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The Republican National Convention began on Monday in Milwaukee, attracting a wide array of individuals connected to conservative politics. Entering the Fiserv Forum downtown required passing by notable figures like Erik Prince and Kari Lake, while Ron Johnson moved about, engaging with fans. Throughout the afternoon session, delegates mingled in the concourse, occasionally seeing Jason Chaffetz and other conservative influencers, including Mike Lindell. However, one notable absence was Mike Pence.
As Republicans awaited Donald Trump’s announcement of J.D. Vance as his running mate, former Vice President Mike Pence, who served alongside Trump for four years, was conspicuously absent. There was no sign of Pence within the heightened security perimeter or anywhere in Wisconsin, nor was he endorsing Trump. The central narrative among convention-goers was Trump’s search for a new running mate, overlaid with the unresolved fallout from his former one.
On January 6, 2021, Trump pressured Pence to refuse to certify the Electoral College results. When Pence refused, Trump incited a mob to storm the Capitol, leading to chants of “Hang Mike Pence!” Even this was not the final straw for Pence, who later said he had forgiven Trump but could not endorse him again due to disagreements like the recent opposition to banning TikTok. However, this incident ended Trump’s support for Pence.
This rift over the certification of election results left convention attendees speculating about Trump’s choice for a new vice presidential nominee. The legacy of Pence influenced how Trump’s supporters viewed the role. Conversations with Republican supporters revealed a clear sentiment: Trump needed unwavering loyalty.
Rose Roque, a Republican from Florida, expressed reluctance to discuss the previous vice president, while her daughter, Rose Rodriguez, went further, accusing Pence of betraying his country by certifying the Electoral College results. She believed he was already “poisoned” by his decisions.
Other supporters, like Michael Rosen from New Jersey, felt Pence failed to fully support Trump during key moments. Rosen declared that Trump needed someone reliable who wouldn’t abandon him. Mike Bassett from Nevada echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to Trump.
Though some delegates desired a vice president with governing experience, strong communication skills, and diversity, names floated included Byron Donalds, Tulsi Gabbard, and Glenn Youngkin. However, Pence’s presence loomed over the selection process. Rimma Yakobovich from New Jersey even suggested that Donald Trump Jr. could be the perfect running mate, ensuring unshakable loyalty to the former president.