Mike Pence's Journey in Certified 2020 Election Results

Mike Pence, as the Vice President of the United States, faced a pivotal moment when he was asked to certify the 2020 election results. While many believe that Pence stood firm against Trump from the beginning, this article aims to explore the intricate process and the timeline leading up to his certification of the election.

The Background: Pence and Trump's Relationship

Mike Pence's relationship with President Donald Trump was complex. Many thought Pence was willing to stand up to Trump, while the reality was quite different. Pence did not immediately challenge Trump's stance on the election results. Instead, he employed a different approach, spending time researching the issue, seeking advice, and exploring legal avenues.

Research and Advice-Seeking Process

To understand Pence's actions, it's important to examine the steps he took prior to certifying the election results. Pence's staff conducted thorough research, and he even reached out to Dan Quayle for advice. Quayle, in his own words, reveals that Pence inquired about whether he had the authority to send votes back to the battleground states, not whether he was correct in refusing to do so.

While some intelligence experts and legal scholars may have presented a strong argument, there's no record showing Pence's final decision based on their advice. The key takeaway is that Pence's stance evolved over time as he explored different possibilities.

The Insurrection and the Aftermath

Jack Eastman, a lawyer and advisor to President Trump, proposed a plan to throw out electoral votes in contested states. However, Pence's lead legal counsel, Greg Jacob, and federal judge Michael Luttig advised this was not a legal move. Judge Luttig's past association with John Eastman added another layer to this complex situation.

Despite these well-grounded legal opinions, it’s acknowledged that Pence may have been influenced by certain factions. The question of whether Pence was "bought" by Democrats or faced internal coercion can only be speculated. However, his decision, while late, is crucial to understand the timeline of events.

Assessment and Reflection

While Mike Pence's certification of the 2020 election results is seen as the right action, it did not come without significant effort and time investment from Pence. It is important to note that this decision was not made immediately or without hesitation.

More importantly, Pence's actions and inactions during his four years as Vice President, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, are worth evaluating. His inaction during a critical time when lives were at stake highlights the need for political leaders to prioritize public health and safety.

Conclusion

Mike Pence, as a political figure, represents a complex narrative of patriotism and controversy. While he ultimately did the right thing in certifying the 2020 election results, his journey there was fraught with hesitation and time spent seeking legal and political solutions. Evaluating his actions with a balanced perspective is crucial for understanding the broader context of these events.