Posted on 07/11/2016 2:42:01 AM PDT by nikos1121
Edited on 07/11/2016 3:01:49 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
I've come full circle on choices for VP. Sarah Palin to Condi Rice to Newt, Rand Paul, Paul LePage and Chris Christie.
In the past few days, General Flynn has been thrown out there.
It looks like Pence has been the choice for some time now. And I take my hat off to many here who predicted this weeks ago.
LIKE ONYX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An article was posted here last week:
Pence has 10 days to accept VP nod from Trump http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3446588/posts
Now that we presume he is the choice, it makes a lot of sense, and once again shows that Trump is thinking of the best people. NO doubt Bobby Knight had something to do with this.
In short, Mike Pence is a dynamite choice. He will fire up the republican base to come out strong. He assures in Indiana and maybe even Ohio too.
Here are the salient facts from Wikipedia
Michael Richard "Mike" Pence (born June 7, 1959) is an American politician and attorney who is currently serving as the 50th Governor of Indiana, taking office in 2013. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented Indiana's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 and served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference from 2009 to 2011.
Early life, education, and family.
Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana, one of six children of Nancy Jane (née Cawley) and Edward J. Pence, Jr., who ran a string of gas stations.His family were Irish Catholic Democrats.He was named after his grandfather, Richard Michael Cawley, a Chicago bus driver who came to the United States from Ireland through Ellis Island. He graduated from Columbus North High School in 1977. Pence earned a B.A. in History from Hanover College in 1981 and a J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1986. While at Hanover, Pence joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, serving as his chapter's president.
Pence and his wife Karen have three children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey. Pence is a declared Christian. During his service in the U.S. House, the Pence family lived in Arlington, Virginia when Congress was in session.
Tenure
Pence served for a time as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservative House Republicans.
His Committee assignments in the U.S. House included: Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia (Vice Chair), Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution (Vice Chair), and Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. While in Congress he belonged to the Congressional Internet Caucus, International Conservation Caucus, Sportsmen's Caucus, and the Tea Party Caucus.
Economy
Pence was a cosponsor of a Spending Limit Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would limit federal spending to one-fifth of the American economy – the historical average since World War II.
Earmarks
Pence was a supporter of earmark reform. He voted against the $139.7 billion transportation-treasury spending bill in June 2006, and in favor of a series of amendments proposed that same month by Jeff Flake that would strip other members’ earmarks from the federal budget. Pence, on occasion, secured earmark projects such as $500,000 for the “Transit Acquisition and Intermodal Facility Project” in his state, as well as $250,000 for construction of a park in Portland. Pence secured earmarks for inclusion in a labor-health and human services 2007FY bill. This included $200,000 for both Ball State University’s Center for School Innovation in Muncie and to the Madison County Community Health Center in Anderson. Pence also secured $100,000 for Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus.
Immigration laws
In June 2006, Pence unveiled a plan he describes as "no amnesty immigration reform", consisting of increased border security, followed by strict enforcement of laws against hiring illegal aliens, and a guest worker program. This guest worker program requires potential participants to apply from their home country to government-approved job placement agencies that match workers with employers who cannot find Americans for the job.The plan received support from conservative leaders such as Dick Armey.Pat Buchanan, writing at WorldNetDaily, described this as "stealth amnesty," claiming that it is merely a "one week vacation" for illegal immigrants to return to their home country to apply for jobs under the program.Conservatives Phyllis Schlafly and Tom Tancredo criticized Pence's plan.
Foreign policy
Pence supported the joint resolution authorizing military action against Iraq, otherwise known as the Iraq Resolution.The resolution cited factors including Iraq's noncompliance with the conditions of the 1991 ceasefire agreement, including interference with U.N. weapons inspectors, Iraq's "brutal repression of its civilian population," and Iraq's hostility towards the United States as demonstrated by the 1993 assassination attempt on former President George H. W. Bush and firing on coalition aircraft enforcing the no-fly zones following the 1991 Gulf War as reasons for taking action.
During the Iraq War, Pence opposed setting a public withdrawal date from Iraq. During an April 2007 visit to Baghdad, Pence and John McCain visited Shorja market, the site of a deadly attack in February, 2007, that claimed the lives of 61 people. Pence and McCain described the visit as evidence that the security situation in Iraqi markets have improved.[35] The visit to the market took place under large security including helicopters overhead, and was was criticized by The New York Times as giving a false indication of how secure the area was due to the extremely heavy security forces McCain brought with him.
Pence has opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and trying the suspected terrorists in the U.S. Pence believes that “the Obama administration must overturn this wrongheaded decision”.As an alternative, Pence has said that the "enemy combatants" should be tried in a military tribunal.
Pence has stated his support of Israel and its right to attack facilities in Iran to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons, has defended the actions of Israel in its use of deadly force in enforcing the blockade of Gaza, and has referred to Israel as "America's most cherished ally".
LGBT rights
In 2000, Pence stated “Congress should oppose any effort to recognize homosexual's as a ‘discreet and insular minority’ entitled to the protection of anti-discrimination laws similar to those extended to women and ethnic minorities.” He called for “an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organisations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus” and instead advocated that resources be directed towards conversion therapy programs.
Pence has said that homosexuals should not serve in the military, saying "Homosexuality is incompatible with military service because the presence of homosexuals in the ranks weakens unit cohesion" and in 2010 stated that repealing Don't ask, don't tell would "have an impact on unit cohesion."Pence opposed the 2009 Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, saying that Obama wanted to "advance a radical social agenda"and said that pastors "could be charged or be subject to intimidation for simply expressing a Biblical worldview on the issue of homosexual behavior."
Pence opposes both same-sex marriage and civil unions.He has referred to Harvard sociologist Pitirim Sorokin's findings that throughout history, societal collapse was brought about by the deterioration of marriage and family.
He has advocated a constitutional same-sex marriage ban, but did not champion such a proposed ban for his first year as governor.
Other
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina struck the Louisiana coast, Pence favored offsetting the costs of the hurricane with $24 billion in other spending reductions.
Pence is an advocate of federal restrictions of online gambling. In 2006, he and 34 others members of the House cosponsored H.R. 4411, the Goodlatte-Leach Internet Gambling Prohibition Act,and H.R. 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.
After the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the Affordable Care Act on June 28, 2012, Pence, in a closed door meeting, said that the ruling upholding the health care law was similar to the September 11 terrorist attacks.He immediately apologized for making the statement.
Yes - I totally trust Trump’s decision making capabilities! I am just going to tune out the inevitable nay sayers who will feel the need to voice negativity and pick apart whoever he chooses.
Likewise disappointed. Pence is a dull speaker - no wit, ineffective attack dog, dim and hesitant.
Conservatives will like him for his positions, but he’ll do nothing to attract Bernie supporters and Reagan-type Democrats. For all his shortcomings, Flynn would have been the smarter choice. But some would rather sink the ship with single-issue politics than craft a winning strategy to undercut Hillary.
Pence endorsed Cruz shortly before the important Indiana primary. By this time, Cruz had more than exposed himself as a liar and charlatan - thumping the Bible as he planned his next dirty trick. If Pence didn’t see Cruz for what he was by that time, he’s not very perceptive. If he DID see and endorsed Cruz for political reasons I don’t have much respect for him, either.
And I believe that Cruz’ flaws didn’t really show up until the campaign, that he lost it in the campaign, and that before that he really was a good fighter for good causes. Cruz came apart during the campaign, came apart at the seams. But he was and is a conservative and I believe that is what many Cruz supporters were looking at, even to the bitter end.
Anyway, that’s all in the past.
Another way to look at Pence’ support of Cruz is that it gives him more credibility in the Republican Establishment. Pence’ slow conversion to Trump can be seen as the thoughtful consideration it probably was. And before everyone starts screaming at me for mentioning the Republican Establishment in a tone of voice not dripping with hatred, let me remind you, Trump himself wants their support.
Many of us favored Cruz and that should not disqualify Pence for VP. He is a patriot that can bring Republicans together. Trump needs the Cruz voters, the Rubio’s, etc.
“...looks old for his age...”
I disagree and I a wife and mother in his age group so have a vaild peer opinion. He appears vigorous and has clearly not let himself go as many men in their mid to late fifties have.
At this point, I think Pence is a logical choice.
Many of us favored Cruz and that should not disqualify Pence for VP.”
I don’t see why anyone would pick someone as their running mate who supported one of their opponents. If he’s going to go that route, Trump might as well pick Cruz himself.
Highly Illogical
I think he would be better served continuing to serve as governor of Indiana.
I'm hoping the vice pick is Pence because of all else he's done and not done our KENNEDY Bridge is in serious trouble. It is rumored is was not passing safety standards and it was going to be shut down soon. Pence working with Matt Bevin gave us two briges that have been only talked about for over 40 years.
Yes, I'm somewhat prejudice because my son and Pence both graduated from Hanover College along with WOODY Harrelson.
“...casting...”
I TOTALLY agree that there is a huge “casting” subliminal element to all of this that most people aren’t aware of on a conscious level; yet it is most certainly a crucial factor!
Having the correct “look” for the presidency as well as talent and know how is required in this day and age. Of course the candidate needs more than just the camera appeal. One can’t run on the visuals alone, however a modern candidate who does not look the part has a distinct disadvantage. This is beyond important for a campaign in our constant picture sharing day and age. One can say “alas this is too bad”; a successful campaign should be all about ability and the candidate’s positions and experience; however in this youtube age, that ship has sailed.
Also - Hillary has a real problem in the casting/visuals department - those fat white post menopausal women with screechy voices do NOT appeal - hehehehe! (and I am female and a grandmother, and I know firsthand that my age group does NOT have that subconscious natural leader/universal appeal to the young adult voters) The feminist types who like her must have to force themselves to find her appealing.
At least he hasn’t finished his term.
I’M in with Mike. Great choice. What a great ticket for America.
I consider Pence average, but I’ll support him.
Trump provides all the excitement the ticket needs!!!
I totally agree, nikos1121!!
Governor Pence has impeccable character and Conservative bona fides!! He is likely the best choice to help deliver swing state rust belt voters Trump’s way!!
Understand that Trump and Pence are going to sit down for several hours today and/or tomorrow!! Trump’s family reportedly likes Pence, which means everything to have their stamp of approval!!
Cannot wait for tomorrow night’s rally in Indiana. Hopefully, we will enjoy our first look at our winning GOP ticket!!
TRUMP/PENCE 2016!!!
I’m not disagreeing with you, but all of a sudden there’s not as many people out there as we thought...
Hoosiermama I didn’t think you were that crazy about Pence!! I am still upset that Pence DID NOT step up in support of Trump during Indiana primary Pence sat on a fence this shows me NO COURAGE!!!
Think this may be Trumps way of reward Indiana for their primary vote?
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