Conservatives React to Pence: 'Nothingburger' And 'Combo Platter of Disaster'

Once word came out that Donald Trump had selected Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, Ann Coulter became apoplectic.

Withholding comment until it's official, but if claims about Pence as VP are correct, boy was I right about this being Trump's first mistake

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 14, 2016

Within a short time later, the conservative commentator couldn't withhold comment any longer and took to Facebook to vent.


Coulter wasn't alone — many conservatives were less than excited about Trump's choice.

Ben Shapiro, conservative columnist and commentator:

Mike Pence blew all his conservative credibility over Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana. What a nothingburger.

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 14, 2016

Mark Hemingway, senior writer for the Weekly Standard:

What Pence did with religious liberty in Indiana was malevolence born of cowardice. https://t.co/DCuIXaoH7q

— Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) July 14, 2016

Andrew Stiles, Politics Editor at Heatstreet:

Mike Pence is boring and low energy AF. Even if Trump formally picks him tomorrow, smart money remains on Newt to take his place by Nov

— Andrew Stiles (@AndrewStilesUSA) July 14, 2016

Again, Coulter, this time throwing out some ideas on alternatives Trump could have picked:

Better VP picks for Trump! Kris Kobach, Scott Brown, Pat McCrory, Mike Crapo, David Clarke, Mike Tyson, my next door neighbor ...

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 14, 2016

Matt Walsh of TheBlaze.com:

Mike Pence is hated by liberals and moderates for being socially conservative, and by social conservatives for being a coward. Great pick!

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) July 14, 2016

Michelle Malkin, Conservative Review:

Reminder of how bad Mike Pence is on #CommonCore: https://t.co/s99abmO8A0#throwbackthursday #stopfeded #rebrandhustble #stopcommoncore

— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) July 14, 2016

The choice for Pence wasn't all panned.

Jack Hu, Trump supporter:

Mike Pence is a solid VP pick, very experienced, Political Insider, long-time Conservative and knows Congress.

— Jack Hu (@realJackHu) July 14, 2016

Katie Pavlich, Fox News contributor:

Credit where due: If Trump chose Pence, good step on reaching out to conservatives. Bravo.

— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) July 14, 2016

Bill Kristol:

Mike Pence was an eloquent and knowledgeable defender of the Iraq war and the surge. Will he stick to his guns as Trump's VP?

— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) July 14, 2016

And then, there's Joe Carter of the Acton Institute and an adjunct professor at Patrick Henry College:

I've always admired Mike Pence and think he'll do a great job in his future role as concierge at the Trump International Beach Resort.

— Joe Carter (@joecarter) July 14, 2016