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Republican presidential hopefuls use spotlight to jostle for 2024 nomination

Pence may be next in line to take over from Trump in 2024 - EPA
Pence may be next in line to take over from Trump in 2024 - EPA

Mike Pence's address to the Republican National Convention was the latest by a string of prominent Republicans to use the limelight to position themselves for the 2024 presidential race.

As Vice President, Mr Pence has positioned himself squarely behind Donald Trump, and will be one of the frontrunners in the race to succeed him.

Addressing the convention live from Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, the site of an unsuccessful British assault in 1814, Mr Pence offered a full-throttle endorsement of the US president and their accomplishments over the last four years.

The Vice President did not hold back on his attacks on Joe Biden, calling the Democrat a "Trojan horse for the radical left" who would put "America on a path of socialism and decline".

But Mr Pence has also sought to quietly differentiate himself from the US president, steering clear of Mr Trump's most divisive and explosive comments.

Nikki Haley seemed to be introducing herself to the American people - GETTY IMAGES
Nikki Haley seemed to be introducing herself to the American people - GETTY IMAGES

The Vice President is aware that, in as little as three months, the race to succeed Mr Trump could well be underway.

It is not just Mr Pence who has hinted at his presidential ambitions - Nikki Haley, the former UN ambassador, and senator Tim Scott have both stoked speculation about their own futures with their keynote addresses at this week's convention.

All three speakers devoted a large amount of their speaking time to spell out their backstories, taking care to thoroughly introduce themselves to the American public.

Mr Pence discussed his Christian roots and his strong family network, a reminder of his crucial role in securing the support of white evangelical voters for Mr Trump in 2016.

Tim Scott is the only black Republican senator - EPA
Tim Scott is the only black Republican senator - EPA

Ms Haley shared the story of her Indian parents' journey to the US, describing how their success led her to become the first female and first Indian governor of South Carolina, a validation of the American Dream.

Mr Scott, the sole black Republican senator, detailed how his family went from "cotton to Congress in one lifetime" with his electoral success in an overwhelmingly white district in South Carolina.

While Mr Pence's speech offered a ringing endorsement of Mr Trump, Ms Haley and Mr Scott offered more measured speeches, carving out their own political identities.

All presidential hopefuls know they must balance a delicate tightrope ahead of November's election. If the Republicans lose the White House and control of the US Senate, as some polls suggest they will, a reckoning over the party's future seems inevitable. On the other hand, an election victory could cement the Republican Party's position as the party of Trump for years to come.

But in the event of a resounding Trump victory, the president's natural successor may not be his deputy Mr Pence - but his eldest son, Donald Trump Jnr, who also addressed the convention this week.

An articulate speaker, Donald Jnr has publicly hinted at his interest in a future run for office, and shares his father's talent for connecting with the party's voter base.

The younger Mr Trump has previously been called "Trumpier than Trump" on account of his bellicose rhetoric and willingness to delve into controversies when it comes to his discussions of racial tensions and other sensitive topics.

One thing is clear: win or lose, President Trump could play a decisive role in who succeeds him.