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  June 27, 2024, 8:14 p.m. ET
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Former President Donald J. Trump’s process of choosing a running mate has entered its final stages in a frenzied and increasingly theatrical fashion as he privately narrows his focus to a set of top contenders. At the same time, he is encouraging his team to fuel speculation about other candidates — and about the possibility that his pick could be announced at any moment.

Behind closed doors, Mr. Trump has been primarily interested in Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, according to three people who have spoken to the former president in recent days and insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations.

But Mr. Trump has befuddled some friends and advisers by continuing to solicit opinions on other contenders, including Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and former housing secretary during his administration, and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Meanwhile, a series of cryptic and suggestive messages from Mr. Trump’s campaign that the announcement could come as soon as this week has ignited 72 hours of unbridled conjecture, confusing political observers and Republican allies.

Several Republican strategists said there was little obvious advantage for Mr. Trump to announce his vice-presidential pick during the same week as his first debate with President Biden, which will unfold on Thursday night in Atlanta. Mr. Trump has invited to the debate a parade of his potential picks, including the leading three contenders, and given them the task of defending his performance in front of a throng of cable news cameras and political reporters.

But few of the strategists would rule out a debate-week announcement, considering the former president’s penchant for impulsive decisions.