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The Republican National Convention began Monday in Milwaukee, drawing in everyone with ties to conservative politics. To access the Fiserv Forum downtown, attendees first passed figures like Erik Prince and Kari Lake. Ron Johnson was seen mingling with fans, and Jason Chaffetz made occasional appearances. Conservative influencers and forgotten candidates were also spotted, including Mike Lindell. However, one notable absence was former Vice President Mike Pence.
On Monday, amid anticipation of Trump announcing J.D. Vance as his running mate, Pence—Trump’s vice president for four years—was conspicuously absent. He was not within the heightened security area, nor seemingly in Wisconsin, and certainly not endorsing Trump. As Media Matters’ Matt Gertz noted, the defining story of Trump’s candidacy centers on what happened to Pence.
Recall that Trump pressured Pence to reject the certification of the Electoral College results on January 6, 2021. After Pence refused, Trump incited a mob to the Capitol to halt the certification, with some members chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” Surprisingly, this event did not cause Pence to break away completely; he forgave Trump but couldn’t endorse him, partly due to Trump’s stance against banning TikTok. However, for Trump, Pence’s refusal was the final straw.
This disagreement over the certification of election results led to the search for a new vice presidential nominee. Pence’s legacy influenced how Trump’s followers viewed the role of vice president. Supporters at the convention had a consensus: Trump needed someone unwaveringly loyal.
“He betrayed his country,” said Rose Rodriguez, a Florida Republican, about Pence’s decision to certify the Electoral College results. Her view echoed a sentiment that only someone entirely loyal to Trump would suffice as his running mate.
Michael Rosen, a New Jersey Republican, criticized Pence for failing to support Trump during the tumultuous period, emphasizing the need for a vice president who wouldn’t abandon Trump. Mike Bassett, a Nevada Republican, simply stated that loyalty to Trump was paramount.
While some delegates sought governing experience, communication skills, and diversity in a VP, names like Byron Donalds, Tulsi Gabbard, and Glenn Youngkin were suggested. However, Pence’s legacy loomed over the search. New Jersey Republican Rimma Yakobovich offered a surefire solution to ensure unwavering loyalty: “Don Jr.”