CNBC Host Asks Texas Gov. If Being VP for ‘Convicted Felon’ Trump Would ‘Tarnish’ His Reputation

CNBC’s Joe Kernen asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) if being selected as Donald Trump’s running mate would “tarnish” his reputation in light of the former president’s recent conviction on more than 30 felony counts.

Abbott joined Kernen to discuss President Joe Biden’s executive order on the border, limiting asylum requests in an attempt to lower border crossings. Kernen switched the topic at one point to the list of potential vice presidential candidates for Trump, and the CNBC anchor asked Abbott if he could be a “dark horse” candidate.

Abbott noted he’d heard Trump mention his name at one point as a possibility, but said he’s focused on Texas. Being governor of Texas, Abbott added, is the “second most important job” in the country next to be president.

“If we lose Texas, we lose the United States of America,” he said.

“You mentioned another network so I might as well just think about what kind of questions you would be asked on other unnamed networks… do you think it would tarnish your reputation to be picked as a vice president for a convicted felon?” Kernen asked Abbott.

The governor predicted Trump’s conviction would be overturned and dismissed any concerns about working closely with a felon. He also Americans are not concerned with Trump’s legal woes, citing the former president’s fundraising boost and steady poll numbers since the conviction.

“Not at all. Because the reality… I’m a former trial court judge, and the reality is the rulings made by this trial judge in New York are completely wrong in so many respects,” Abbott said.

The Texas governor also dismissed Biden’s executive order limiting border crossings, claiming it’s “grasping at straws.”

“This proposal by Biden is grasping at straws, getting close to the election, that not only will not do anything to secure the border, it actually will entice even more people to cross the border illegally,” he said.

Watch above via CNBC .