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The Doug Bug

As the veepstakes beckon, Trump seems curiously taken by Doug Burgum—the ultra-conservative plains centimillionaire with the attractive wife and Pence-like deference. Is this his Cary Grant?

Doug Burgum
Ten months after his public finale on the debate stage, Burgum has not only emerged as a legit Trump veep contender but even a possible frontrunner. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Tara Palmeri
June 13, 2024

On the surface, Doug Burgum doesn’t come across as a preternaturally gifted politician. The most memorable features of the North Dakota governor’s presidential debate appearances were either his complaints about not getting enough airtime, his pocket constitution, or his injured leg. The most innovative element of his campaign may have been his scheme to offer $20 gift cards to donors to juice contributions. For the most part, he came across as an affable rich guy from the plains who might one day be a solid pick for secretary of energy.