Some individuals attempt to maintain their significance well past the point of losing it. Take Mike Pence, for example. During an interview on Sunday with NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker, Pence was questioned about any future presidential aspirations. His response was a nod to the reality that his chances in any national race might be limited to a lookalike contest resembling “Older Race Bannon.”
At least the former VP seems to recognize that.
“I don’t envision that in my future,” said the former Indiana governor to NBC’s Kristen Welker. “I don’t foresee it, but we’ll continue to uphold everything we’ve always supported, and let the future unfold as it will.”
In essence, he doesn’t foresee a run for the presidency in his future; which is just as expected, since the general consensus aligns with that sentiment. Instead, he has initiated yet another think-tank, adding to the already long list of somewhat dull Washington think tanks, where genuine intellectual activity appears sparse.
“I want to be a voice for conservative values. I want to be a voice for the policies and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States,” Pence told Welker. “I want to be a champion of the conservative cause, and that’s where I’ll stay focused, and we’ll let the future take care of itself.”
Now, on the surface, those sound like noble goals. But does anyone see any scenario where Mike Pence could emerge as a presidential frontrunner in the next two or three presidential election cycles? He’s 65 now. In 2028, he’ll be 67, which isn’t at all too old, but let’s be honest, barring some catastrophe, the smart money will be on JD Vance to be advanced to the top spot. In 2032, if Vice President Vance runs and wins in 2028, he’ll be campaigning for a second term, and Pence will be 71. In 2036? Pence will be 75.
Even if JD Vance opts out, there are plenty of younger, more impressive Republicans that could run. Mike Pence is, literally, yesterday’s news. He’s also not charismatic, he’s not appealing; as vice president, he was… there.
As a politician, Mike Pence is distinctly underwhelming.
