Watch CBS News

Donald Trump turns to former opponent to help in VP search

If Republican front-runner Donald Trump gets the presidential nomination, he'll have the enormous task of winning over the general electorate.
How can Donald Trump unite the GOP? 02:58

With the nomination all but wrapped up, Donald Trump is beginning his search for his vice presidential running mate--and said Wednesday that retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson will help lead the process.

Trump told the New York Times in an interview that he is going to set up a search committee "soon." "I think on the committee I'll have Dr. Ben Carson and some other folks," he added.

Carson endorsed Trump shortly after exiting the race back in March, and has been a vocal -- if not exactly helpful -- surrogate for the likely GOP nominee since then.

In the interview, Trump reiterated that he will most likely select someone with political experience rooted in Washington, to balance out his outsider persona and help him govern.

"I'm more inclined to go with a political person," Trump said. "I have business very much covered."

Trump added that, at least "at this moment," Ohio Gov. John Kasich is not on his shortlist. (Kasich is expected to suspend his campaign at an event in Columbus later Wednesday.)

But when the billionaire and likely nominee was asked about putting Kasich on the ticket by CNN's Wolf Blitzer Wednesday, he said, "I would be interested in vetting John. I like John. I've had a good relationship with John. I've gotten along with him well." Kaich for his part, has said there is "zero chance" he'd be Trump's running mate.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.