Fmr. Pence aide: Subpoena is a 'security blanket' – but expect Pence to 'slow-walk'

Summary

The transcript discusses Mike Pence's potential presidential run and his response to a subpoena from the Special Counsel. Olivia Trait, a former Homeland Security and Counterterror Advisor, shares insights into Pence's political calculations, suggesting that the subpoena may provide political cover for him. Pence's past reluctance to cooperate with the January 6 committee is contrasted with the possibility of him working with the DOJ. The conversation touches on the importance of accountability for the January 6 events and how it might impact the Republican Party's stance moving forward.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mike Pence is still considering a presidential run, actively promoting his book and traveling, with a strong possibility of announcing his candidacy.
• 😀 The subpoena Pence received from the Special Counsel regarding his testimony offers him political cover, allowing him to speak openly about what happened behind closed doors while claiming legal compulsion.
• 😀 Pence's previous refusal to cooperate with the January 6th committee was grounded in the belief that Congress had no right to his testimony, invoking the separation of powers under the Constitution.
• 😀 Pence is more likely to cooperate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) rather than Congress, as he perceives the January 6th Committee to be politically biased.
• 😀 There is speculation that Pence might benefit politically if the DOJ successfully removes Donald Trump from the race, aiding Pence’s potential run for president.
• 😀 Pence has hired an attorney specializing in executive privilege, and there is a possibility he will assert executive privilege in response to the subpoena, similar to Donald Trump’s past actions.
• 😀 The Trump team might try to slow down the legal process, as Pence has been stalling for over two years in fully addressing the events surrounding January 6th.
• 😀 Despite the Republican party's current tendency to downplay the significance of January 6th, there is a strong belief that accountability is necessary for the nation to move forward.
• 😀 The Republican base seems indifferent to the events of January 6th, but Pence may believe he can still win them back through his actions and campaign.
• 😀 The ongoing investigation into the January 6th insurrection is seen as critical in ensuring accountability, as election denialism and concerns about election integrity remain part of the Republican party's platform.

Q & A

What is the significance of Mike Pence's potential presidential run in the context of his legal situation?

Mike Pence's potential presidential run is closely tied to his legal situation, particularly his subpoena in the special counsel's investigation related to the January 6th events. His candidacy could give him political cover, allowing him to testify without appearing politically motivated, as he could frame it as being legally compelled.

How does the special counsel's investigation affect Mike Pence's political calculation?

The special counsel's investigation offers Mike Pence political cover. He can testify about what happened during the January 6th events, framing his cooperation as a legal obligation rather than a voluntary action, which might help him maintain his standing within the Republican Party.

What was Mike Pence's stance on cooperating with the January 6th Committee, and how does it differ from his stance on the special counsel's request?

Mike Pence refused to cooperate with the January 6th Committee, citing separation of powers and executive privilege. However, he is more likely to cooperate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the special counsel's investigation, as he believes the committee was politically motivated, and he might view the DOJ's request differently.

Why did Mike Pence decide not to cooperate with the January 6th Committee?

Mike Pence decided not to cooperate with the January 6th Committee because he believed that Congress had no right to his testimony, citing separation of powers and the Constitution. He also felt that the committee's approach was politically motivated.

How might Mike Pence's legal team assert executive privilege in the special counsel investigation?

Mike Pence's legal team, which includes an executive privilege expert, may assert executive privilege to block certain testimony. This could lead to delays or complications in the investigation, similar to tactics used by former President Donald Trump to protect his executive actions.

What impact might Mike Pence's cooperation with the special counsel have on his relationship with Trump supporters?

Mike Pence's cooperation with the special counsel could anger Trump supporters, especially if they perceive it as a betrayal or an attempt to weaken Donald Trump's political position. However, Pence may calculate that cooperating with the DOJ could benefit him politically if Trump is disqualified from running.

What does the discussion about January 6th reveal about the current state of the Republican Party?

The discussion about January 6th highlights a divide within the Republican Party. Many within the party have moved on from the events of that day, showing little concern for accountability. This reflects a broader trend of election denialism and a shift away from holding Trump and his allies accountable for their actions surrounding the insurrection.

How does Olivia Trait's perspective on accountability differ from the views within the Republican Party?

Olivia Trait emphasizes the importance of accountability for the events of January 6th, viewing it as crucial for the country's integrity. She contrasts this with the Republican Party's apparent reluctance to acknowledge the seriousness of the insurrection, noting that some members of the party continue to spread election denialism.

What role does executive privilege play in the broader legal and political context of this investigation?

Executive privilege plays a significant role in this investigation as it allows individuals to withhold certain communications or actions taken in their official capacity from being disclosed. Both Pence and Trump have used or may use executive privilege to avoid testifying about sensitive matters related to their duties in office, complicating the investigation.

Why is the January 6th investigation still relevant in the context of the 2024 Republican primary?

The January 6th investigation remains relevant in the context of the 2024 Republican primary because it involves accountability for a dark chapter in U.S. history. Despite the Republican Party's attempts to downplay the significance of the insurrection, the investigation underscores the need for accountability and integrity, issues that could influence voters' perceptions of candidates.