Why we think Mike Pence is a Type 3

• Shifting political strategies based on what works. According to Politico, “Before he ran his campaigns as a sunny-side-up conservative driven by a deep Christian faith, Mike Pence sounded a lot like Donald Trump. Way back in 1990, Pence ran a House race in which he broke Indiana politics’ rules of decorum, leveled insults and personal attacks, and cut (aired) a racially charged television commercial aiming to tie his opponents to Middle Eastern petro-states. Pence went after his opponent, incumbent House Democrat Phil Sharp, with an ad depicting a man dressed in Arab headgear, wearing sunglasses and appearing before a fake desert backdrop.” Pence eventually lost this election, and after he lost, “Pence entered a rapid metamorphosis, penning an essay titled “Confessions of a Negative Campaigner” in which he apologized for his behavior and forever swore off negative campaigning. The reason why he swore off negative campaigning was because, according to Pence, it didn’t work. “I got beat like a barn mule,” Pence said in 1995.

• Shifting political stances in pursuit of success. As Vice President, he played the role of a loyal supporter to President Trump’s policies, despite their clear differences in views. For example, in Congress, Pence was a free-trade advocate and voted in favor of every trade agreement that came up. However, as Vice President, he defended President Trump's "America First" trade policies known for their protectionist stance. Similarly, he supported interventions overseas and defended the Iraq War when in Congress, but as Vice President, he backed Trump's more isolationist approach.

• Sacrificing personal values. Pence, known for his religious conservatism, supported and stood by Trump, whose behavior and statements often went directly against these values. 

• Goal-oriented and ambitious. Pence's political career shows a clear trajectory of increasingly significant roles, from Congressman to Governor to Vice President. After serving six terms in the House of Representatives, Pence went on to be the governor of Indiana before becoming Vice President. He is gearing up for a 2024 Presidential run as he attempts to thread the needle between defending his association with Trump while also making a break from him. 

• Personal branding. Before Pence entered politics, he hosted a conservative talk radio show in Indiana for several years in the mid-90s. The show, "The Mike Pence Show", was syndicated across 18 stations in the state. As host, Pence showcased his skills in conveying complex ideas succinctly and persuasively. His radio persona – which he famously contrasted to Rush Limbaugh’s, saying he was "Rush Limbaugh on decaf" – has contributed to his personal branding and his success. This moderate and restrained image has persisted throughout his political trajectory, helping him balance his deeply conservative views with a gentler public image.