Pence’s comment that it’s “admirable” that Vice President Harris certified President Trump’s win in 2024 after he lost the election sparks a wave of reactions. It highlights a shift in expectations surrounding the basic functioning of American democracy. The act of certifying an election result, once a routine and almost invisible part of the process, has become a point of contention and even praise.
This raises questions about the state of political discourse. The fact that such a fundamental action is now considered “admirable” suggests a profound erosion of norms. Historically, the peaceful transfer of power, regardless of the outcome, was taken for granted.
The contrast with the events of January 6th, 2021, where Pence himself was threatened by a mob spurred on by Trump’s election denial, is stark. The near-violent disruption of the certification process four years prior casts a long shadow over Pence’s current appraisal of Harris’s actions. It suggests that what was once a matter of course is now viewed through the lens of a deeply fractured political landscape.
The response to Pence’s statement is mixed. Some agree that upholding the constitutional process deserves recognition, especially given the fraught political climate. Others see the praise as misplaced, suggesting that fulfilling one’s sworn duty should be expected, not celebrated. The very need to acknowledge such a routine function as “admirable” is itself a reflection of the lowered bar of expectation in current political times.
Many view Pence’s comment as a tacit acknowledgment of the unprecedented nature of Trump’s behavior in 2020. The implied comparison between Harris’s actions and Pence’s own experience during the January 6th insurrection is telling. The implied criticism of Trump’s behavior, although indirect, is still apparent. It is a commentary on the extent to which the political norms have shifted, emphasizing that what was once unremarkable is now deemed noteworthy and even commendable.
The discussion also reveals a broader weariness with the political climate. The comment highlights the deep divisions within the American public, the anxieties surrounding the integrity of elections, and the profound impact of Trump’s actions. The lack of outrage over what has happened in the past, and the fact that such comments are even considered in the public realm, is itself concerning. The emphasis on “admirable” actions merely fulfilling routine duties suggests a normalization of dangerous behaviors and a chilling acceptance of a new normal in American politics.
The reaction underscores the need for a return to established democratic principles. The very fact that such a fundamental aspect of American democracy – the peaceful transfer of power – requires explicit praise signifies the precarious state of the country’s political stability. It also signals the need to restore faith in core democratic institutions and processes, regardless of political affiliation. The underlying question is: how did the mere fulfillment of a sworn duty become something worthy of specific recognition, revealing the extent to which democratic norms have been challenged and eroded.
The comments also point to the contrasting perspectives on political duty and responsibility. For some, Harris’s actions represent a commendable upholding of constitutional principles; for others, it is simply the fulfillment of her job description. The differing interpretations underscore the widening chasm between political viewpoints and the challenges in finding common ground. The perception of what constitutes exceptional versus expected behavior reveals fundamental disagreements about the proper conduct of those in office.
Ultimately, Pence’s comment and the subsequent discussion serve as a barometer of the current political climate. It serves as a marker of the significant changes in expectations and behaviors within the political sphere. The seemingly routine action of certifying an election is now elevated to something deserving of praise, highlighting the fragility of the democratic norms that were once taken for granted.