Pence Offers Vance Advice at Recent Event

At a Constitution Day event at Middle Tennessee State University, Former Vice President Mike Pence shared pivotal advice with Ohio Senator JD Vance, who is Donald Trump’s current running mate.

At a Glance

Mike Pence shared advice with JD Vance on vice presidential duties at a Constitution Day event.
Pence stressed the importance of being prepared, informed, and dedicated to public service.
The former VP defended his actions on January 6, 2021, emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution.
Vance, as Trump’s running mate, faces unique challenges in the evolving role of the vice presidency.
The selection of Vance signals a shift towards embracing hard-right “Make America Great Again” politics.

Pence’s Advice to Vance: Be Prepared for History’s Call

At a recent Constitution Day event at Middle Tennessee State University, former Vice President Mike Pence offered valuable insights to Ohio Senator JD Vance, who has been chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Pence, drawing from his own experiences, emphasized the critical need for vice presidents to be thoroughly prepared for the responsibilities that may suddenly fall upon them.

Pence’s willingness to meet with Vance and share his experiences demonstrates a commitment to the continuity of government, despite the well-documented tensions between Pence and Trump following the events of January 6, 2021. The former vice president’s advice comes at a crucial time, as Vance prepares for a role that has evolved significantly over the past few decades.

The Evolving Role of the Vice Presidency

Historically, the vice presidency was often viewed as an insignificant office. John Adams, the nation’s first vice president, famously described it as “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.” This sentiment was echoed by John Nance Garner, who served as VP under Franklin D. Roosevelt, likening the role to “a bucket of warm spit.”

However, the role has evolved significantly, especially since the mid-20th century. Modern vice presidents have taken on active roles in the executive branch, serving as trusted advisors and representing the administration on key issues. This transformation began in earnest with President Jimmy Carter’s decision to integrate his vice president, Walter Mondale, into the daily operations of the West Wing, setting a precedent for future administrations.

Challenges Ahead for JD Vance

As JD Vance prepares to potentially step into this evolving role, he faces unique challenges. Unlike many previous vice presidents who brought Washington insider experience to complement outsider presidents, Vance is a political newcomer himself. His selection signals Trump’s embrace of hard-right “Make America Great Again” politics and a break from the old-school Republican establishment.

Vance’s limited political experience and his past criticism of Trump, which he later reversed during his 2022 Senate campaign, may present additional hurdles. His stance on key issues, including opposition to free-trade deals and continued funding for the war in Ukraine, aligns with Trump’s base but may not appeal to swing-state voters.

As the 2024 election approaches, the American public will be watching closely to see how Vance navigates these challenges and whether he can effectively fulfill the evolving responsibilities of the vice presidency, should he be elected. The advice from Mike Pence serves as a reminder of the gravity of the role and the importance of being prepared for whatever history may bring.