Pence Expected To Have Unprecedented Power As VP

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence stepped onto the national stage in June as Republican Donald Trump’s running mate. Now, with Trump as president-elect, Pence is gearing up for his role as one of the most influential vice presidents in history.

“Trump sees himself as a public face of taking on draining of the swamp, but a lot of the day-to-day may end up in Pence’s portfolio,” Gary Bauer, a friend of Pence’s, told the New York Post.

“I have seen this man when no one is watching, this man be a man of courage, of integrity,” Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, said of Pence, reports the New York Times. “He is from the heart of the conservative movement.”

Pence, who was a Congressman before becoming Indiana’s governor, has established a robust record of conservative idealism and staunch anti-gay policies.

Pence has vowed, as vice president, to “send Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history,” notes Mother Jones. Furthermore, for having demolished the budget of Planned Parenthood in Indiana, Pence is considered responsible for an HIV outbreak in the state.

Pence has also opposed resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana, stating, “Indiana has a long tradition of opening our arms and homes to refugees from around the world but, as governor, my first responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of all [Indiana residents].” 

“We’re seeing the melding of Reagan conservatism, personified by Pence, with Reagan’s conservative populism, personified by Donald Trump,” Bauer continued of Pence, reports the New York Post.

Speaking at a November 9 victory speech with Donald Trump, Pence told the crowd, “I come to this moment deeply humbled and grateful to God for his amazing grace,” reports the New York Times. 

Sources: New York Post, New York Times, Mother Jones, (2), / Photo Credit: Mike Pence/Instagram