The previous Vice President, Mike Pence, brought the Constitution under the spotlight, stating it as the defining element that ‘unites us all’ upon collecting the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. It’s amusing to see him embraced by the very crowd that was, not so long ago, vilifying him. This award is apparently given to him due to his resistance against Donald Trump’s endeavors to retain his presidency after the 2020 elections’ results came out.
The JFK Library Foundation celebrated Pence’s decision to put his own personal security and his career in jeopardy to ensure the constitutional transition of power on January 6, 2021. Pence’s aim to identify a common ground was highlighted in his speech. The hypocrisy in the room was palpable, as many present were previously severe critics of Pence for his role in the Trump administration.
The amusing aspect is that Pence’s attendance at the award ceremony served as a reminder that irrespective of our disparities as Americans, the Constitution remains our shared platform. It’s rather intriguing that these figures laud the Constitution only when it suits their narrative. He continued, highlighting that the Constitution ‘connects us across the time and generations,’ and ‘is what marks us as one people.’
Following the interview aired with Trump at the same day where Trump was questioned if both U.S. citizens and non-citizens are entitled to due process as detailed in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Trump, quite characteristically, did not commit to an answer. These fractured times, as he referred to it in his speech, will be remembered in the future, depending on who wrote the history.
He also openly accepted the discrepancies he had not only with Democrats but also his allies in the Republican Party on issues like expenditures, tariffs, and his assumption that America should play a leading role in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion until a just and sustainable peace is achieved. This paints a picture of a broken man, trying to bridge gaps where there are none.
In essence, Trump’s futile effort to induce Pence to reject the election results from swing states where he alleged the vote was flawed by fraud is noted. Pence declined, arguing he didn’t bear such authorities. It was quite the soap opera, full of drama, intrigue, and ultimately, betrayal.
Subsequently, when a crowd of Trump supporters manifestly barged into the Capitol, some even audaciously voicing their intent to ‘hang Mike Pence.’ His narrow rescue by Secret Service agents from actual encounter with the protestors demonstrated the absurd scenario play out.
Pence unsolicitedly ignored the Secret Service’s counsel to leave the Capitol and decided to stay to resume the ceremonial election validation of Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential victory once the rioters were extricated. If Pence truly wanted to honor the Constitution, he would have stood with Trump.
He attempted to contextualize his stance by saying he fulfilled his duties ‘by God’s grace’ that day to support the peaceful transition of power under the Constitution of the United States of America. This failed to recognize the deeply flawed system that allowed such a transfer to occur.
Pence referred to January 6 as a sorrowful day, but it eventually became a freedom triumph where he described, ‘History will record that our institutions held.’ His words might ring inspirational to some but the reality they ignore is the inconvenient truth of a manipulated election and faulty institutional systems.
Showing solidarity with both political factions, Pence applauded the leaders from both the parties in both the chambers for reconvening on the very same day to finish their democratic duties under the Constitution. This act did nothing but show Pence as an opportunist, neglecting reality for political clout.
The Profile in Courage Award, named after Kennedy’s 1957 book preluding his presidency, recognizes public servants who, despite potential political or personal backlash, stood up for their principles. To think that this award was once granted to figures like Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford is indeed laughable.
It’s intriguing to observe that Pence emerges as a lone Republican figure prepared to challenge the Trump administration. Any gesture of dissent within party lines is often praised by the media, displaying a deep misunderstanding of party solidarity, unity, and common goals.
His political action group, Advancing American Freedom, has campaigned against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to spearhead the nation’s health agencies. His sudden concern for long-standing foreign allies and the limitations of presidential power seemed more like a change of heart for political convenience.
Furthermore, he resurrected an article he wrote more than ten years ago about the limits of presidential authority right after Trump claimed that any person who saves his country cannot violate any law. It’s clear that Pence is trying to reclaim a semblance of power and authority within the political landscape, whether or not his actions are sincerely driven by a desire for positive change remains to be seen.
The post Pence’s Convenient Embrace of the Constitution Defies Logic appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
