Proto-Candidate Pence

Pence pushes back on “Zombie Reaganism”

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Fresh off the Federalist Society event stage, former Vice President Mike Pence sits with Steve and Sarah to talk about his record on abortion, entitlement reform, and the evolution of the GOP under his former boss. The three debate policy issues with this non-candidate.

Show Notes:

-Watch: Steve and Sarah interview Pence

-Kentucky voters reject constitutional amendment on abortion

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  1. SeanM76

    I loved what he said but can't see him getting any real support. He sounded like what I grew up with as a republican. I just don't believe he can inspire people to donate and support him on the top of a ticket.

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    Ben Connelly

    Good interview. I’m coming around and could potentially vote for Pence if the conditions were right. Goal number one is stopping Trump from getting the nomination though.

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  3. J. Spencer

    Awesome interview, and I always love Sarah's non-segueues into random (but still important) topics at the end! The presidential pets segment was fantastic--had a good laugh when she immediately rejected Harley the dog :)

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  4. Russell J

    Good interview. Pence is an interesting figure. He seems to annoy everyone in some small way but it is tough to hate him in a more conversational format. He does give off a sort of detached from reality vibe but I would take his brand of detachment over some of the alternatives. I guess his detachment leans toward sunny optimism. Thinking his MAGA rally ovations were probably prior to 2021. Ha.

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    Michael.P.Cotter

    Thank you for this episode... My blood pressure was in the normal range for the last 35 mintues and 11 seconds. Putting aside the content of policy positions.... The tone and temperament of the interviewers and interviewee took me back to a time when politicians on either side of the aisle seemed "presidential" (You'd have to be in your 50's or older to know what I mean by "presidential".)

    I would enjoy having Mike Pence at my dinner table. I love the whole process over outcome schtick. My one (perhaps not insurmountable obstacle) to voting for him in the primary would be that while I liked a small handful of the OUTCOMES of the Trump presidency (the pre-Covid economy- Thanks Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell! - and putting "Living Constitutionalism" into a state of deep hibernation- Thanks Mitch McConnell!), Mike Pence was an integral part of the PROCESS that was the Trump Administration.

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    Seth B

    An interview with Pence and you didn't let Kevin Williamson take part?

    Such a missed opportunity. ;)

    Seriously though, Steve and Sarah are a terrific interviewing team, even when the interviewee is... uh... well, I'll leave the descriptions to Kevin.

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  8. Bobby D

    Thus was a deeply frustrating interview to listen to. He sidestepped nearly every tough question. This is why Trump looks so strong. The current alternatives to him are so weak.

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  9. Aimee Wing

    I want to like him, in moments I am grateful that he sounds more reasonable than many, but my stomach still hurts hearing him sidestep and dismiss the conversation about Flynn and violent rhetoric. His silence is hurting us. To make light of all that stuff and just say “stop getting on twitter” was painful. he says he is pro life, and he speaks for the unborn, but he won’t speak against the kind of rhetoric that leads to violence. I am thankful he took a stand that day. But something is wrong with him. His unwillingness says something . I think of all the republicans like those at the dispatch who have given me hope with their courage. Thanxs again Dispatch republicans.

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  10. Max Marshall

    Great interview but…… when are you all going to finish the conversation about Fox and Tucker Carlson?? The preceding dispatch pod was titled, “Fox News Will Never Change.” But then Carlson was fired in a pretty humiliating way (never mind Don Lemon) and there’s been little follow up. I get you might be waiting for things to pan out before weighing in again, but it would be great if someone would acknowledge that so we’re not left wondering what all the silence is about!

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