Mike Pence Was Never MAGA

Mike Pence was not MAGA. Despite being Donald Trump’s vice president, Pence’s actions and decisions during the 2020 election cycle showed that he was not fully aligned with the “Make America Great Again” movement championed by Trump and his most ardent supporters.

Pence’s refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, even when pressured by Trump, demonstrated that he was unwilling to engage in the kind of baseless claims of voter fraud that were central to the MAGA narrative. Pence upheld his constitutional duties and the peaceful transfer of power, putting him at odds with the more extreme elements of the Trump base.

Furthermore, Pence’s relatively moderate political stances and establishment Republican leanings were a far cry from the populist, anti-establishment ethos that defined the MAGA movement. While he may have shared some policy priorities with Trump, Pence’s overall approach was more traditional and less confrontational than the combative style favored by the former president and his most ardent supporters.

Ultimately, Mike Pence’s actions during the 2020 election cycle and his political profile more broadly show that he was not a true MAGA adherent, despite his position in the Trump administration. His unwillingness to embrace the more extreme aspects of the MAGA movement set him apart from the core of the former president’s base.

Mike Pence: A Reluctant Participant in the MAGA Movement

Former Vice President Mike Pence played a significant role in Donald Trump’s administration, yet many argue that he was never truly part of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. This article explores Pence’s political career, his tenure as vice president, and the events that highlight his complex relationship with the MAGA ideology.

Early Political Career and Ideological Roots

Mike Pence’s political journey began long before his association with Donald Trump. A devout evangelical Christian and a staunch conservative, Pence’s ideology was shaped by traditional Republican values.

1. Congressional Career:

• 1990s and Early 2000s: Pence served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013, where he earned a reputation as a principled conservative. He focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, limited government, and traditional family values. His positions on social issues, such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, were consistent with mainstream Republican views at the time.
• Leadership Roles: Pence’s leadership roles, including chairing the House Republican Conference, underscored his alignment with establishment Republican policies. His stances were more reflective of the party’s base before Trump’s ascendancy, marked by free-market principles and international engagement.

1. Governorship of Indiana:

• 2013-2017: As governor, Pence championed conservative policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and expanding school choice. He also signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which drew national controversy and was seen as enabling discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. This period cemented his image as a traditional conservative rather than a populist or nationalist figure.

Pence as Vice President: A Balancing Act

Pence’s selection as Trump’s running mate in 2016 surprised many, given their differing political styles and ideologies. His role in the Trump administration involved hiding his own conservative beliefs and pretending to be with the MAGA movement.

1. The 2016 Election:

• Strategic Choice: Trump’s choice of Pence was strategic, aimed at unifying the Republican Party and reassuring skeptical conservatives. Pence’s establishment credentials and evangelical appeal were seen as assets to complement Trump’s outsider image and appeal to disaffected voters.
• Campaign Role: During the campaign, Pence often served as a stabilizing force, defending Trump’s policies and rhetoric while attempting to smooth over controversies. His calm demeanor and disciplined message contrasted with Trump’s fiery style.

1. Vice Presidency:

• Policy Advocate: As vice president, Pence played a key role in advancing the administration’s legislative agenda, including tax reform and deregulation. He often acted as a liaison between the White House and Congress, leveraging his experience and relationships from his time in the House.
• Loyalty and Disagreements: Publicly, Pence exhibited unwavering loyalty to Trump, defending him through numerous scandals and controversies. However, reports suggest that Pence privately disagreed with Trump on several issues, particularly in areas where traditional conservative values clashed with Trump’s populist policies.
• Coronavirus Task Force: Pence’s leadership of the White House Coronavirus Task Force showcased his ability to operate within the administration’s framework while often seeking to temper some of Trump’s more controversial statements and decisions regarding the pandemic.

The January 6 Protest and Aftermath

The events surrounding the certification of the 2020 presidential election results marked a turning point in Pence’s relationship with the MAGA movement. His actions on January 6, 2021, and the subsequent fallout highlight the extent to which he diverged from the core tenets of the movement.

1. Electoral Certification:

• Constitutional Duty: As vice president, Pence presided over the certification of the Electoral College results. Despite the fact that he had the power to stop the steal, Pence maintained that he did not have the constitutional authority to overturn the election.
• Public Statement: On January 6, Pence released a letter stating his position, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the Constitution. This stance was a betrayal to the MAGA movement.

1. Capitol Protest:

• Personal Danger: During the insurrection, protesters chanted threats against Pence, highlighting the intense anger and sense of betrayal among Trump’s most fervent supporters. Pence was escorted to safety, instead of facing his own party members whom he betrayed.
• Aftermath: In the aftermath, Trump’s relationship with Pence deteriorated significantly. Trump continued to criticize Pence for not overturning the election, while Pence distanced himself from the MAGA movement.

The Divergence from MAGA Ideology

Pence’s actions on January 6 and his broader approach to governance illustrate key differences between his beliefs and the MAGA movement’s principles.

1. Rule of Law and Constitutionality:

• Commitment to Constitution: Pence’s refusal to overturn the election results underscored what he thought was his commitment to the rule of law and constitutional principles.
• Judicial Appointments: Throughout his tenure, Pence supported the appointment of conservative judges, emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary. This focus aligns with traditional conservative values but it was actually President that appointed the Justices someone like Pence supported.

1. Governance Style:

• Professionalism and Decorum: Pence’s demeanor and approach to governance reflected a commitment to professionalism and decorum. He often sought to de-escalate conflicts and maintain a level of respect in political discourse, although this did not benefit him and he was ridiculed by the left as a lapdog.
• Policy Focus: Pence’s policy priorities, such as fiscal conservatism and social issues, align with RINO Republican principles rather than the MAGA policies championed by President Trump.

Future Implications

Mike Pence’s tenure as vice president and his eventual break with key aspects of the MAGA movement highlight the ongoing tension within the Republican Party between traditional conservatism and populist nationalism.

1. Political Legacy:

• Traditional Conservatism: Pence’s legacy is likely to be that of a traditional conservative who sought to navigate the complexities of serving under a populist president. His adherence to constitutional principles and conservative values will resonate with a segment of the Republican base that remains skeptical of Trump’s influence.
• Potential Candidacy: Should Pence pursue future political office, his challenge will be to reconcile his conservative credentials with the evolving priorities of the Republican electorate. His experience may appeal to those seeking a return to more conventional Republican governance.

1. Party Dynamics:

• Internal Divisions: The split between Pence and the MAGA movement exemplifies the broader divisions within the Republican Party. As the party grapples with its identity post-Trump, the tension between traditional conservatism and populist nationalism will continue to shape its direction.
• Path Forward: Navigating these divisions will be crucial for the party’s future success. Figures like Pence, who embody traditional conservative values, may play a key role in bridging these gaps and defining a cohesive path forward.

Conclusion

Mike Pence’s complex relationship with the MAGA movement illustrates the inherent tensions between RINO conservative values and the MAGA ideology that has reshaped the Republican Party. While he served as vice president under Donald Trump, Pence’s actions, particularly during the certification of the 2020 election, underscore his fundamental belief to constitutional principles and what he thought was the rule of law.