Pence's Perplexing Pivot to Trump

SAN DIEGO -- Say it isn't so, Mike.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has won "Vice President Apprentice" and earned the dubious distinction of serving alongside Donald Trump on the Republican presidential ticket.

I understand why Trump offered Pence the job; the Indiana governor is first-rate, well-liked and widely respected with a calm and reassuring disposition, political experience at the state and federal level, and service as both a legislator and chief executive.

What I don't understand is why Pence accepted. Trump is a train wreck. The real estate mogul is a novice and a narcissist who says whatever pops into his head, has few core principles, and loves himself so much that it's unclear whether he loves anything more -- including the country.

Trump's VP choice is a tough pill to swallow for those of us in the "Never Trump" movement who know Pence, have followed his career, admire his skills and genuinely like the guy.

When I'm pressed to name the Democratic elected official I admire most, I usually go with Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who had the guts to get arrested twice outside the White House protesting President Obama's repressive immigration policies, to the chagrin of many in his own party.

But when asked to name the Republican I admire most, I would always choose Pence. I've written about the graduate of Hanover College for more than a decade, and I've found him to be a rare breed -- a Republican with a sharp mind, a good heart and common sense. He has strong conservative principles, but -- unlike many in his party -- he doesn't do demagoguery.

So why is Pence hanging out with the likes of Trump? I feel like this is a test. I'd love to see Pence serve as vice president -- but not at the expense of electing Trump president.

Pence should know better. Ambition has to have limits. Linking up with Trump will only hurt the governor's brand in the long run. History will remember him unfavorably, as someone who so badly wanted to be in the White House -- even if only in the smaller office down the hall from the president -- that he was willing to play second fiddle to someone who opposed much of what he believed in, and believed in much of what he opposed.

After all, Pence is not exactly what you would call a Trump Republican. He didn't even back Trump during the Indiana primary. Instead, the governor threw his support to an outspoken senator from Texas.

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