While former Vice President Mike Pence has largely stayed away from the media spotlight relative to others, he has recently surged to attention for the most interesting reason.
Specifically, Pence reached out to a convicted January 6 defendant – Pam Hemphill – to thank her for refusing President Trump’s pardon.
Hemphill, who served a brief stint in jail over her participation in the incident, was apparently the sole J6 defendant to decline Trump’s pardon.
A move that clearly pleased Pence … which he put in writing.
According to a report from The Hill, Pence sent Hemphill a letter that expressed “admiration” for her decision.
“I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th,” Pence began.
That is quite the opening … especially as few are likely to decline a presidential pardon.
Especially over a situation like January 6, which Pence characterizes as “tragic.”
“January 6th was a tragic day, but I will always believe that I did my duty that day to see to the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States,” Pence continued.
A belief that Trump undoubtedly disagrees with, to put it mildly.
“Your honorable decision speaks volumes about your commitment to the Rule of Law and I wanted to pass along my genuine respect. I am certain that your willingness to accept responsibility has inspired many Americans by your example of integrity and faith. May God bless you and your family with every blessing in the years ahead,” Pence concluded.
Heck of a closing … and heck of a way to surge to public attention, once again.
Especially as Hemphill has already courted other media outlets regarding her regret over her past decisions.
Previously, Hemphill had informed the BBC that she deeply regretted her actions on January 6 … insisting that she was “wrong.”
“We were wrong that day … I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative,” Hemphill declared.
Hemphill also added that acceptance of the presidential pardon would, in her view, demonstrate supreme disrespect to the Capitol police.
“Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation,” Hemphill added.
Apparently, Hemphill’s appearance on the BBC captured Pence’s attention, as evidenced from the letter detailed above.
And a delighted Hemphill was quick to post the letter to her personal account on X.
“It’s been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!” Hemphill declared on X, including a copy of the letter in its entirety.
Pence confirmed that the letter was authentic, a confirmation that will undoubtedly irritate Trump.
The irritation is even more likely when considering that Hemphill also blasted Trump for “gaslighting” and “narcissism” in a separate statement to The Hill.
Per Hemphill, her speaking out constituted a significant element of her “amends” to the nation.
Will Trump see it that way?
Time remains to tell … and it will be interesting to see which response, if any, Trump delivers to Pence.
Author: Ofelia Thornton
