Anti-Israel and climate change protestors took the field yesterday at the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Reactions to the protests seem to be mostly influenced by political affiliations.

Many are irritated by the protests, feeling they are disruptive, and indicate a lack of respect for Israel’s right to exist. Some Americans voice strong support for Israel and a desire to see pro-Palestine protestors arrested or deported.

However, many liberals also voice support for the protestors, emphasizing the importance of their right to free speech. They claim Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as Israelis and argue against the actions of Israel in the ongoing conflict. There’s significant portion of the online conversation advocating for the rights and lives of Palestinians.

Several social media posts react critically to the protest disruption by referencing other recent protests where protesters burned American and Israeli flags and damaging a WWI monument. People argue this kind of behavior is violent and would potentially lead to arrests if perpetrated against other symbols like Pride flags.

Discussion sentiment varies widely between political ideologies, and protests don’t seem to move opinions. This suggests a deeply entrenched and polarized view of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It also seems most sentiments lean toward outright support for Israel, or an emphasis on the rights and struggles of both Israelis and Palestinians.

There's significant backlash against protestors who engage in disruptive or violent behaviors. Americans generally disapprove of blocking roads or occupying buildings. Many strongly condemn these tactics and call for punitive measures against such protestors.

Fulton County DA Fani Willis and her boyfriend-turned-special-prosecutor Nathan Wade are making news again in the wake of Wade’s recent CNN interview. Following the indefinite pause in Willis’s RICO case against former president Trump, Wade appeared on CNN with Kaitlan Collins, causing a kerfuffle over the timeline of his relationship with Willis.

In a clip Collins posted on X, Nathan Wade struggles to respond to her question about when his romantic relationship with Willis began. After a short interruption by Wade’s team, he returned to the interview refusing to answer the question. This clip has garnered various reactions of incredulity, ridicule, and disgust from voters.

My exchange with Nathan Wade tonight on the timeline of his romantic relationship with District Attorney Fani Willis — including an interruption from a member of his team as he was answering when it began and when it ended. pic.twitter.com/S5AJzdsmOC

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 13, 2024

Nathan Wade's team interrupting him during the interview is raising doubts and suspicions among the public about the credibility of Wade, Willis, and even CNN for how it aired the interview. These discussions are adding to the ongoing speculations of hidden manipulations and collusion between Democrats, prosecutors, and the media.

Many suggest Wade's representation on CNN confirms inadequacies in both his and Willis’s abilities as legal professionals. There are also allegations about the two jointly strategizing on the draft and process of the case, feeding the narrative of collusion and undue influence.

Views of DA Fani Willis

Most voter opinions of Fani Willis seem to derive from their politics with people either condemning her or celebrating her for her perseverance. However, the general sentiment towards Willis is highly negative among most voters.

Voters often believe she is engaged in corruption and pursuing politicized prosecutions. They reference her alleged involvement in serious cases of graft, voter manipulation, and witness intimidation. Some also say Willis was part of a plot to intimidate witnesses in the concurrent trial against the rapper Young Thung.

The combinations of a Willis-Wade affair, alleged corruption, the indefinite pause on Trump’s RICO case, and outlandish proceedings in the Young Thug trial have served to further erode DA Willis’s reputation.

Allegations of Corruption

Most of Willis’s criticism comes from a belief that Trump’s RICO indictment was politically orchestrated. However, while some view Willis as an aggressive figure with political motivations, others see her as a crusader for justice in challenging Trump's alleged misdeeds. The news about her alleged involvement in election fraud and money laundering has added fuel to the public discourse. Her supporters stick to the notion of a political victimization plot against her, while opponents find the allegations as evidence for unethical behavior.

There are multiple accusations about her visit to the White House prior to Trump's indictment, suggesting collusion. This also raises concerns among certain voters of potential inappropriate influence by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Also, the fact that both Willis and Special Counsel Jack Smith may be disqualified from their respective cases has split the public's view further. Some see it as an affirmation of the law working properly, while others condemn it as an example of systemic corruption.

Willis as a Political Pawn

Some view Willis as a pawn in a larger political game, tied to figures like Joe Biden. Her impartiality is often questioned, with several users perceiving her actions against Trump as politically motivated rather than issues of criminality.

There is some mention of Hunter Biden's trial, comparing it to Willis and other public figures involved in prosecuting certain political figures. Some say Willis, Alvin Bragg, Jack Smith, and Leticia James are all products of elite law school DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. This, they say, increases the likelihood of their prosecutions being politically motivated.

Many voters seem to believe that—while Fani Willis is likely a corrupt politician—she is a small fish in a larger political game being played at every level of the court system.

Current public discourse about the Democratic Party potentially replacing President Joe Biden as their nominee is slowly growing. Discussion is heterogeneous and fragmented, leaning heavily on individual political biases and perceptions. However, there is not significant or concentrated chatter suggesting the Democratic Party is considering replacing Biden.s

Several mainstream media reports have discussed this issue during the Democratic primary, specifically as the “Uncommitted” movement has gained steam. MIG Reports performed an initial study of online commentary to find insights into voter sentiment about replacing Joe Biden.

Google Search Trends previously showed an increase in searches for "Uncommitted Movement” and "replace Biden.” Often, these searches mirror primary election days. For the first time in 2024, "replace Biden” outpaced searches for "Uncommitted Movement.”

Online discourse shows low volume in several topics related to the nomination process. However, the notable disastrous swing in sentiment may indicate the discussion, while still a niche topic, may be heading to an inflection point.

Based on the two datasets, it is possible to extrapolate that voters are becoming curious about the feasibility of replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee. This may prove to be one more chaotic element to an already unprecedented nomination process. In addition, Biden is set to be nominated via Zoom despite no COVID-lockdowns and growing voter dissatisfaction.

Voters are Increasingly Rejecting Biden

Online conversations reveal a predominantly negative sentiment towards the Democratic Party and Joe Biden. Most of the discussion focuses on allegations of platform discrepancies and lies from Biden’s administration.

Other prominent themes include accusations of corruption, communism, socialism, and a perceived bias in favor of Democrats in Hunter Biden's conviction. Several voters suggest the Democratic Party is no longer representing the views of its traditional base. There is criticism for perceived radical or extremist views within the party. Voters feel alienated and claim the party has diverged from its original moderate standpoint to adopt more radical ideologies.

Many also express a belief that the Democratic Party wants the “destruction of America.” This further indicates the extent of the negative sentiment as people view the Democratic party and Joe Biden as untrustworthy and power-hungry.

Voters accuse Democrats and the media of censorship, particularly surrounding the Hunter Biden laptop story. Politicians, news media, and government agents are being accused of participating in misinformation and election rigging.

There are only a few social media posts defending Biden and the Democratic party. These threads highlight some positive aspects of Biden's tenure. However, even within these comments, there's considerable criticism about how Biden is handling issues like the border, Israel, and the economy.

Prevalent negative sentiment implies a significant level of dissatisfaction with the current administration and the Democratic Party. Although this is not a comprehensive view of all Americans nor a scientific study, it provides some insight into current discussions and sentiment trends among Americans online. It's important to acknowledge that social media discussions often skew negative and may not accurately represent the views of the wider population.

Following his felony conviction, former president Donald Trump was ordered by the court to have an interview with a probation officer. Several media outlets reported on the event which was a 30-minute Zoom. Much of the coverage attempted to paint the situation as another disastrous legal situation for Trump.

MIG Reports studied social media reactions to the interview itself and media coverage. Trump supporters don’t seem to be wavering—and neither do Trump haters. However, discussions of Trump mentioning the keyword “president” increased with a net gain in approval and no data indicating lowered support.

Many Americans, particularly those on the right, view Trump's legal treatment as egregious and unfair, further fueling their support for him. They use the theatrical nature of his probation interview to criticize what they perceive as increasingly steep political persecution against conservatives.

Voters are also divided regarding current President Joe Biden. They criticize him for his administration’s failures and see Trump as a more favorable option, often also calling for Biden's impeachment.

Some defend President Biden, arguing any impeachment attempts are baseless and targeting political opponents. However, their view of Trump is the opposite among those on the left who tend to view claims of Trump's mistreatment as either false or that he deserves what he’s getting. They also continue expressing deep dissatisfaction with Trump's comments about certain issues, like recent remarks about Taylor Swift.

Other Reactionary Conservative Discussions

The topic of Hunter Biden's conviction is brought up repeatedly in discussions of Trump's probation interview. Some argue about alleged double standards in the justice system, indicating suspicion about how both cases were handled by authorities.

Posts referencing Marjorie Taylor Greene's intent to impeach Joe Biden presents a divided reaction, with many dismissing it as futile and a waste of time, while a significant portion support her efforts reflecting a heightened political polarization.

Recent reporting identified President Joe Biden as suffering his lowest approval numbers from voters at around 37.4%. Americans say they’re dissatisfied with the current administration because of multiple issues, which ae causing the dwindling approval rating. Some of the top issues include the economy, immigration, impeachment efforts, and allegations against his son, Hunter Biden.

The Economy

Many Americans are frustrated with the current economic situation. They believe their wages are not increasing in line with the rising cost of living. Some feel they are working mainly to pay bills, further exasperating their discontent with Biden's policy. Accusations around Biden favoring special interests and corporations over everyday people are also adding to the negative sentiment.

Immigration

Concerns around immigration policy and border security, particularly related to the U.S.-Mexico border, are contributing to Biden's low approval rating. Biden has been criticized for the problems persisting at the border despite his rule change and executive orders.

Impeachment Efforts

Some discussions focus on efforts by Republicans, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and others, to impeach Biden. This has sparked debate around the validity and evidence behind these efforts. Many express frustration at the perceived pettiness and partisanship of these moves even as they have been largely unsuccessful.

Family Ties

Hunter Biden’s business dealings have also drawn scrutiny and criticism. Some Americans believe not enough is being done to investigate Hunter Biden and that Joe Biden should be held accountable too. Conversely, others point out that Biden has not interfered in ongoing investigations or litigation involving his son, showing integrity and respect for the justice system.

Israel-Palestine

Many online discussions highlight divisions in the Democratic Party regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Democratic voters will likely continue to be split by this conflict, especially with no ability to offset emotional stressors which have helped drive the abysmal approval numbers.

Establishment Sentiment

There is a significant amount of misinformation and extreme views circulating, some accusing Biden of totalitarian rule and election fraud, even leading to aggressive and threatening comments.

Furthermore, the prevalent perception that Biden is not doing enough for the American people seems to be negatively impacting his approval rating. Whether accurate or not, this perception can influence how people view his performance, which is reflected in polls.

Democratic Perspectives

While his supporters are vocally in favor of President Biden amid dropping approval ratings, their reasons are less nuanced and not universal.

• Dismissive: Many argue President Biden is a “clean politician,” capable of shaking off any negative allegations.
• Mainstream Media’s Fault: Some blame Biden's unpopularity on factors such as media exaggerations and hypocrisy.
• Reality Check: Some admit Biden faces a tough battle in countering these negative perceptions.

Issues that will likely continue impacting Biden’s approval include:

• Continued border crossing numbers in the face of Biden’s meager response to control the border.
• CPI and other inflation reporting continually adjusted.
• Democratic National Convention nominating Joe Biden as the presidential candidate via Zoom.

Justice Samuel Alito was secretly recorded talking about the discontented nature of American politics and partisan divides. During the interaction, Justice Alito said, “One side or the other is going to win. There can be a way of working, a way of living together peacefully, but it’s difficult, you know, because there are differences on fundamental things that really can’t be compromised."

What Americans are Saying

MIG Reports analyzed voter sentiment on the themes Justice Alito spoke about across varying online conversations to determine if voters agree with his position. While reactions to Alito’s comments themselves are scattered and indirect, the themes he spoke about are prominent.

The state of political divides in the country and increasingly irreconcilable value clashes are at the forefront of American discourse. Most people agree that ideological, political, and cultural differences have dwindling prospects for national unity or resolution.

Analysis indicates a clear sense of worry Americans have about the future of the country’s institutions, event beyond government institutions. There are concerns about the erosion of educational institutions, corporations and small business brands, and cultural institutions like the news media and entertainment.

However, there are stark disagreements on the causes and solutions to these concerns. Alito's comments speak to the broader political polarization present in America and real-time voter discussions seem to substantiate his position.

• Discussion topics in three top categories for online conversation demonstrate the accuracy of Justice Alito’s statements about the fracturing of American political and cultural unity.

Ideologies in America

Discussion Trends

• Wokeness: Many people express negative views on wokeness, criticizing it for promoting political correctness, cancel culture, and societal sensitivity. Critics argue it leads to societal decay and stifles free speech.
• Role of Government: There is significant disagreement over government initiatives, with some criticizing perceived overreach and authoritarianism. Opinions are split between support for libertarian or conservative policies versus socialist or liberal measures.
• Identity Politics: Discussions on race, gender, and sexual orientation show defensiveness and hostility towards changing societal norms with little room for compromise.
• Political Partisanship: The division between conservatives and liberals is clear, with each side blaming the other for societal issues and accusing each other of spreading propaganda. There is a yearning for a return to “normalcy,” despite skepticism that normalcy is possible.
• Media Bias: Many believe mainstream media is biased, promoting a leftist agenda or lacking impartiality.

Sentiment Trends

• Society feels upheaval from changing values or oppressive norms.
• Both sides are frustrated and fearful, longing for unity but failing to see a path to it.
• Disagreements hinder understanding, leading to confrontational discourse.

President

Discussion Trends

• Political Focus: Many Americans are discussing political affairs, particularly focusing on President Biden's administration, impeachment efforts, political lies, and border-related issues.
• Polarization: There is a clear divide in discussions between those who support President Biden and those who are against his presidency.
• Accusations and Defense: While both sides engage in accusations and defense, there is also distrust towards the actions and decisions taken by Biden's administration. Some accuse leaders of lying, and others question their motives.
• Lack of Constructive Dialogue: Discussions lack constructive dialogue, with participants engaging in personal attacks and derogatory statements. This contributes to further discord and division rather than seeking solutions.

Sentiment Trends

• There is a prevailing sentiment of disagreement and frustration with the current political landscape.
• Voters express resentment and dissatisfaction towards politicians, accusing them of inaction, political bias, and crimes.
• Sentiments are polarized between those who support President Biden and those who oppose his presidency.
• Overall, there is a sentiment of division and discord, and Americans fear a lack of compromise and peaceful coexistence.

Weaponized Government

Discussion Trends

• Government Criticism: There is much talk about government overreach. Voters express concern about losing control of the government and the growing power disparity.
• Political Party Division: Discussions are marked by a clear divide in political party preferences. Both Democrats and Republicans receive blame for the nation's issues, reflecting deep partisan divides.
• Calls for Citizen Action: Many people emphasize the need for citizens to reclaim government control. There is a strong emphasis on protecting democratic principles and citizen rights.
• Government Involvement in Specific Issues: People discuss federal government involvement in issues like birth control. Discussions highlight the need for a clear delineation of roles between state and federal governments.

Sentiment Trends

• There is a prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and government actions.
• Sentiments are polarized along party lines, with both sides blaming each other for societal problems.
• There’s a strong sensitivity to political partisanship and mutual distrust.
• Many people feel an urgency for the American people to take action on their beliefs.
• There is a call for a proper balance between state and federal government roles.

Reparations, which refer to compensating descendants of African slaves in America for the economic disparities black Americans suffered, are a growing topic of political and social discourse in the United States. However, opinions on this matter vary broadly among various demographics and political affiliations, causing various proposals for reparations to elicit mixed reactions.

• National sentiment toward racial reparations hovers in the low 40% range, suggesting it has not become a widely popular issue.
• In general, Democrats have a more negative sentiment on racial issues than Republicans, suggesting they may see more of a need for something like reparations.

Supporters and Detractors of Reparations

Many African American voters view reparations as a necessary act of justice and financial redress that should address hundreds of years of institutionalized slavery, racial discrimination and inequality. Advocates argue economic compensation would be an effective way of remedying the racial wealth gap. They also believe it would be a required step to achieving racial justice. They contend slavery helped build the wealth of the nation on the backs of the enslaved, and the benefits of that economy have lingered into the 21st century.

However, not all Americans support reparations — particularly conservatives and Republicans who consider it part of woke ideology. Those in opposition to racial reparations argue slavery was a historical event that current generations bear no responsibility for. Many express fears about the potential economic costs and social implications of racially motivated and imposed payments. They raise concerns about the practicality of determining who would qualify for reparations, and how a program might be administered.

Reparations critics also worry about the economic feasibility of such a large and coercive transfer of wealth. They fear they could lead to increased taxes or government debt, without effectively or fairly solving problems for economic classes or races.

Others argue reparations could potentially increase racial tension and divisiveness. These critics, spanning the spectrum of political ideologies, often promote targeted policies aimed at improving education, housing, and job opportunities for minority communities rather than directly compensating individuals for past injustices.

Political and Generational Divides

The dividing lines of how Americans view reparations seem to be largely political and perhaps generational. The Democratic party has generally been more supportive of reparations, with some democratic presidential candidates in 2020 urging studies on the issue. Conversely, Republicans have been broadly opposed to reparations, with several key figures arguing they would be costly, divisive, and unfair.

The progressive left are the strongest advocates for reparations and say they are necessary to confront the country’s history of racial injustice. More centrist Democrats focus on broad social programs aimed at reducing economic inequality, rather than reparations specifically for black Americans.

Younger people like Gen Z are also more open to the idea of reparations than older generations. One study indicated less than one-third of white adults of any age support reparations, compared to about three-quarters of black adults. While Democrats have been more receptive to reparations, polls show that the party is divided along racial and generational lines.

A significant proportion of African American voters support reparations, viewing it as necessary for achieving racial justice. Other minority groups have also expressed support, drawing parallels between their experiences and the historical injustices faced by African Americans. However, white voters are generally less supportive of reparations.

Ideological Drivers

There is a portion of black conservative voters who do not support reparations, as well as white liberals who do. This suggests support for or opposition to reparations is not wholly racial in nature, but largely ideological.

Talk about reparations often goes beyond the question of financial compensation and ventures into addressing systemic racism, wealth disparity, educational opportunity gaps, and other forms of inequality that persist in modern America.

Those who believe in equity and systemic racism are more likely to support the idea of reparations. Those who believe in meritocratic achievement, personal responsibility, and free market capitalism are less likely to support reparations.

Former President Donald Trump’s rally in Las Vegas generated much buzz and social media discussion, including a 2-point increase in his lead against Joe Biden for the presidential election. MIG Reports analysis of voter reactions to the rally indicates a positive view of Trump’s appeal.

Discussion Trends

Many Americans are talking about the perceived faults of the Biden administration with hashtags like #BidenBorderCrisis, #BidenDementia, #Bidenomics, #bidenflation. They also voice criticism of Democrats more generally. Voters express a desire for Trump to provide solutions to these issues they view as caused by President Biden.

Title IX and girls' sports is also a trending topic. Following Trump's comments about women's sports at the rally, supporters are echoing his sentiment. They agree with the assertion that men should not participate in women's sports events.

Another notable discussion trend involves statements from Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Some on her side fear she could be jailed if Trump wins another term. These suggestions have led to a negative response from Trump supporters who view many AOC comments as overblown or who hold critical views of AOC herself.

Sentiment Trends

Voter sentiment toward Trump’s Las Vegas rally is largely positive toward the presumptive GOP nominee. Supporters express admiration for him, describing him as a "fighter," a "proven winner,” and a "leader." Negatively charged language mostly used against figures in the Democratic party such as Biden or Ocasio-Cortez.

Negative sentiment focuses on important problems in America for voters like the border crisis, economic worries, and alleged freedom of speech issues – all of which were discussed during Trump's rally.

Other points of discussion include:

Biden Administration Criticisms

• Negative sentiment toward Biden and Harris, particularly criticizing the action of their administration.
• The country's current state, Trump’s potential nickname for Biden, “Crooked Joe,” the legitimacy of Biden’s election win, and comparisons between Trump and Biden’s leadership.
• There is significant criticism towards Biden himself, focusing on his cognitive abilities, election legitimacy, and leadership performance. People use terms like "criminal" and "liar" when speaking about him.
• Kamala Harris also faces heavy criticism, with many attributing the administration's perceived failures to both her and Biden.
• Some Independents say they prefer Trump over Biden, despite not being strong Trump supporters.

Trump Supporter Reactions

• Voters express unity and strength with phrases like "MAGA STRONG" and appreciate the rally despite challenges like high temperatures.
• Negative online comments label Trump supporters as "gullible" and "duped" and refer to Trump as a "convict.” However, there is also a prevalent view that criticism of Trump was a coordinated effort by major liberal accounts.
• The most discussed subject from the rally was Trump's support for Nevada senate candidate Sam Brown, highlighted by his post on Truth Social.
• Positive sentiments were not just about support but also resistance against criticism and political targeting.

Economic Issues

• Many people are enthusiastic about Trump's pledge to eliminate taxes on tips, significant for service-industry-heavy cities like Las Vegas. Some voters are making comparisons between Trump's tax policies and those of other leaders like Reagan.
• Republicans and conservatives especially voice excitement about lower taxes under a second Trump administration.
• There is also negative sentiment targeted at the media, with accusations of the Vegas television media suppressing coverage of Trump's tax pledges.

With recent news that Trump sent vetting materials to several VP candidates, discussions have grown about potential VP picks for the Trump ticket. The top contenders mostly consist of expected names—largely those who have been considered among Republicans for months.

The Trump campaign has reportedly sent vice-presidential vetting paperwork to seven candidates, including Doug Burgum, Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, Tim Scott, Byron Donalds, Elise Stefanik, and Ben Carson. The MIG Reports exclusive VP tracker shows live support and approval analysis which recently suggest:

• Voter reactions show different levels of popularity and approval toward the various choices.
• While Vivek Ramaswamy is often mentioned as an unlikely choice, he remains popular among voters with a 30-day average of nearly 20%.
• Byron Donalds takes second place in voter popularity with a 30-day average of 8% support. He also has strong approval numbers and is among the rumored top choices.

What Republicans Are Saying About the Top Picks

Voters are reacting positively to news of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance being in the running. Some endorsed Vance, calling him an America-First choice. They believe he aligns with Trump's agenda and would be acceptable to most. On the other hand, several criticized him primarily for his initial dislike towards Trump and his variable political positions.

Tim Scott and Marco Rubio received mixed reactions. While some voters consider them to be MAGA choices, others label them as RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) and doubt their allegiance to the Trump administration. Some even expressed absolute disapproval of Rubio being considered for vice presidency.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is receiving relatively less attention. However, some say if Trump picks Burgum as his VP, it could indirectly give Bill Gates significant influence due to their close friendship. This generates disapproval since Gates is unpopular among many conservatives.

A recurring concern for many conservatives and MAGA voters is the prospect of having a RINO as Trump’s VP. They fear establishment candidates will not uphold true conservative values. Nikki Haley, although not officially in the running according to recent news, is repeatedly referenced as among these unfavorable RINO choices. Many say she would be even worse than Mike Pence in the eyes of MAGA supporters.

Byron Donalds

Many voters think Byron Donalds is a popular choice. However, he has sparked some strong backlash for his controversial comments on black America during the Jim Crow Era.

A Florida Congressman, Byron Donalds brings a conservative perspective and is one of the two African American Republicans in the House. However, some worry about his eligibility since he and Trump both reside in Florida. Donalds’ comments about “the Black family” during Jim Crow have been controversial and may alienate moderate voters. Republicans might find his admission and discussion of systemic racism to be problematic.

• Byron Donalds enjoys around 8% support, according to MIG Reports data. His approval is also strong, hovering near 50% and soaring above it at times in the last 30 days.

Marco Rubio

Views of Marco Rubio are divided, with some criticizing his allegiance to the Constitution and suggesting his ambition for power could be damaging. Yet, supporters think his background could attract Independent and moderate voters.

A junior senator from Florida, Rubio offers name recognition and experience from his 2016 presidential run. Republicans may appreciate his commitment to conservative principles on issues like tax and immigration. Moderates might appreciate his engagement on issues like climate change and higher education reform. Constitutional eligibility questions are a concern since both Rubio and Trump are residents of Florida.

• Rubio’s approval tends to vary widely, with dips down close to 30% and highs around 50%.

J.D. Vance

Despite his support with America-First voters, some people criticize Vance for his inconsistent loyalty towards Trump. Others are concerned that if Vance becomes VP, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine might appoint a RINO as his replacement.

Vance is the author of “Hillbilly Elegy” and brings an empathetic voice for the struggling working-class. His appeal is tested among Republicans, while his criticisms of Trump may resonate with moderates. Vance's lack of political experience may, however, be a hindrance.

• Vance has gained around 50% approval in the last few days, recovering from a dip to the low 40% range at the start of June.

Tim Scott

Tim Scott's vote against federal protections for contraception and his association with MAGA has earned him criticism from more moderate voters. Yet, some believe he could appeal to Independents better than some of the strong MAGA choices.

South Carolina Senator Scott is the only African American Republican in the Senate and is known for his work on criminal justice reform. This may appeal to moderate voters, although his endorsement of police reform could lead to push back from some conservatives.

• Scott struggled with approval at the start of June, but as news of his consideration increased, his approval increased back to nearly 50%.

Doug Burgum

A relative unknown as North Dakota's governor, some voters think Burgum would allow Trump to keep the spotlight on himself. His name in the running has not elicited any significantly negative reactions, though his VP credentials don't seem to stir up much enthusiasm either.

Burgum is a strong economic conservative with private sector experience as the former CEO of a software company. Republicans might appreciate his fiscally conservative approach and his governing experience, while moderates may be drawn to his reputation as a pragmatic rather than ideological leader.

• Burgum’s approval remains steadily around 50%, with a slight bump in recent days.

Elise Stefanik

Elise Stefanik did not generate as significant a volume of comments compared to others in contention. She also does not draw as strong of opposition as some other candidates, but she also doesn’t seem to have much momentum behind her.

A young Congresswoman from New York, Stefanik gained fame during the Trump impeachments. Her steadfast support for Trump may win her points with Republicans, but her combative style and strong alignment with Trump might turn off moderate voters.

• Stefanik’s approval can vary widely, fluctuating between 30-50% in the last 30 days.

Ben Carson

While some suggest Carson’s age might be a hindrance to a long-term role, many see him as a good candidate due to his loyalty to Trump and alignment with the America-First movement. Many also view his calm demeanor and intelligence as strengths.

Ben Carson, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has a strong association with the Trump administration and a deep-rooted connection with conservative Christian voters. His quiet demeanor may appeal to those seeking a lower profile candidate but his lack of political experience beyond the HUD role may be a negative for those seeking a seasoned political candidate.

• Carson typically sees strong approval percentages, staying largely above 50% in the last 30 days with a high of 59%.

Passing Mention Contenders

There is also speculation about a few dark horse candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Tulsi Gabbard, who some think could take up the America-First mantle. However, Gabbard's liberal background could deter many conservatives.

Tom Cotton is another notable contender. His right-leaning stances align with more conservative elements of the Republican base, but his alleged refusal to condemn threats of violence, puts him at odds with moderates who prioritize law and order. His attempts to secure a place on Trump's shortlist may also be viewed unfavorably by more traditionalist Republicans who disapprove of a perceived MAGA-centric approach.

This diverse field highlights the Trump campaign's attempt to appeal to various factions within the Republican Party and beyond, balancing ideological conservatives with potential candidates with moderate appeal. Given the early stage, it is likely the list may well evolve. Be sure to check in the MIG Reports exclusive VP tracker as the presidential campaign continues.

Based on AI-curated data and MIG Reports research, a clear front runner has yet to emerge for the Republican VP pick. Given the sentiments discussed in this report and developments in the political landscape, however, popularity may be gathering around Ben Carson, J.D. Vance, and Vivek Ramaswamy for the VP position.