So it looks like it’s Mike Pence who will be Trumps VP.
Based on an unnamed Republican source, Roll Call is reporting that Gov. Mike Pence will be picked as Donald Trump’s running mate. The story doesn’t offer much detail except to say the source is someone, “with direct knowledge of the decision.”
The suggestion this week has been that Pence and former Speaker Newt Gingrich were the front-runners for the position. CNN reported that a trial-run for Pence at a campaign stop in Indiana Tuesday went very well:
I gotta’ tell you that I find it slightly laughable that some people are disappointed because it wasn’t an “unpredictable” or “exciting” choice. No matter if you’re planning on voting for him or not, don’t you think Trump is all the “unpredictable” and “exciting” you can fit on one ticket?
This choice tells me that Trump is looking to seem a little more stable and “in the box” and even more importantly, he’s looking to court pro-lifers. You’ve got to give him some credit on that front. He’s actually named the judges he’ll select and now he’s picked a strong pro-lifer as his running mate.
Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:
“Mr. Trump’s selection of Gov. Mike Pence is an affirmation of the pro-life commitments he’s made and will rally the pro-life grassroots,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “Gov. Pence has proven to be a pro-life champion both during his time in Congress and as Governor of Indiana. It was Mike Pence who led the effort to defund Planned Parenthood in Congress, and it was Gov. Pence who signed into law a historic bill protecting unborn children from lethal discrimination in the womb. Mike Pence is a pro-life trailblazer and Mr. Trump could not have made a better choice.”
But clearly, Trump needs to do more.
My friend Michael New, writing for First Things, points out that Trump has yet to secure the nomination of the NRLC. In fact he points out that Trump’s candidacy was virtually ignored at the latest NRLC Convention. The attendees talked mostly about Senate races.
The N.R.L.C. Convention reminds us that Donald Trump needs to improve his outreach to pro-life voters. His July meeting with social conservative leaders was a start, but more must be done. His official campaign website still contains nothing about his position on sanctity of life issues. It took him a few days before he released a statement on the recent Supreme Court decision Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, which struck down Texas legislation requiring better regulation of abortion facilities.
Look, everyone knows Hillary is a disaster but they still need to find a reason to vote FOR Trump. Many haven’t. I think if Pence is indeed the selection that could go a long way.
Me? Heck, I was still kinda’ hoping for Tim Tebow.
