Donald Trump On Running Mate: I Want An Attack Dog

Donald Trump told reporters today, in what may be a hint as to his choice of running mate, that he wants an attack dog to join him on the GOP ticket.

Mr. Trump, in a telephone interview Tuesday, said his top picks include Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and a couple politicians who haven’t gotten as much attention, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions.

The New York businessman has said he wanted a seasoned government leader as a running mate. But in the interview, on the way to events with Mr. Pence in Indiana, Mr. Trump added a new criterion: He wants an attack dog.

“I’m getting attacked from all sides,” he said.

That plays to the strengths of Messrs. Christie and Gingrich, feisty and combative politicians that Mr. Trump called “two extraordinary warriors.” Saying that personal chemistry is also important, Mr. Trump said, “You either have it or you don’t. I clearly have it with Chris and Newt.”

Having someone to play the classic "attack dog" role would possibly give Trump the chance to perhaps lay back a bit and appear more "presidential" on the campaign trail.

Or, maybe, that's just creative thinking that Trump would relinquish his role of "attacker in chief" on the campaign trail.