Pence’s Communication Worth Examining

Mike Pence

Former Vice President Mike Pence has decided to end his run for the Republican presidential nomination due to deficiencies in raising money and underwhelming the public in the polls.

A good prospective leader knows when he’s not the one to further the mission and respectfully admits it.

His exact words though, maybe a little interesting.

“I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today,” Pence said. Before that, he explained himself. “It’s become clear to me,” Pence began, that, “This is not my time.”

He read the figurative writing on the wall.

“An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research from August found that the majority of U.S. adults, 57%, viewed Pence negatively, with only 28% having a positive view,” Jill Colvin of the AP reported.

Pence had previously commented that, “I'm well-known, but I'm not known well.” It’s this statement and the one about this not being his time that are worth briefly discussing here.

Pence of course has name-brand recognition. He claims he is not known well, with him likely meaning that the media and public don’t know about him what Pence believes would make him and his candidacy more interesting, likable and competitive.

Is that belief accurate? Maybe. Maybe not. Yet confirmation bias is difficult to overcome and when nearly 60 percent dislike you and less than 30 percent approve of you as a professional and person, Pence is likely known as well as he’s going to be want to be known for most citizens. His quote could read, “I’m not known in a way like I see myself and that bothers me.”

Now back to: “It’s become clear to me. This is not my time.” This clear assessment and mature, honorable admission is deserving of attention and respect, especially I suspect for his party and its voters who hope to compete and win the White House.

Not every presidential hopeful can read the tea leaves well, be unselfish to the mission, realize the necessary jumping-off point and go. Pence did.