Mike Pence successfully dodged Chuck Todd's effort to get him to be honest about Roger Ailes' and Steve Bannon's involvement in Donald Trump's campaign, but it was still good to see someone ask the question.
"Are you comfortable with that considering some of the allegations you’ve read against both of these men? Are you comfortable with [Bannon and Ailes'] involvement in this campaign?," Todd asked.
At once the good soldier, Pence replied, "I promise you the person leading Donald Trump's campaign is Donald Trump. He and I talk every day, sometimes several times a day. He is -- he is a hands on leader and a hands on CEO."
I really wish someone would point out to these Republicans that running the government is nothing like being a CEO of a company. It would also be helpful for someone to note that as a "hands-on CEO," he's done a pretty rotten job of managing his businesses, nor has he released his tax returns.
Instead, Chuck asked Pence whether it was appropriate for Roger Ailes to be involved with the campaign, to which Pence replied that he "trusts Donald Trump's judgment to assemble around this team a group that’s going to help us move forward and be successful and win."
He really has to say that, though, doesn't he? Does he have a choice? What I think is interesting in that particular exchange is that he basically admits Ailes' involvement in the campaign, despite other denials.
Even when Chuck Todd continued to press Pence on the divorce records and legal issues both men face, Pence stood firm on his support.
This is why I really dislike Republicans. They cannot ever admit fault, no matter how egregious.
I am, however, mildly impressed that Chuck Todd brought up anything negative about the campaign. I just wish he had focused on the pay-to-play scandal earlier this week, or Trump's tax returns. Those advising Trump will advise. They're not going anywhere. But the idea of a man dropping tens of thousands of dollars on Pam Bondi and Greg Abbott in order to avoid prosecution of Trump University? That's a story.
