Trump picks Pence as COO for America
Trump looks to fundamentally change the role of vice president with Pence pick.
Donald Trump, much like George Bush and other executives, is a natural delegator. Trump has surrounded himself in business with people who make his vision a reality. He’s a big picture guy, and others follow through on the details. Much has been made about Trump’s inattention to those details throughout the campaign. That is why many thought he would pick a running mate who could be the Chief Operating Officer of the United States, while Trump remained the CEO. With the pick of Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Trump got fulfilled that prediction. In business, companies hire COOs to take care of the day-to-day operation of the business. This frees up the CEO to focus on strategy. The Trump camp has been hinting that a Trump presidency would fundamentally change the role of the vice president into that of a COO. Trump’s son Eric told Yahoo Finance that a COO is what his father was looking for. Eric Trump said, “I think probably somebody who would almost be a great COO in the traditional business capacity. You know, he wants somebody who’s immensely capable, immensely competent, garners respect … .I think loyal first and foremost.”
Pence fits the bill.
One of the criticisms lodged at Pence by conservatives is that when he became governor, he became more liberal. It is a reflection of Pence’s focus on technocratic governance. It is that form of executive administration that Trump was explicitly looking for.
Indiana resident Joy Pullman explained Pence’s transformation at The Federalist in July of 2014.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence would like to ride into the presidency as he has his governorship: On the coattails of his predecessor, former Gov. Mitch Daniels. Unlike his years in Congress, Pence’s governorship has been largely marked, not by forging crucial and substantive policies that reign in the administrative state and advance the cause of liberty, but by a refusal to make waves. In our current climate, that means governing as a technocratic Progressive.
Much like Ohio Governor John Kasich, Pence has focused on the nuts and bolts of government. He has not fought to eliminate programs but to tweak them, and make government programs run more efficiently.
If Trump succeeds in winning the White House this fall, he will look to fundamentally change the nature of the role of president, and vice president. What the founders saw as a legislative role, the vice presidency under Trump will be transformed into that of chief administrator of the country.
Trump picked someone who can fit into the role of COO on day one. Time will tell if the voters agree with his pick.
