Mediaboss Marketing

Jack Colwell| South Bend Tribune

Mike Pence will win.

I usually avoid predictions. Unless its a sure thing, like predicting that an unopposed candidate will win. Even that can be risky. Ive often told the story of the legendary Landslide Linetty from back in the day in South Bend.

Landslide was running unopposed. And lost.

Landslide didnt get a single vote. He was taken ill the night before the election. He was hospitalized and unable to vote for himself. Family members? Neighbors? Landslide didnt get a single vote. (Happy ending: Landslide was appointed to fill the vacancy.)

Once I went out on a limb to predict in a Mishawaka mayoral race that Bob would win. Both nominees were named Bob.

Even with my caution in predicting, I say confidently that Mike Pence will win.

Column:They once needed each other. Now Trump, Pence are miles apart

Im not talking about Pence winning the presidential election in 2024. I dont think he has any chance. Nor do I see him ever winning the Republican nomination. The large and unshakeable base for Donald Trump among Republican voters never will forgive Pence for not throwing out results of the 2020 election.

But Pence will win an honored place in the nations history.

Now, however, he is criticized not only by Trump and the MAGA base but also by a what-about? chorus of Democrats, even though they are outraged by Trumps scheme to stay in the White House.

When Pence ignored the threats of Trump and of the Hang Mike Pence! insurrectionists to carry out his constitutional duties of vice president, certificating the presidential vote results from the states, there were Democrats complaining, What about how he supported Trump for four years?

When in his book, Pence detailed his disagreement with Trump and told of refusal to let the Secret Service drive him away from the embattled Capitol before certification of results was completed, some critical Democrats asked, What about his lack of courage in refusing to call for Trumps impeachment?

President Trump was wrong, Pence said at the recent Gridiron Dinner. I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.

The critical chorus noted that those strong words came at a private dinner and asked, How about his refusal to testify under oath in investigations of Trumps coup attempt?

Column:Did Mike Pence save the republic?

With Pences problems with so many from the most pro-Trump Republicans to the most anti-Trump Democrats and seemingly also with most everybody in between he was described by one columnist as the Rodney Dangerfield of vice presidents: He gets no respect.

Well, Im not suggesting that Pence should be president. Nor am I suggesting that he shouldnt be criticized by those who disagree with his political views.

But its unfair when some critics portray Pence as a coward for not abandoning the traditional role of a loyal vice president much earlier. Its also unfair to say Pence did nothing more than what he was supposed to do with certification. Ho-hum. Just routine?

No matter what else he did or didnt do, he resisted pressure and threats and defended the Constitution in one of the most critical times in American history.

We all face the judgment of history, Pence said recently. And I believe in the fullness of time that history will hold Donald Trump accountable for the events of Jan. 6.

Yes. Pence, not Trump, will win the race for an honored place in history.

In evaluating what Pence did, history will focus on his defense of the Constitution and refusal to participate in a coup to overturn the will of the voters, not so much on the political chatter of today.

Landslide Linetty, though unopposed, didnt win election. It wasnt as certain as it seemed. But Pence is certain to win his race, never for president, but in history.

Jack Colwell is a columnist for The Tribune. Write to him in care of The Tribune or by email atjcolwell@comcast.net.

Read the original here:
Mike Pence will win an honored place in the nation's history - South Bend Tribune