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Mike Pence on Dan Quayle

Consulted peer (moderate)

TL;DR

Mike Pence consulted with former Vice President Dan Quayle regarding the constitutionality of rejecting electoral votes.

Key Points

  • Mike Pence spoke with Dan Quayle on January 6, 2021, about the Vice President’s constitutional role.

  • Pence credited Quayle's counsel for helping him affirm his decision not to reject electoral votes.

  • The two former Vice Presidents appeared together at a Texas A&M University event in April 2019.

Summary

Mike Pence has publicly demonstrated respect for Dan Quayle, particularly concerning constitutional matters of the Vice Presidency. The key evidence of their relationship involves direct communication on January 6, 2021, when Quayle offered counsel to the sitting Vice President regarding his role in certifying the Electoral College results. Pence specifically mentioned consulting with Quayle as a former Vice President who had presided over a similar electoral count process.

This interaction provides context to Pence's final decision, positioning Quayle as a respected peer and experienced figure whose advice influenced the sitting Vice President's actions on that day. While Pence has also appeared alongside Quayle at public events, the most significant documented interaction centers on the critical constitutional deliberation he undertook during the certification process.

Key Quotes

“...you’re president of the Senate. You’re not even officially part of the executive branch—you’re part of the legislative branch. You’re paid by the Senate, not by the executive branch. And it’s the president’s agenda. It’s not your agenda. You’re going to disagree from time to time, but you salute and carry out the orders the best you can”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mike Pence stated that he spoke with former Vice President Dan Quayle regarding the constitutional issue of certifying the election. He noted that Quayle was resolute in his belief that the Vice President did not have the unilateral authority to reject electoral votes submitted by the states.

Yes, Mike Pence consulted with Dan Quayle on January 6, 2021, while facing pressure to alter the electoral vote count. Pence specifically reached out to Quayle because he was a former vice president who had presided over a similar proceeding.

Mike Pence has referenced Dan Quayle in his public statements and memoirs following the events of January 6, 2021, underscoring their professional relationship. The two also publicly appeared together at a speaking engagement in 2019.