WASHINGTON Donald Trumps last vice president was called upon to defend the Constitution and American democracy by refusing to overturn the results of an election. Then his boss turned against him, whipping up an angry mob of supporters so intensely that they constructed a gallows and chanted for him to be hanged.

But Florida Sen. Marco Rubio still wants the job. So do Sens. J.D. Vance of Ohio and Tim Scott of South Carolina. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (yes, even after the story about shooting a dog ) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum are also still in the mix to become Trumps running mate.

Why? Because if youre an ambitious Republican with an eye on higher office, becoming Donald Trump s vice presidential running mate could be the quickest path to the Oval Office. Whoever Trump picks to join his ticket will become the immediate favorite to become the next GOP presidential standard-bearer, whether the 77-year-old ex-president wins in November or not.

Thats why so many Republicans are not-so-secretly vying for the position with appearances at Trumps campaign events and on cable news programs in recent weeks, seemingly hoping to out-do each other on who can be the most obsequious MAGA messenger.

But winning Trumps affection often requires unquestionable loyalty, and that means defending even his most shocking actions including his unprecedented effort to overturn an election he lost, his vow to pardon rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, his 88 felony charges and his personal conduct, such as his alleged extramarital affair with an adult film star.

Besides its not like theyll end up in the same position as former Vice President Mike Pence , right? After all, Republicans who want the job say the Constitution limits presidents to serving two terms.

An attempt by the incumbent to stay in power past 2028 is not going to be an issue for the next vice president, right? Rubio told HuffPost. No matter whos elected president now, they cant run again.

Vance, meanwhile, said that what happened between Trump and Pence was a result of the political consequences of what happened at the time.

I think Mike Pence [and] Donald Trump had a very strong disagreement, he added. And Mike Pence, you know, hes fundamentally just was never really on board with the underlying agenda.

Vance has also said he doubts that Pences life was ever in danger on Jan. 6.

Rubio and Vances decision to downplay the threats to Pence, who said in March he could not support his former boss for president in 2024, are just the latest example of the efforts running mate contenders will go to prove their loyalty.

Scott, for example, last week refused to commit to accepting the outcome of the 2024 election, echoing Trumps own refusal during an earlier interview with a Wisconsin news outlet. Pressed several times for a direct yes or no, Scott dodged, maintaining there wont be any issues, since Trump will be the inevitable victor.

At the end of the day, I said what I said, s aid Scott, who made a failed run against Trump in the 2024 primaries, on NBCs Meet the Press. I know that the American people, their voices will be heard, and I believe that President Trump will be our next president. Its that simple.