Did Trump Pick Pence as a Dead Man's Switch?
I don’t think so. Rather, Donald Trump made his choice of Mike Pence for several strategic reasons that go beyond mere political opportunism.
Pence Appeals to Trump's Base
Mike Pence aligns perfectly with the fan base that supported Trump during his election campaign. He is a bigoted, conservative, misogynistic Christian, embodying everything the Democrats were against. This makes him the perfect poster child for the Republican campaign. It is a safe bet that Pence would have garnered significant support from the same voters who propelled Trump into power.
Pence as a Political Strategist
Donald Trump, despite his successful business ventures, did not fully grasp the complexities of political leadership. He believed he could run the country the way he'd run his companies— issuing a few orders, and the rest would fall into place. However, political leadership is about much more than that. That’s where Mike Pence excels. Pence understands the nuances of political maneuvering and the importance of relations with other leaders and parties. This made him an essential choice to balance the ticket.
Self-DISTANCE: Preparing for the Worst
Trump needed someone like Pence to help secure the election. Typically, in balanced tickets, a candidate is chosen to bring in voters from another demographic. For example, President John F. Kennedy paired with Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan with ties to Washington, to appeal to a broader voter base. Similarly, Barack Obama chose Joe Biden, an experienced politician, to ensure stability and trust. This combination was crucial for both Obama and Trump to win. Without the supportive presence of someone like Pence, Trump might not have been able to secure as much support as he did.
Mike Pence: A Better Option?
Critics of Mike Pence have long opposed his socially conservative and economically neoliberal stances. These views would have been deeply concerning if chosen as the president a few years ago. I, too, have been an opponent of Pence for my entire life, mainly due to his conservative beliefs and economic policies.
However, the current state of politics has shifted the dynamics. When compared to Donald Trump, Mike Pence appears almost sane in comparison. Virtually anyone who is not a die-hard Trump supporter would likely choose Pence over Trump in a heartbeat. Pence’s political acumen and moderate positions have made him a more desirable candidate, even if his beliefs are still deeply rooted in conservative ideology.
Conclusion
The choice of Mike Pence by Donald Trump was a strategic move made for the benefit of securing the election and maintaining the balance of power within the Republican party. While Pence may not be the ideal candidate for those who strongly oppose his views, his political savvy and moderate positions make him a more viable choice in contrast to the current US President. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out, especially in light of potential impeachment proceedings.