Republicans now really wish Mike Pence was their nominee

Donald Trump and his running mate, Mike Pence.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

last updated 5 October 2016

If vice presidential debates are an opportunity for running mates to set themselves up as an appealing alternative to the other guy, Gov. Mike Pence was maybe a little too good. That's not just because many people agree Pence won the debate against Sen. Tim Kaine, but because he also made himself look a whole lot more attractive than his very own running mate, Donald Trump:

Republican strategists, operatives, and politicians in Politico's Caucus were left with the same feeling. One New Hampshire Republican floated that Pence should "pinch hit" for Trump at the remaining presidential debates while an Ohio Republican wondered if "there is anyone outside of the Trump family who isn't wishing we could flip the ticket? Mike Pence projects calm reassurance and strength and an ability to articulate a vision and policies Americans support. For the first time in months we heard a serious case for conservative principles.”

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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