The evolution of Mike Pence’s so-called “spine”.

Between balls and backbones, I don’t what is in shorter supply.

942 days.

2 years and 7 months.

That’s how long it’s been since the January 6th attack on our nation’s Capitol.

Since the loser of the 2020 Presidential election, and then occupant of the White House falsely told a frenzied crowd of rabid supporters and reality disbelievers, “If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people.”

Nearly three years since the day that same lacquered orange peel unleashed a violent mob of angry cultists on the Citadel of our democracy.

Since he turned that nightmarish horde against members of Congress. Against the Capitol Police. Against his very own Vice President.

Nearly THREE years after chants of “HANG MIKE PENCE” echoed through the hallowed House Chamber. Since those carrying bear spray, zip ties and mace, hunted through hallways, calling his name. Menacingly searching for the man who in their madman muddled minds, had “betrayed them”.

Betrayed their God.

Nearly three years since an actual gallows was erected with his name on it. A mere minute’s walk from where he was hiding with his wife and daughter.

The swarm of seditionists came within 100 feet of finding the Pences that day.

100 feet.

And as the horrors played out on television for all to see, while the Pence family wondered if they would be found and strung up to die on the Capitol lawn, donald trump, while watching everything burn around him tweeted what could have been a death sentence:

“Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!”

He poured gasoline on a tinderbox. He knew exactly what he was doing. He undoubtedly believed that he was sending his unhinged army to murder his Vice President.

Because he didn’t break the law for him.

Because he wouldn’t break the law for him.

He wouldn’t overturn the election. The election he too, had lost. He wouldn’t do it. He would do and had done a great many things in the service of that sociopath. But not that.

And while I personally don’t regard Mike Pence’s adherence to the Constitution as an act of bravery or heroism, because it wasn’t after all an option since he HAD no actual power to choose any other course, I am very glad that he refused to give in. Refused to break the law. Refused to upend our democracy. To overthrow our government.