This week, the hosts do the dirty work of strategizing the best vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump to campaign with, and break down what goes into consequential (and not so consequential) V.P. picks.

Plus, Carlos’s team has a Fightin’ chance next year.

(A transcript of this episode can be found at the top of the episode page on the Times website.)

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Picking the Vice President,” by Elaine Kamarck
• “Which Trump Toady Would the MAGA King Pick as His No. 2?” by Michelle Cottle in The Times
• “The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021,” by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser
• “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President,” by Jimmy Carter

Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com.