Rise of the running mate: Once consigned to political graveyard, now they're the heir apparent

Donald Trump is set to make what recent history has shown could be the single most important decision of his run – the running mate. 

While a Trump win would make him the oldest president ever, his advanced age is not why the pick is important. Nor is it due to its potential to turn the election – as we’ve repeatedly seen throughout history, the choice of VP has little-to-no impact on an election. 

No, the difference is that the vice president has an incredible lead for any future presidential nomination.