring loyalty or driving the party forward, he believes a candidate who can do both will have the best chance of taking Trump’s 2028 campaign to victory. The conversation with NOTUS and The Washington Post provides a detailed look at the political landscape on both sides of the issue, offering readers a deeper understanding of the concepts being discussed.
By analyzing the latest developments in the Republican race, readers can see how different candidates are positioning themselves for future success. This article is one of many that are shaping the conversation around the 2028 presidential election, showing that even the most unlikely figures have opportunities to shape the outcome of one of the nation’s most consequential elections in history.
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