Pence’s Secret Weapon: Will It Secure Victory?

The Secret Service’s Colorful Code Names

The U.S. Secret Service assigns unique code names to political figures, including presidents and vice presidents. These names often reflect their personalities or interests, adding a touch of color to their public image.

For example, Kamala Harris, the first female vice president, is known as Pioneer. Dick Cheney, an avid fly fisherman, was called Angler. Environmentalist Al Gore was Sundance, and Dan Quayle was dubbed Scorecard due to his love for golf.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, on the other hand, is simply referred to as Hoosier, representing his Indiana roots. Unfortunately for Pence, this nickname seems to epitomize his lack of excitement and charisma compared to other political figures.

Despite serving as vice president for four years, Pence is currently polling at a distant third place in the race for the White House. He stands at 5.9 percent, while former President Donald Trump leads at 51.9 percent and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis follows at 21.5 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight.

Pence’s blandness is just one of the many obstacles he faces in his quest for the presidency. Before he can even think about moving into the White House, he must defeat his friend and former running mate, Donald Trump, win over skeptical Trump supporters who view him as a traitor, and gain the trust of independent voters who see him as nothing more than a Trump loyalist.

It’s a challenging task, but behind Pence’s polished appearance and reserved demeanor lies a secret weapon, according to his friends and associates. He is genuinely a good person, and those who meet him, even briefly, instinctively like and trust him.

Pence’s early campaign strategy plays to these strengths. He has been focusing on retail politics, visiting diners, attending local events, and engaging with voters one-on-one. The question is whether he can make enough personal connections in the next six months to avoid becoming another Hoosier vice president who fails to reach the top.

The Pence Advantage

On the big stage, Pence may come across as stiff and scripted, unlike the freewheeling Trump or the personable Ronald Reagan, whom Pence admires. However, those who know him well say that in more intimate settings, he is personable, engaging, and even funny.

Todd Huston, speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, describes Pence as energetic, authentic, and well-liked by people. He believes that Pence’s ability to connect with voters is a crucial factor in campaigning.

Contrary to popular belief, Pence can indeed tell a joke. According to Huston, Pence has a quick wit and is particularly skilled at impersonating George W. Bush. Video footage from Pence’s radio show days confirms his humor and amiable nature.

Pence’s early campaign strategy focuses on retail politics, where he can showcase his strengths. By engaging with voters personally, he hopes to convince them that he is a viable alternative to Trump and that he can lead the country effectively.

Appealing to Conservative Christians

Pence has positioned himself as the faith candidate, appealing to evangelical Christians who form a significant part of Trump’s base. He has shared his conversion experience, emphasizing the transformative power of his faith.

His campaign events have targeted evangelical and conservative groups, aligning with his moral conservative values. Pence’s strategy is to tap into the religious conservatism that still exists in America, despite the secularization of public spaces.

Marie Eisenstein, a professor of political science, believes that Pence’s appeal to traditional moral sensibilities can resonate with a religiously conservative nation. She argues that conservative-oriented policy views are not automatically dismissed by the electorate.

A Complicated Relationship with Trump

Trump’s loyal following poses a significant challenge for Pence. Moreover, his long history and recent break with the former president add another layer of complexity to his campaign.

As vice president, Pence staunchly defended Trump, even after the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. However, in recent months, Pence has distanced himself from Trump, albeit indirectly.

Pence’s pre-campaign strategy involved handling Trump with caution to avoid alienating his loyal supporters. However, since announcing his campaign, Pence has become more vocal about Jan. 6 and critical of some of Trump’s policies.

While Pence still defends Trump’s overall record, he now acknowledges the flaws in Trump’s politics. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the Constitution and refuses to put any individual above it.

Pence’s evolving stance on Trump reflects the delicate balancing act he faces. While he remains loyal to the party, he must navigate the different factions within it, some of which detest him.

Jeremy Lott, author of a book on the American vice presidency, notes that Pence still believes in an idealized version of the “Trump-Pence administration” but acknowledges the more problematic aspects of Trump’s politics.

Pence’s campaign strategy involves engaging with voters directly, sharing his vision for the country, and presenting himself as a viable alternative to Trump. Only time will tell if his approach resonates with enough voters to secure the nomination.