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The Republican National Convention commenced Monday in Milwaukee, drawing anyone with ties to conservative politics. To enter the Fiserv Forum downtown, I first encountered Erik Prince and Kari Lake, while Ron Johnson mingled with fans. During the afternoon session, I saw Jason Chaffetz periodically passing by. Among the familiar faces were conservative influencers and candidates, including Mike Lindell. However, one notable figure was missing—Mike Pence.
As Republicans awaited Trump’s announcement of J.D. Vance as his vice presidential candidate, Pence, who had run alongside Trump twice and served as vice president for four years, was conspicuously absent. He was not seen within the fortified security area or anywhere in Wisconsin, and he certainly was not endorsing Trump. Trump’s search for a new running mate was the buzz at the convention, overshadowed only by the story of Pence’s absence.
The rift between Trump and Pence dates back to January 6, 2021, when Trump pressured Pence not to certify the Electoral College results. When Pence refused, Trump incited a mob to storm the Capitol, with some attackers chanting threats against Pence. Despite this, Pence recently stated he had forgiven Trump but could not support his campaign, partly due to Trump’s stance on banning TikTok. For Trump, however, the relationship was irreparably broken.
This fallout influenced the convention’s atmosphere, with Trump supporters emphasizing the need for a loyal vice president. “I don’t even want to say,” lamented Rose Roque, a Florida Republican, about the former vice president. Her daughter, Rose Rodriguez, went further, claiming Pence betrayed the country by certifying the results, alleging he was influenced negatively from the start. Rodriguez suggested that Michael Flynn would have upheld the Constitution better in Pence’s role.
Michael Rosen, a New Jersey Republican, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for someone who wouldn’t abandon Trump. “He should have worked with Trump instead of saying ‘I’ve got no control,’” Rosen noted, indicating the need for unwavering loyalty.
“He was a great vice president until he wasn’t,” stated Mike Bassett, a Nevada Republican, emphasizing loyalty as a top criterion for Trump’s new VP.
Delegates also desired various qualities such as governing experience, communication skills, and diversity in their potential vice presidential candidates, mentioning figures like Byron Donalds, Tulsi Gabbard, and Glenn Youngkin. However, Pence’s shadow loomed over the discussions.
Finally, Rimma Yakobovich, another New Jersey Republican, suggested a sure way to secure loyalty—by choosing Donald Trump Jr.