Washington: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said he wants "an attack dog" as a running mate, days ahead of announcing his vice presidential pick which has now come down to a few.
Mr Trump, 70, said in an interview with 'The Wall Street Journal' that his top picks included Indiana Governor Mike Pence, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a couple politicians who haven't gotten as much attention, including Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions.
"The New York businessman has said he wanted a seasoned government leader as a running mate. But in the interview, on the way to events with Pence in Indiana, Trump added a new criterion: He wants an attack dog," Mr Trump said yesterday.
"I'm getting attacked from all sides," Donald Trump told the daily in the interview in which he called Christies and Gingrich "two extraordinary warriors." Personal chemistry is also important, he said.
"You either have it or you don't. I clearly have it with Chris and Newt," he said, indicating that his choice has narrowed down to two.
US media reported that Mr Trump might announce his vice presidential pick later this week - Thursday or Friday.
In another interview to Fox News, Mr Trump said announcing the vice presidential pick was not about surprises.
"I'm not doing this for surprises. I'm not doing this for games," Mr Trump said.
"I'm doing this because I want to pick somebody that's going to help me get elected, that's going to be good, but also that can serve," he added.
