Mike Pence (b. 1959)

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Biography

Michael Richard Pence is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 50th governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana from 2001 to 2013.

In Their Own Words (5)

I believe the time has come to institute a federal death penalty statute with accelerated appeal to ensure that those who engage in mass shootings face execution in months, not years.

Speech at the NRA convention, Indianapolis (April 14, 2023), cited in "Trump, in legal peril, draws cheers at NRA convention; Pence draws boos" The Washington Post (April 14, 2023) , 2023

As a conservative who believes in limited government, I believe the only check on government power in real time is a free and independent press. A free press ensures the flow of information to the public, and let me say, during a time when the role of government in our lives and in our enterprises seems to grow every day--both at home and abroad--ensuring the vitality of a free and independent press is more important than ever.

World Press Freedom Day (May 4, 2009) , 2009

I truly do believe, if all of us do all that we can, that we will once again, in our time, restore the sanctity of life to the center of American law, I just know in my heart of hearts that this will be the generation that restores life in America.

Excerpt from a speech addressed to a pro-life group in Nashville, Tennessee — (February 27, 2018) , 2018

Just because I’m a-clappin’ for it, doesn’t mean I’m a-votin’ for it.

Whispering to fellow House Representative Jeff Flake in response to President George W. Bush's inaugural speech at his first inauguration — (January 20, 2001) , 2001

You know, before we had a single coronavirus case in this country, this president shut down all travel from China. It bought us invaluable time to stand up our national response.

Pence’s False Claims About Trump’s Handling of Coronavirus (June 16 2020) , 2020

Timeline

The story of Mike Pence, told in moments.

2000 Event

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana after two failed campaigns in the 1980s. Describes himself as "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order." Serves twelve years. Reliably votes the party line.

Was 'a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order' a hierarchy you lived? Did 12 years in the House feel productive? Was losing twice in the 1980s the preparation you needed?

2016 Event

Selected as Donald Trump's running mate. They are almost nothing alike. Pence is steady, quiet, institutional. Trump needs exactly that to reassure evangelical voters. They win. Pence stands slightly behind Trump for four years.

Was being chosen as Trump's running mate a compromise with your values? Did standing slightly behind Trump for four years test your patience? Were you reassurance for evangelical voters or something more?

2021 Event

Refuses to overturn the Electoral College results on January 6. Rioters at the Capitol chant "Hang Mike Pence." He's evacuated. He certifies Joe Biden's victory that night. The man who stood behind Trump for four years draws his line.

Was refusing to overturn the Electoral College your defining moment? Did hearing 'Hang Mike Pence' change what you think about your party? Where exactly was the line you drew?