Does Mike Pence Regret Choosing Trump as His Running Mate?

From his guarded praise of Trump to the harsh criticism from the media and public, Mike Pence's decision to be Trump's running mate is a topic of significant debate. The exit interview in 2016 revealed hints of regret, but was it genuine?

The Media's View

Media personalities often paint a caricature of figures like Donald Trump, turning them into soap opera characters. However, this sensationalized portrayal has little to do with the actual truth. Similarly, many voters, including those who supported Reagan, Ross Perot, and Ron Paul, understood the corrupting power of power and the flaws within the establishment. This system has proven resistant to change.

Personal Regret

Mike Pence, it appears, does harbor some regret. By aligning himself with an administration considered the worst modern US president, Pence risks facing backlash from so-called "Trump world zombies" during the elections. This connection might also damage his own political future.

The Question of Benefit

Is Pence's association with Trump truly beneficial to anyone, especially to himself? Many argue that he gained little more than a tarnished reputation. Terms like "bullshit artist" are often bandied about, highlighting the questionable nature of his political choices.

Leadership Ethical Dilemmas

Consider a scenario where Pence's boss, let's say Donald Trump, ordered his fellow employees to kill him. Would Pence feel regret? The answer is almost certainly yes. This highlights a broader ethical issue in leadership and the sometimes contradictory choices politicians make.

But what about Pence's self-proclaimed role as a "man of God"? Could someone who adheres to religious values work for someone who denigrates their family and even makes unsubstantiated claims? In Pence's case, working for President Trump despite the latter's Godless behavior is a stark contradiction. For many, this aligns with the idea that "politics trumps religion," a term which, ironically, has no intended pun.

The Absurdity of Political Dynamics

On one hand, Marco Rubio (Cruz's cousin) was a vocal Trump critic, yet Cruz remains one of Trump's ardent supporters. This phenomenon can only be explained by the bizarre world of politics, where personal attacks and scandals are seen as badges of honor, rather than cause for concern.

How does one justify supporting a man who makes personal attacks and denigrates others? Supporters like Pence often use defense mechanisms to rationalize their actions, such as Harvard Law School Professor Cass Sunstein's group think phenomenon. However, this rationalization often leads to a further distance from ethical standards.

A Call for Ethical Leadership

Mike Pence, it seems, may not regret his service. He may, however, regret that Trump's actions hurt both their country and Pence's political career. But ultimately, this was not Pence's responsibility. His choices revealed a clash between personal values and the demands of a political career.

Conclusion

The decision to be Donald Trump's running mate was a controversial choice, and its consequences remain a subject of much debate. Ethical leadership and the balance between personal and political values are crucial in shaping a leader's legacy.