MILWAUKEE — With the Republican National Convention rapidly approaching, former President Donald Trump convened a private meeting to deliberate on his choice of running mate with his two closest advisers: his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. The discussion quickly became heated when Trump indicated his preference for Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, known for his low-maintenance, no-drama personality, which Trump believed would ensure he was never outshone.

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump vehemently opposed their father's choice. "Don Jr. and Eric went ballistic: ‘Why would you do something so misguided? He offers us nothing,’” a longtime Republican operative familiar with the discussion told NBC News. They strongly advocated for Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, asserting that he was a far better fit for the campaign's needs.

Ultimately, Trump heeded his sons' advice and selected Vance as his vice-presidential candidate. He informed Vance of his decision just 20 minutes before announcing it publicly on social media. This selection marked a significant shift from Trump's 2016 approach, where he sought advice from his more establishment-friendly daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner and chose the traditional Republican Mike Pence as his running mate. This time, Trump leaned fully into his MAGA base, selecting a younger, more dynamic figure in Vance, a 39-year-old Marine Corps veteran and first-term senator.

Vance's selection underscores the influence of younger right-wing leaders within the party, such as Charlie Kirk, who also advocated for Vance. However, Vance's youth and history of hard-line positions on issues like abortion pose risks for Trump. If elected, Vance would be the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history, and his reputation for incendiary rhetoric comes at a time when cooler heads are being urged in light of a recent assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania.

Other finalists for the role brought different strengths and faced distinct challenges. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a foreign policy expert fluent in Spanish, was seen as capable of attracting more Hispanic voters and suburban women to Trump's coalition. However, both Rubio and Trump residing in Florida presented a potential constitutional issue, as one would need to establish residency in another state. This logistical complication, coupled with other factors, ultimately led to Rubio's exclusion.

Doug Burgum, a former software entrepreneur who recently gained prominence through his presidential campaign, was another strong contender. He had endorsed Trump and became a trusted surrogate, with support from Trump's wife, Melania. However, Burgum's signing of a bill banning nearly all abortions in North Dakota became a liability. Despite Trump's similar stance on leaving abortion issues to the states, Burgum's stricter law raised concerns.

The selection process was tightly controlled, with Trump and top adviser Susie Wiles being the primary decision-makers. Throughout the process, the candidates were instructed on whom they could speak to and what they could disclose, creating an information vacuum filled with rumors and speculation. Kellyanne Conway, a longtime Trump adviser, lobbied for several candidates, including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee. However, Conway's efforts did not significantly sway Trump's decision.

External factors, such as Trump's legal challenges and President Biden's debate performance, influenced the timing of the announcement. The Republican National Committee explored ways to delay the vice-presidential announcement to maintain suspense, but it was ultimately scheduled in time for the convention's roll call vote.

Trump likened the selection process to a high-stakes game show, similar to his reality TV program "The Apprentice." Despite various speculations and last-minute considerations, Trump continually returned to Vance. The young senator's appeal to blue-collar, industrial-belt voters and his ability to strengthen Trump's position in states lost to Biden in 2020 were decisive factors.

Vance's initial skepticism of Trump, evidenced by his support for independent candidate Evan McMullin in 2016, was neutralized through subsequent support and endorsement from Trump and his inner circle. Trump's endorsement in Vance's Senate primary and their growing personal rapport further solidified Vance's position as the frontrunner.

In the end, despite efforts to diminish Vance's candidacy, he emerged as the preferred choice, reflecting Trump's focus on loyalty, youth, and alignment with his core base. This decision underscores the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party and Trump's enduring influence over its direction.