Live Blog: Pence could never vote for this

“We’re living in a very challenging time in our nation’s history.”

I am attending Erick Erickson’s Gathering in Atlanta.

Former Vice President Mike Pence took the stage today, aiming his criticism squarely at… Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

“We’re living in a very challenging time in our nation’s history,” Pence said.

“Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad, and Kamala Harris owns that record.”

Pence said he’s “sitting out” this election. He repeated like a mantra: conservatives should “hew to our roots.” Reagan’s optimism, the energy and argument of the free market were Pence’s message to Republicans.

The former vice president expressed his pride in his record with the Trump administration, saying that both succeeded in achieving “great things” for the nation. He lamented the way his relationship with Trump, who he described as a friend, ended.

Pence spared no criticism of the current GOP platform. The document is missing 50 years of pro-life language, no mention of our debt crisis, and poor ideas regarding taxes. He told conservatives to “stand on principle,” as he believes he has done.

Pence took time to thank God for Trump escaping death in Butler, Pennsylvania.

But there’s one thing Pence said he wouldn’t do.

“I could never vote for Kamala Harris or her running mate Tim Walz.”

So I guess that rules out this election for Mr. Pence. He can write in Ronald Reagan’s name—or you never know, he didn’t rule out RFK, Jr., not explicitly at least. (I kid.)

Erick asked Pence what gives him hope. Pence said he has hope in the American people. “Some day soon we’ll have government as good as our people again.”

The cynic in me says this remains to be seen. Until then, we get the government we choose, not the one we deserve.