a fittingly Trumpian choice, given that Pence had historically been disastrous on public health. And he wasn’t just bad on the typical stuff, like trying to take away affordable health care. When he was governor of Indiana, his policies actively worsened his state’s HIV outbreak. He has been, in various moments, on the wrong side of condoms, smoking, and even day care.
In charge of guiding America through a pandemic, with Anthony Fauci and all manner of doctors and scientists at his disposal, Pence took the opportunity to add masks, plexiglass, and cruise ships to his list of public health fuck-ups. As the head of the task force, he routinely missed its planning calls....
Mike Pence being tapped to lead the coronavirus task force is a reflection of the broader role he filled for the Trump administration: He was meant to quietly, happily carry buckets of shit in exchange for proximity to power. But even as he has spent much of the past four years wandering around in the background with his perpetual simple smile, we should not forget the deal he took, and what it’s cost our country. Pence’s entire modus operandi during COVID appears to be that neither he nor Americans were obligated to engage in the Sesame Street–level skill of cooperation with scientists or with one another. And yet, he always found room in his heart for Trump. After the Access Hollywood tape, he gently said that he did not condone it, and then went on to accept Trump’s apology and happily continue serving in his role as enabler. He provided permission for Trump supporters to spend four years accepting the president’s worst, most damaging impulses.
