Why it matters: Trump is already gaming out the general election in November 2024 — and knows he has a massive weakness with the white suburban women he would need to beat President Biden.

Lake, a former TV anchor who lost her race for Arizona governor in November, meets Trump's most important qualification for a No. 2:

She has shown she's willing to defend him vociferously, no matter the issue or controversy.
But Trump friends say Lake carries a big downside: He wants no risk that his running mate could outshine him. Lake would be assumed to be angling for president from the day she entered the White House. She made a political trip to Iowa last month.

And, of course, losing her winnable governor's race (which she challenged) hurts her mojo.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "Anyone who thinks they know what President Trump is going to do is seriously misinformed and trying to curry favor with 'potential' V.P. candidates."

"President Trump will choose his running mate on his own time, and those who are playing the media game are doing so at their own peril."
Between the lines: The characteristics Trump is most looking for are, ironically, quite like former Vice President Mike Pence, with whom he's no longer on speaking terms.