The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence

When Mike Pence became the Vice President of the United States in January 2017, he was seen by many as a calm and steady presence to balance out the controversial figure of President Donald Trump. However, behind his composed demeanor lies a man with significant influence and a shadowy presence that has sparked intrigue and speculation. In this article, we will delve deep into the truth about Mike Pence, exploring his background, political journey, and the controversies surrounding him.

The Early Years

Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Mike Pence was born on June 7, 1959, into a devoutly Catholic family. Raised with strong conservative values, he quickly developed an interest in politics and attended Hanover College where he studied history and graduated with honors. Pence then went on to pursue a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University School of Law.

After completing his education, Pence began his career in radio broadcasting, hosting "The Mike Pence Show" on a local Indiana radio station. This experience allowed him to connect with the conservative base and laid the foundation for his future political aspirations.

The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence

by Michael D'Antonio (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2477 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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A Rising Star in Politics

In 2000, Mike Pence successfully ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district. As a staunch conservative, Pence quickly gained attention for his vigorous defense of traditional Christian values and his vocal opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

Throughout his time in Congress, Pence built a reputation as a skilled orator and a principled conservative. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the chairman of the House Republican Conference in 2009. During this period, Pence championed numerous conservative policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong national defense.

The Vice Presidency and Controversies

When Pence was chosen as Donald Trump's running mate in the 2016 presidential election, his calm and composed demeanor proved to be an asset. However, his association with the Trump administration has been marred by several controversies.

One of the most significant controversies during Pence's tenure as Vice President was his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argue that he downplayed the severity of the virus and mishandled the federal response, leading to avoidable deaths and economic damage. Others believe that Pence was simply following Trump's lead and implementing the administration's policies.

Another controversy surrounding Pence is his stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout his political career, he has consistently opposed marriage equality and advocated for policies that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. This has drawn criticism and ire from activists who believe in equal rights for all.

The Shadow President

While Mike Pence may have initially been seen as a calming presence within the Trump administration, many believe that his influence extends far beyond what is visible to the public eye. Dubbed the "Shadow President" by some, Pence is believed by critics and conspiracy theorists to be the driving force behind many of the administration's most controversial policies.

Some speculate that Pence's strong ties to the evangelical community give him significant influence over Trump, particularly when it comes to socially conservative issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Others argue that he acts as a buffer or interpreter between Trump and the rest of the Republican establishment, ensuring the president's conservative agenda moves forward smoothly.

The Future of Mike Pence

With the end of the Trump administration, Mike Pence's political future remains uncertain. Speculation abounds whether he will run for president in 2024 or pave the way for a potential 2028 bid. Many also wonder if he will distance himself from the controversial policies of the previous administration or continue to champion conservative causes.

As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Trump era, understanding the truth about Mike Pence becomes crucial. While perceptions of him may differ, there is no denying that Pence embodies the complexities and contradictions of modern American politics.

The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence

by Michael D'Antonio (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2477 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"It presents an entirely damning portrait of Pence. You've seen his colors before, but not so vividly and in this detail." —Frank Bruni, The New York Times

"Producing a biography of a living, controversial politician is always difficult. D'Antonio and Eisner have succeeded in this well-documented, damning book. Cue the outrage from Sean Hannity et al."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In this well-rounded, deeply-investigated biography, the first full look at the vice president, two award-winning journalists unmask the real Mike Pence.

Little-known outside his home state until Donald Trump made him his running mate, Mike Pence—who proclaims himself a Christian first, a conservative second, and a Republican third—has long worn a carefully-constructed mask of Midwestern nice. Behind his self-proclaimed humility and self-abasing deference, however, hides a man whose own presidential ambitions have blazed since high school. Pence’s drive for power, perhaps inspired by his belief that God might have big plans for him, explains why he shocked his allies by lending Christian credibility to a scandal-plagued candidate like Trump.

In this landmark biography, Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael D’Antonio and Emmy-nominated journalist Peter Eisner follow the path Pence followed from Catholic Democrat to conservative evangelical Republican. They reveal how he used his time as rightwing radio star to build connections with powerful donors; how he was a lackluster lawmaker in Congress but a prodigious fundraiser from the GOP’s billionaire benefactors; and how, once he locked in his views on the issues—anti-gay, pro-gun, anti-abortion, pro big-business—he became laser-focused on his own pursuit of power.

As THE SHADOW PRESIDENT reveals, Mike Pence is the most important and powerful Christian Right politician America has ever seen. Driven as much by theology as personal ambition, Pence is now positioned to seize the big prize—the presidency—and use it to fashion a nation more pleasing to his god and corporate sponsors.