Mike Pence offers JD Vance essential counsel on vice-presidential preparedness during a Constitution Day event.
At a Glance
- Former Vice President Mike Pence offered advice to Donald Trump’s new running mate, JD Vance, and expressed willingness to meet with him.
- Pence emphasized the importance of being prepared for the vice presidency in case of a historical call to duty.
- Pence’s relationship with Trump deteriorated after the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
- Vance is an author, venture capitalist, and a first-term senator from Ohio.
- Experts believe Vance will not appeal to swing-state voters but will energize Trump’s far-right base.
Mike Pence’s Advice to JD Vance
Mike Pence, speaking at a Constitution Day celebration at Middle Tennessee State University, recently advised JD Vance, Ohio Senator and Donald Trump’s vice-presidential candidate, on the necessity of being prepared for the vice presidency. Pence underscored the role’s importance with personal anecdotes from his tenure and the January 6 Capitol events. He emphasized that a vice president must be well-informed and ready for pivotal duties.
Pence’s counsel to Vance was a reminder of the constitutional responsibilities that come with the position. He reiterated his decision to certify the 2020 election results amid controversy, asserting his dedication to the Constitution and accountability to the American people.
“Of course, I would sit down with Sen. Vance,” Pence said. “We have prayed more than once for him. I would tell him what I tried to tell myself every day as vice president. In the morning when I got dressed, I always wanted to think about three things I wanted to do every day.” – Source
Pence Reflected on the January 6 Events
Pence’s relationship with Trump soured after the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021. He defended his actions on that day when he refused Trump’s demands not to certify the 2020 election results. Pence maintained that he did not possess the authority to reject the election results, despite Trump’s insistence. His actions were a testament to his commitment to the Constitution and his role’s integrity.
Buttigieg frames JD Vance’s candidacy for the first time, comparing him to Mike Pence.
Worth recalling that Buttigieg helped Harris with debate prep by playing Mike Pence. Now he’s channeling another vice presidential candidate.
— Adam Wren (@adamwren) July 20, 2024
The Role and Influence of the Vice President
Historically, the vice presidency was seen as insignificant, described by John Adams as “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.” However, modern vice presidents have evolved into active participants in the executive branch, serving as trusted aides and representing their administration on key issues. This transformation began notably with President Jimmy Carter and his vice president, Walter Mondale. – Source
Quotes like “that’s where a vice president can make a difference, as a fellow politician who can talk truth to power, as an operator who can help the president cover more ground,” echo the evolved and influential nature of the role in modern politics. – Source
JD Vance’s New Role
JD Vance has recently emerged as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate for the 2024 election. Vance, an author, venture capitalist, and a first-term senator from Ohio, might not have significant experience or connections. However, experts believe his selection will energize Trump’s far-right base, even if it might not sway swing-state voters.
Vance’s selection signals an embrace of hard-right “Make America Great Again” politics and a departure from the old-school Republican establishment. Despite being a critic of Trump in the past, Vance shifted his stance during his 2022 Senate campaign, embracing Trump’s style and false claims about the 2020 election. Vance opposes free-trade deals and continued funding for the war in Ukraine but supports a hawkish stance on China and strong ties with Israel. – Source
Given Trump’s advanced age and history of two impeachments, the possibility of Vance suddenly becoming president cannot be overlooked. This underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for the vice presidency’s responsibilities. As Pence told Vance, the job of a vice president is to “be prepared” if “history called.” – Source
