Will Pence Resign Rather Than Announce Biden as the Winner?

The looming question of whether Vice President Mike Pence will resign or remain in office is a complex and multifaceted issue. Given the current political climate and the potential consequences, Pence is facing a significant dilemma that could impact his political future and legacy. This article explores the reasons behind Pence's potential actions and their implications.

Political and Constitutional Dilemma

Mike Pence is currently between a rock and a hard place, as he is deeply entrenched in a political and constitutional dilemma. The Trump administration has placed him in a precarious position by compelling him to violate the constitution out of loyalty. This situation is particularly sensitive, as any decision he makes could have severe repercussions for his political standing and legacy.

Consequences of Announcing Biden as the Winner

If Pence honors the constitution and announces Joe Biden as the winner, he risks alienating President Trump and his loyal supporters. In a recent statement, Trump explicitly mentioned, “if he doesn’t come through I won’t like him as much.” A single tweet from a loyal follower could easily tarnish Pence's political standing with his base, undermining his credibility and effectiveness in future endeavors.

Political Complications for Pence

The situation further complicates the fact that Pence may no longer be needed by Trump politically. Evangelicals, a key support base for Trump, have already moved on from Pence and are performing well without him. This suggests that Pence's political leverage with the Trump administration has significantly diminished.

Consequences of Defying the Constitution

On the other hand, if Pence defies the constitution and aligns himself with Trump, he risks tarnishing his legacy and being seen as a yes-man to a corrupt presidential administration. This course of action could severely impact his future political aspirations and hinder his ability to build a legacy free from association with the Trump presidency.

Expected Course of Action

Given the complexities of the situation, it is highly probable that Pence will choose not to witness the certification process and instead choose an alternative explanation, such as claiming he wasn't feeling well and was undergoing a COVID test. This would demonstrate his commitment to the constitution while managing the risks associated with public dissent.

The certification process is likely to proceed as usual with Pence absent, with objections being raised and the Houses debating the results separately. It is highly unlikely that either chamber will vote to sustain any objections due to the lack of cross-party support and the clear intention to uphold the results of the election.

Political Consequences and Legacy

The certification process is expected to be a formality, with Pence likely making a statement to the effect that he was not present and had no choice in the matter. This approach would avoid both public scorn and the risk of political fallout, while still adhering to constitutional principles.

In conclusion, it is likely that Vice President Mike Pence will choose not to attend the certification process, opting instead to remain in office to fulfill his duty to pardon President Trump before the transition of power. This decision reflects a complex balance of political, constitutional, and personal considerations, and will be subject to ongoing public and political scrutiny.