What sent Mike Pence over the edge? Was it the accumulation of embarrassment over Donald Trump’s ignorant social media posts? Was it his blatant disrespect for minority groups? Or was it his conspiracy to incite violence on our United States capitol? Whatever it was, I can’t decide to be thrilled or filled with anger. While I was intrigued by his interest to show support to usher in his opposing elected officials, he still was a bystander to the horrors of Donald Trump, and that hurts the most.
About two nights after the capitol riots I sat with my family watching CNN discuss the possible conclusions Congress could make to penalize Donald Trump and his involvement in the insurrection and advocacy for white supremacy. Meanwhile, I was scrolling through Twitter when a meme about Mike Pence suddenly being pro-Biden with an image of his updated Twitter page header. I gasped silently and searched for his personal account. There it was, @Mike_Pence and a photo of Vice President-elect and President-elect Kamala Harris and Joe Biden holding hands in celebration. Donald Trump’s literal right-hand man publicly yet subtly denounced his support for his closest colleague. They were running mates and co-leaders in the highest seats of national public office. This was huge and I was elated for a few days until I brought myself down to Earth. After all, Mike Pence is anti-LGBTQ+, pro life, and xenophobic. Just because he showed respect to the Biden-Harris ticket didn’t suddenly convert his political views. Mike Pence was doing the bare minimum. It was the absolute least he could do after four years of silence under the most disrespectful administration.
Mike Pence did not wave a white flag, he cowardly accepted defeat after Donald Trump fully embarrassed him. In return for not enacting the 25th Amendment, Mike Pence attended Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration to try and erase his ignorance and ultimately save himself from further shame.