Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House

by Tom Lobianco

A revealing, in-depth biography of Mike Pence, the most secretive and ingratiating vice president in modern history, from a reporter with remarkable access

No journalist has covered Mike Pence for as long or as closely as Tom LoBianco. The seasoned political reporter was at the first campaign rally governor Pence held in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana. He was there when Pence returned to Washington as Donald Trump’s vice president. Drawing on his deep ties both within the Beltway and in Indiana state politics, as well as reams of research and deep access to the vice president and his staff, LoBianco offers a revealing portrait of the devout Christian who shocked many of his closest followers when he joined the campaign and became one of the strongest champions of Donald Trump. He also explores the rumors—much debated inside the Beltway and among pundits in the media—surrounding the Vice President’s ambitions to succeed and even "overthrow" Trump.

LoBianco dissects Pence’s entire political life, from his detours in the ’90s, to his rapid ascension through the first decade of the twenty-first century, to the White House, and provides an inside account of how Pence nearly crashed and burned his career while governor, only to miraculously rise from the ashes thanks to the unlikely election of Trump. He also gives a rare look inside the "shadow government" Pence has built—a conservative machine at Trump’s call for now, but one that could just as easily step in if Trump is removed from office.

Piety & Power cuts to the core of the nation’s most enigmatic politician, and unearths new, important, and fascinating anecdotes about Pence’s faith, his marriage to Karen Pence, his bizarre, obsequious relationship with Trump, his deeply buried personality, his ascent to power under John Boehner, and his presidential aspirations and plans for America’s future.

From the explosive revelations of the Russia investigation to the sea change affecting the Republican party and its direction under Trump, it is vital that Americans know more about the man who could ascend to the Oval Office. Piety & Power provides insights and answers as it sheds light on this ambitious Midwestern politician, his past, and his possible future.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Government

384 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to make of clear at the outset that I dislike Mike Pence. Heading into the book, I felt he was a hypocrite who would say anything to become president. The book confirmed this, but is not a hatchet job, nothing about it is "gotcha!" material.

First part was slightly tedious, though necessary to give a background. What stood out for me was the desperation to acquire money, as portrayed in his failed Congressional bid where he cleverly incorporated the campaign so that he could legally, if not ethically, divert funds to himself to pay his personal bills. Donors weren't happy when they found out, but he replied that as a full-time candidate, he "deserved" a salary. This issue resurfaces later when money is diverted from the inauguration funds to the vice president's discretion, after Karen complains that they don't have enough money to live a DC lifestyle.

Ask for his relationship with Trump, the best way I could put it is that I came away feeling it's a classic love-hate deal. If Trump is somehow taken down, I would fully expect him to lash out at Pence on the way out. Conversely, if I were Trump I would not absolutely count on any sort of a pardon from Pence as a guarantee.

I inferred that the author's point was that perhaps Pence would mellow a bit in his hardcore social stands to adapt to current popular views. I'm not so sure of this myself. It was mentioned that in considering him for vice president, the Trump campaign was more concerned about his wife. It's fairly clear that if he were president, she would be calling the shots to at least some extent. Ugh!

[Jill Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time reader of political biographies, I've always found the best, most honest ones, tend to be written by a third person, and not the politician or someone in his orbit. Usually, print and media people are honest enough to write a fair biography. And so it is with AP journalist Tom Lobianco and his new biography, "Piety and Power:Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House". I am not a fan of our Vice-President, but in these weird times of a coming impeachment of Donald Trump and, after that, an election in 2020, I wanted to know more about Mike Pence.

Tom Lobianco has done a fine job looking at Pence's background. As Pence has always contended, he was born and raised in the front of a cornfield. A cornfield in Columbus, Indiana, a small town about 60 miles south of Indianapolis. Columbus is no sleepy little burg; it is the home of some the best examples of mid-20th century architecture in the country. The town is the home of the Cummins, Inc, which was run by town father, J Irwin Miller. Miller was a big fan of "modern" architecture and paid famous architects to come to his small town and design public buildings. Miller paid the architects' fees, and the town got splendid buildings to pray in, go to school in, and, in one case, spend jail time in. I mention this because for a small town, Columbus, Indiana is a pretty sophisticated place. (I've visited twice to see the buildings.)

Mike Pence, as seen by Lobiance, is an enigma. He's had trouble combing his religious side with his political one. How ambitious can you be serving God, while also serving the State? Pence bounced between politics and religion for many years, always trying to find a way to fit the two together. He had a difficult time when they clashed as they did when he was Governor of Indiana and he had to deal with the anti-LGBTQ "Religious Freedom Restoration Act". Lobianco spends a bit of his book explaining the RFRA and how it affected Pence's only term as governor.

Is Mike Pence smart? Is Mike Pence dumb? He was referred to in Indianapolis as "Mike Dence", but that could, possibly, anyway, have been a sign of affection for the man. Two things that are true is that he's cunning in a kind of feral way, AND that Karen Pence is the power behind the throne. A third is that he's had presidential ambitions since he was a young man. However, working in the vagaries of the current White House may have dulled them.

So where, in the last week of September, 2019, do we stand as a country with the politicians currently in power? Who knows and a book review is not the place to talk about politics, even if the book in question is a political biography. But if you're curious about Mike Pence, please read Tom Lobrianco's biography. It's very well written.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody with any interest in politics should read this book and nobody will like it

If you are a Trump fan, you will hate how the author condenses all his faults into 310 pages, showing just how mcuh you haver to overlook to think he isn[t the worst person to ever hold this office.

If you think he is the worst person to hold the office (as I do) you will have to suck down all his awfulness in one quick drink while realizing that it could be worse. Mike Pence really wants to be President, and while Trump thinks he is God, Pence thinks he is doing God's work as it is defined by the worst of the Tea Party and the Radical Right Evangelicals.

This book left me praying (literally) that the impeachment inquiry will leave Team Trump terribly damaged but the Senate will still leave them in place so we can sweep the whole ugly mess out on 1/20/21.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is Mike Pence?

Liberals may wonder if he is a shady Dick Cheney type character running the show behind the scenes. Readers of Wolff's Fire and Fury may wonder if Pence fits in at all, since he was a non-character in the book about Bannon, JarVanka, and the GOP's influence on Trump.

The answer is he's probably just a regular Vice President. This would be a nice companion piece to Fire and Fury if you were so inclined. Like that book, it is very readable, and can be read quickly. The benefit to this book is that LoBianco has been following Pence for years, and it also doesn't suffer from being a rush publishing job like Wolff's.

The two words in the title define Pence. I get from LoBianco that Pence's religious conviction is real. While it seems the most vocal about their religious beliefs almost certainly seem the most to be caught in scandal, Pence seems legit. Pence may even be likeable. One wonders if he had taken a different route that he might grow into the role of beloved political icon like Bob Dole.

The other part is as important, if not overriding. Pence is ambitious, and his ultimate goal is the White House. I think Pence at times, chose the path of inaction to not chance risking that road. In some ways, I think his reputation as a homophobe is a direct result of him trying to be all things to all people, and what ensued from that decision.

Pence is as unlikely as a success story (surely Mitch Daniels had better chances) but he's played it well. Surely, some his choices that seem like he was hanging back, served him better than appearing ambitious. Indeed, the highpoint is when Pence is named VP- sort of the ultimate "I am not going to do anything one way or the other and Let God handle it".

Although I don't know everyone will be excited to read about Pence. This is a solid book. It is very readable, and though Conservatives will be bound to attack it, it is quite evenhanded. For politicos, the inside look at Indiana politics is as good as it gets for books like this. There are plenty of insightful (and sometimes early) cameos like Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and many more.

After the excitement of the Veepstakes, Pence might be the most important running mate selection in some time. As the book wraps up, the two sides of Pence come into direct competition. Even then, Pence must not rock the boat to jeopardize what may be next for him. It may be depressing to Dems and NeverTrumpers, but that seems to be where he has landed, and if you have been paying attention the whole time, not surprising.

Recommended to all readers of political non-fiction.

[Linda Hagedorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read biographies but this one makes me sad. Politicians are not people I readily trust so I do begin with preconceived attitudes. Though Pence's early political career shows moral misjudgment and misuse of money, I somehow view a man who has gone through some positive spiritual changes but is now still too ambitious and stretches the bounds of Christ-like acceptance. It is interesting what power will lead one to idly accept. I'll have to wait and see how this plays out and hope I find I'm wrong.

[Liz Norell · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book and its author deserve kudos for deep reporting on Pence's history, the book itself read slowly and wasn't as illuminating as I'd hoped. Ultimately, Lobianco seems to conclude that nobody really knows Mike Pence.... not even the man himself. That's both sad and frustrating. I'm not sorry I read this book, but I wouldn't recommend it given how many far more interesting and useful books there are to spend your time on instead.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

I was hoping to discover more about Pence but it didn’t enlighten me on anything I didn’t know. Pence is playing the Teflon Don and more plastic than human.

[Asher Burns · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not as bad as, say, Kamala's Way, but I'm feeling curmudgeonly so 2 stars it is.

First, it could have used another round of editing. Pretty regular grammatical errors, and other quirks such as phrases being repeated in quick succession.

Perhaps predictably, there was a strong anti-conservative bias. Fair enough, but it feels like Lobianco doesn't quite recognize his own bias, and thinks that his opinions are objective fact. This really hinders his ability to understand what he's writing about. Perhaps Mike Pence wouldn't be so confusing to him if he considered his own preconceived ideas first. Plus, this bias results in writing that is, I think somewhat unintentionally, rather sarcastic and therefore irritating in the extreme.

About 75% of the discussion of religion was worthless. Someone with no background in Christianity would walk away having learned untrue things, and people who do have that background simply have to set aside what Lobianco says; so nothing is gained in any case. I'm not talking bias here; I'm talking genuinely incorrect facts. Just one example: Dispensationalism is not the study of the End Times (that would be eschatology) nor the belief that Jesus will return to earth (that is, uh, orthodox Christian teaching), both of which he offers as definitions.

There's a very odd and rather sexist recurring suggestion that Karen Pence is somehow the real decision-maker, some sort of Lady Macbeth figure. He offers no evidence of this.

The best parts of the book are when Lobianco is, in essence, reporting. The narration of the VP selection process, for example.

It's unfair to expect a biographer to fully comprehend their subject. But Lobianco is so utterly out of his depth here that the book is not really worth reading.

[Douglass Gaking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography, written by a journalist who has covered Mike Pence since he was running for office in Indiana, offers details and perspectives from Pence’s political career (so far). LoBianco discusses how Pence’s wife Karen, his evangelical Christianity, and his political ambition have shaped his policies, his campaigns, and his behavior in various situations.

There are no bombshells here, but there are behind-the-scenes looks at many events that offer a new perspective about how Pence has tried to manipulate or obfuscate journalists and how lesser known factors played a role in various events and scandals. Pence often states, “I’m a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican–in that order.” After reading this book, I would say that his behavior is influenced by his ambition, his ego, and the people with whom he surrounds himself–in that order.

This man is a heartbeat–or a Senate trial verdict–away from the Presidency, so it is worth reading this book to get a better understanding of how the man got where he is and what he might do if he becomes President.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose it's not easy to write an interesting book about The Most Boring Man in the World, but boy does Tom Lobianco try. He manages to provide a plausible explanation as to how someone can be both ignorant and borderline evil while still maintaining the dubious honor of being the human equivalent of a mayonnaise sandwich.

I don't think there is any universe where a book about Mike Pence can reasonably be considered "enjoyable" but I think this is as close as we're ever going to get. I know someone had to write this book so I appreciate that the author tried to make it as palatable as he could. That by itself deserves four stars.

[Charles Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turn right for Jesus

“One thing hadn’t changed throughout Pence’s long political career, his strict religious devotion.” P. 13., although the author claims our subject seeks first political power.

Young Mike was a hard driven Catholic boy with big ambitions, but at Hanover College he decided to be Christian and was born again.

The back story of the power wielded by Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, and Bob Jones and their heirs, and the right wing moneyed power brokers which have been driving our government to self-destruction is both amazing and frightening. That alone is worth the price of the book.

Imagine the orgasmic desire for an all Jewish Israel and the second coming of Jesus which so drives that horde!

God/Jesus was number one in Mike and Karen’s lives. Apparently, God/Jesus is also number one in winning national politics.

From 1991 to 1994, Pence was president of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation where he received health insurance as a benefit, instead of buying it on the free market as libertarians demand. His wife worked as an art teacher in three elementary schools: John Strange, Acton Elementary, and Fall Creek Elementary which were public with socialist health insurance. She also worked at a private school Orchard School which possibly also had health insurance.

Shortly, after taking his position at IPRF, God finally allowed Karen to get pregnant, unless the author was being sarcastic. And, then another three.

In 1991, Pence admitted negative campaigning was wrong. In 2016, he was elected with the greatest negative campaigner America was yet to see.

By 2000 he was Christian right, economically conservative, pro-free trade, and anti-environmental regulations. (p. 117) His stance against abortion bought him plenty of votes.

9/11 allowed the Christians to blame the attack on lesbians, abortionists, and the ACLU to name a few. Pence backed Bush to war on Iraq even though most of the terrorist were Saudi. He balked at Bush’s attempt to beef up Medicare, but climbed on No Child Left Behind designed to destroy public education, and spoke against same sex marriage.

In Indiana, Pence promised to fight Obamacare and environmental regulations.

Once elected governor, Pence found some really juicy scoops on his predecessor Mitch Daniels. And, had to pay his dues to the Koch brothers... Daniels “religious freedom” act caused trouble and he let it go, although he did not wish to. Damn those queer marriages anyhow.

After finally being endorsed the vice presidential nominee, the first thing Pence did was thank God. Then, he began attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care act, even though that action would bankrupt many rural Indiana hospitals. Pence’s failure in the matter kept him from a major role in the “tax cut” legislation.

Aligning himself with the Donald, the author said Pence began seeing himself as the old testament Daniels who became Nebuchadnezzar’s chief advisor before the kingdom fell under a wrathful god or some other old testament “hero” who saved the day for the Jewish people. The religious right had no qualms about selling out to Trump to gain their own objectives.

Since the publication of this title, Karen Pence has begun campaigning for Trump and Trump appointed Pence to head the COVID-19 task force, both events could be topics for a panel discussion

Major players in no particular order: Brian Bosma, Mitch Daniels, the religious right, Tony Bennet, Bill Gates, Betsy DeVoss, Tea Party, Donald Trump (The modern day Cyrus), Eric Holcomb, Vladimir Putin, John Hagee, Robert Jeffress, Billy Graham.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected “Piety And Power” with some trepidation, fearing that it would be a hatchet job on a man whom I respect. I try to review this book objectively without being unduly influenced by my political preferences. Recognizing that some readers will not and that feeding their preconceptions can be an attractive feature of a book, I disclose that I am very favorably disposed to Mike Pence, but not to the president under whom he served. The book ends with Trump’s announcement that Pence will be his running mate in 2020 so the campaign, defeat and attack on the Capitol are beyond its scope.

Author Tom LoBianco is a journalist who covered Mike Pence’s days in Indiana and Washington during which he tried to understand the man whom he studied. He is true to his title, portraying a man who is deeply devoted to his faith but has made compromises in his quest for power. This work is more character study than biography.

The biographical segments reveal much of the Pence saga of which I was unaware. The young man who considered the priesthood before switching to an evangelical faith, who suffered financial hardship, lost two early congressional races and established himself as a Hoosier (in the best sense) talk show host was new to me. His terms in the House and service as governor are reported, more for their problems and controversies than actual accomplishments, although those are not ignored. Pence is depicted as a congressman who did not distinguish himself in any particular policy field (contrast with Paul Ryan) and whose term as governor was entangled in family values’ culture wars. The selection for vice-president and subsequent service put him in a quandary of displaying loyalty to a mercurial president while remaining true to himself.

In my view, the author delves into the story and reports what he finds. Pence often spoke of growing up with a corn field in the back yard. To check it out, LoBianco drove through the neighborhood, which was either urban or suburban but, sure enough, backs up to a corn field. Pence told the truth while taking advantage of inferences that his constituents drew from his statements. I feel that the author was trying to give us a fair assessment of his subject. Perhaps a highly partisan reader or one more familiar with the Pence story might view this differently, one way or the other. At the end of the book my appreciation for Mike Pence was greater than it had been at the beginning. I found a man of strong faith who has worked for what he achieved. He is a man who, as one friend has often said when speaking of others, “bends, but does not break”. I recommend “Piety And Power” to anyone interested in our recent history or who wants to understand a man auditioning for the role of a lifetime.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this an "I liked it" rating because I learned quite a bit about the current VPOTS and SLOTUS - Mike and Karen Pence. Karen is definitely the one with the power in this marriage. Pence is a fence rider and will blend in with the background or furniture. I don't see where he has good leadership skills and if he does get the job as POTUS rather though removal, resignation, or election we would continue to see West Wing chaos. However, POTUS is the job he has always wanted so maybe his leadership skills he lacked as Governor would arise, or he in it for the ceremony. The Pences have been tight on funds but then there has been only a few years that Mike has held down a non-elected job. Karen also stopped teaching to be a stay at home mother, Indiana's First Lady, and SLOTUS. The Pences always seem to have to pray over decisions, yet, somehow what they want and the answer to their prayers seem to go in the same direction. I wish that Lobianco had gone more into Pences religious connections such as with Ambassador Brownback and more of the evangelical conservatives. Readers to get a lot of insight to Pence and even this Administration. The subject matter is boring and I feel asleep many times reading it.

[Writemoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know too much about Donald Trump but very little about Mike Pence. Based on this book, I wish I did not know much about Mike Pence at all. In his early political days, he sounds like bit of a flip flopper. His religious beliefs seem to dictate how he thinks about politics, the role of government, and cultural values. Why Pence's religious beliefs seem to present him with little pause about the behavior, actions and policies of his boss is a bit mysterious. His wife Karen appears to wear the pants in the family and maybe an examination of her life may be more illuminating than any review of Pence’s role as a Congressman and Governor.

This is a well written book. The author does not seem to have an axe to grind. Pence is a very ambitious politician and with his religious beliefs aside, acts like a typical Republican. Pence is the Ed McMahon to Trump’s Johnny Carson. Like Carson, Trump does not view Pence as any real danger to usurp his power.

[The Sandstress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in this book

I heard the author on CSpan and based on his interview I thought the book would be more balanced. The author's lack of knowledge about the Bible is clearly evidenced by his belief that Evangelicals think that they can "usher in the second coming of Christ". I also think that his portrayal of Mike Pence being conniving is based on his own personal disdain for followers of Jesus or his disdain for Donald Trump or his disdain for the "deplorable voters" who voted for him. Donald Trump is not perfect, but the average American can see what is happening. He is exposing how corrupt the press is, how corrupt the politics of the country is, and how corrupt the government agencies and the people who work in upper levels of them are. I never thought the Deep State was real until now.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Run-of-the-mill hit piece on the now former vice president. The work seems even worse for the wear today since it was written halfway through the Trump/Pence term and practically envisions the Russia investigation taking down Trump and elevating Pence, who is seen as a madly religious, know-nothing puppet of Trump. Breathing fire into events before the verdicts came in and elevating minor incidents to major conflicts, it attempts to paint Pence halfway through the term as a man without a friend or an important assignment in the White House. It does a better, and slightly fairer, job on Pence's earlier career in radio and in the U.S. House. When he becomes governor of Indiana, the partisan writing picks up and takes on steam when he is picked for the country's No. 2 job. If you're looking for a fair retrospective of Pence in the Trump term, this one is written too soon, and is not it.

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lobianco does a solid interview on the different talk shows and writes in a clear style. He gives readers a well told history of Pence and his family and how he got where he is today. Pence comes across as having one goal -- to be President and every step in his life has been about getting there.

I've said from the beginning that the policies and orders given by Trump sounded more like Pence would want than what Trump would want. That Pence was the man behind the throne. LoBianco's book certainly gives that impression as well. Not a jaw dropper of a book, but more like a steady telling of the current vice president's history and how he has plotted and planned to become president.

[Hasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As somebody who has followed Mike Pence from a distance through his time in the House, the Governor's mansion in India and now Vice President, I always Pence was a fairly boring character. And he still might be. But this book by Lobianco paints an interesting portrait of a man driven by faith, a love for politics but most of all ambition.

People thought Hillary Clinton was ambitious and she was. And most successful politicians who reach the pinnacles of power are ambitious. But Pence has hopped, skipped and jumped all over the place to move up the political ladder. He's VP and could promise his party a calm top-of-the-ticket option in 2020 as they fight to keep the White House. Will they dump Trump? That's the dance Pence is involved with.

Really good book with impeccable timing.

[Carol Fordahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let every American, every lover of liberty, …….never violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never tolerate their violation by others. - Abraham Lincoln

An old religious friend of Pence watched him devolve into a yes man, acquiescing to adultery, lying and a myriad of law breaking actions by Trump. He went up to him after a ceremony and whispered, “The country needs you to find your conscience.”

Pence can be summed up in two words, faith and ambition. He was bedazzled by the trappings of the office and super rich people. The constant prayers that he and his wife, Karen, said, were being diverted to the devil. And the devil answered them, laughing.

This book only goes up to the election in 2018, when the Democrats took back the House.

[Ben Deutsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked Piety and Power up after getting a recommendation from a close friend who I worked on Indiana campaigns with. The book has a unique appeal for Hoosiers, and especially anyone who worked in Hoosier politics, as it relives recent political battles in the state. The book did not change my opinion about Mike Pence. He’s a man torn between his faith and ambition but it’s hard to walk away without the feeling that his ambition is winning out. The book reveals too many moments where his faith guides him to the politically convenient decision (most notoriously, his decision to join Trump’s ticket in 2016). LoBianco’s writing is the kind I look for in political reads — straight reporting, with little editorializing. Piety and Power is a good read for any follower of politics who is looking to learn more about Pence’s journey and how his ideology (or lack thereof) might shape his political future.

[Sam Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Pence the slick debater and former radio talk show notable from Indiana makes it to the bigs even while committing some mistakes along the way. Tom Lobianco did an excellent job of giving me more insight to this man. I kept asking myself "why am I reading about him?", but my answer was I wanted to know more and the book is well written. I did want to understand the religious right and my knowledge of that has improved to the point I am more than ever dedicated to the opinion that religion has no place in our politics!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise was the definite takeaway from this book. After picking it up from the library, I almost didn’t read it when I learned that Pence didn’t contribute to the book at all. This felt like it should be considered a textbook to explain the uprising of the moral majority and the shift Gingrich brought about. It was about Pence, but also not at the same time. It ended with Pence accepting the offer to be the running mate for Trump’s second run. I only wish it was through all of the presidency to include Jan. 6 and the White House transition.

[Daniel Silliman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book really disappointing. It didn't answer the basic question, who is Mike Pence? I want to know how he makes decisions, how he balances his ambition and his religious commitments, what role his wife plays in the process? Instead, the book offers a recount of the RFRA controversy and a blow-by-blow narrative about how Pence was chosen to be VP. That's interesting, but leaves a lot unanswered.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Piety & Power contains biographical information but is more about Mike Pence’s ascension through the political world to his current role as Vice President of the United States of America. Pence’s early achievement in the field of debate and his religious evolution are examined as foundations of his political rise. Tom LoBianco has laid the groundwork for understanding Mike Pence if he attains the White House in either 2020 or 2024.

[Laurent Reinhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on a whim after randomly finding it at my neighborhood library. Not a Pence fan to begin with and less so now. The book reinforced my perceptions that power is what matters most to him and little in his Indiana political career seemed to reflect his self-professed Christian values. Maybe a sphinx without a riddle. Despite all that, I found the author to more transparently anti-Pence than would be called for in this type of book.

[Sieglinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written but you may finish the book and still realize that you still don’t know Michael Pence. You will find that Pence has made so many compromises that he is not a real person anymore. Once a man of strong faith he supports a President who would not know compassion if Kuan Yin walked up and slapped him. You will find that he is not corrupt as far as money is involved. It can be a cringeworthy read at times as you watch an essentially good man be drawn to the dark side.

[Csparrenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I live in Indiana, I did not know much about Mike Pence. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written and included many many interesting facts. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about our current vice president. I especially enjoyed the more current chapters dealing with his Vice Presidency and his relationship with Donald Trump.

[Michael Crouch · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is obviously a liberal. He is critical of the Vice President's faith especially in regards to the sin of sodomy being popularized. Does not understand what the Bible teaches on end times in referring to our recognition of Jerusalem belonging to Israel when we moved our embassy there in 2018.

[Noel Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the life of a spineless opportunist shrouded in a cloud of self-righteousness. The first half of the book is very balanced with lots of quotations from the Bible. Enter Trump and hypocrisy rears its very ugly head. When things get really bad, hide!

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of VP Pence’s career timeline.
Obviously written by an antagonist with an aim to muddy the VP’s reputation. I noted a few points without footnotes to back up statements states as fact. Poor form.