If Trump is somehow impeached and removed, and we are left with Pence....

[regnaD kciN]

20. Pence would be far easier to defeat in 2020, and to counter until then...

First off, he's a politician who recognizes "the rules of the game." He can and has backed down - for example, as governor of Indiana, when an anti-LGBT law from his wishlist drew a lot of flak, he himself had the most objectionable parts of it removed. Trump, on the other hand, is a CEO who believes his word is law and that anyone who differs must be crushed like a bug to set an example. If Pence became President, particularly with a Democratic House, he'd be forced to seek compromise or simply get nothing done.

Plus, and here's the big one, Pence totally lacks the "ordinary-guy billionaire" persona Trump has spent years constructing, and which is a key part of his appeal. By contrast, Pence seems every bit the buttoned-down politician. MAGA types like Trump because he "breaks the rules"; it's hard to see them working up the same fervor for a guy who needs his "mommy's" supervision to meet with women on work projects. I just don't see anyone but the ultra-evangelical being moved to turn out for a Pence re-election campaign; and he certainly would have a near-impossible time cobbling together the same kind of Electoral College win as Trump did in 2016.

And do I even need to mention that a President Pence would be far less-likely to call out the troops and try to remain in power if (more like when) he loses? Whereas, with Trump, I find it a very real possibility.

So, despite the "out of the frying pan, into the fire" rhetoric of some, I'd be delighted with a Pence presidency in lieu of Trump, because he'd do far less potential damage and be easier to beat next time around. If that's the only choice until 2020, bring it on!