pence viewing trump; help me understand

I do think it's calculated - because Pence knows Trump loves to watch himself on TV, and when he watches the video of the SOTU (and you know he will), he will see Pence gazing at him rapturously. Pence also knows Trump is fickle and will turn on anyone he perceives to be disloyal in the slightest way. While Trump can't fire Pence, he could kick him off the 2020 ticket for an even more fulsome ass-kisser. Pence wants very much to be president; he thinks God wants him to be president. So, assuming Trump is still in office by 2020, Pence wants more than anything to be his running mate - because Pence knows that sooner or later Trump is going down even if, God help us, he's re-elected in 2020. If Trump doesn't make it to 2020, so much the better for Pence, but he's doing what he can to remain in Trump's good graces. That, IMO, is why Pence gazes at him with what looks like, but isn't, rapt adoration.

That is well thought out, I'll sleep a least a little better now Thanks again!

He's the only one left from 2016 who still retains his boss's favor while even past favorites like Bannon and Mattis couldn't stand Trump anymore.

It'd be like scratching a blackboard for 90minutes. However, I've seen the way Pence looks upon the Archie Bunker billionaire. My guess? He's a highly repressed bottom. Terrified, absolutely terrified of his true sexuality. I I almost pity him. I would if he hadn't used his power to oppress my gay brothers and sisters. I hope the shame of his secret burns him like the fires of hell he wishes on those who share his repressed sexuality.

if Pence is really a repressed gay man, why would he gaze adoringly at a butt-ugly heap of orange lard and bad hair like Trump?

If this was repressed sexual attraction- the consequences during (hopefully) trumps impeachment could be downright deadly. (Not due to homosexuality- but rather the unpredictable nature of this kind of repressed attraction--think of all the fights in schools, workplace problems, etc) Throw in the power that both men have at their disposal and the consequences for anyone threatening trump could be deadly. If as you ascribe however, this is just a garden variety evil-- that is more predictable and therefore more manageable. Think psycho mass murderer vs local gang leader. Both bad but second is somewhat easier to control as self-preservation still applies Thanks again-----------------ALL HELP IS GREATLY AND GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED

But I calls it like I sees it. He calls his wife mother for Christ's sake. If that's not a classic Freudian example of repressed sexuality, I don't know what is.

Plus, if he is the bottom I believe he is, it's all about masculin power.

to capture the "genius" as he works the crowd.