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The Republican National Convention, which began on Monday in Milwaukee, has attracted prominent figures in conservative politics. As I made my way into the Fiserv Forum, I encountered Erik Prince and Kari Lake, while Ron Johnson mingled with attendees. Jason Chaffetz made occasional appearances, and I spotted Mike Lindell among the crowd. However, one notable figure was missing: Mike Pence.
On Monday, as Republicans awaited Trump’s announcement of J.D. Vance as his next running mate, the absence of Pence, Trump’s former vice president, was glaring. Pence was neither within the heightened security zone nor in Wisconsin, and he was notably not endorsing Trump. The key topic at the convention was Trump’s search for a new running mate, with the fate of his previous one overshadowing the proceedings.
Recall that on January 6, 2021, Trump pressured Pence to reject the certification of the Electoral College results. When Pence refused, Trump incited a mob to storm the Capitol, some of whom chanted “Hang Mike Pence.” While Pence has since forgiven Trump, he has chosen not to endorse him, partly due to Trump’s opposition to banning TikTok. This incident marked a significant rift between them.
This fallout over the election certification led to the anticipation of a new vice presidential nominee. Pence’s actions had a lasting impact on Trump’s supporters and their views on loyalty in the role of vice president. Among those I spoke with, Rose Roque and her daughter, Rose Rodriguez, saw Pence’s decision on January 6 as a betrayal. Rodriguez believed Pence had been compromised from the beginning, contrasting his actions with those of Michael Flynn, who she felt would have upheld the constitution.
Michael Rosen, a Trump supporter from New Jersey, expressed frustration with Pence’s indecisiveness, feeling that Trump needed someone dependable throughout his tenure. Mike Bassett, a Nevada Republican, emphasized the need for loyalty to Trump as a key trait for the vice president.
While some delegates sought governing experience, strong communication skills, and diversity in a VP candidate, the shadow of Pence loomed large. Names like Byron Donalds and Tulsi Gabbard were suggested, and Glenn Youngkin was a popular choice among some. However, New Jersey Republican Rimma Yakobovich proposed a surefire way to ensure loyalty: selecting Trump’s son, Don Jr., as the running mate.