The case for Pompeo

OPINION:

If Democrats had any sense, they’d figure out how to replace President Biden with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear or someone younger and virtually unknown that they can manufacture into their next savior. Do that, and Vice President Kamala Harris could be replaced by a toaster.

On the Republican side, however, the choice for vice president is exceptionally more complex and important as former President Donald Trump attempts to become only the second president to win nonconsecutive terms, the first since the passage of the 22nd Amendment.

The next Republican vice presidential nominee will send a strong message about the kind of second administration Mr. Trump will have and take up the party’s mantle, in some fashion, in just four short years.

Unlike today’s Democrats, who grapple with an ideological war with the far left that places many of their prospective national candidates on the outskirts of American political thought, Republicans are flush with viable up-and-comers. There’s a deep bench for Mr. Trump from which to choose a running mate.

Doug Burgum, the businessman turned North Dakota governor, has proved loyal, smart and stable. He’s an adult. He’s noncontroversial, and he won’t overshadow Mr. Trump.

Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina, each well-spoken, with powerful personal narratives, youthful passion and energy, could help boost a GOP that is finally interested in courting minorities. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has proved he can win in an increasingly blue state, brings an extensive business and a strong record as a chief executive. There are others, of course.

One person, however, stands out as having the broad experience, stable demeanor and necessary intellect to be president on day one. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo may not be the most exciting choice, but he’s certainly the most credible.

Mr. Pompeo is keenly aware that today’s Democratic Party is the chosen vessel for a bold strain of Western Marxism that has been rising in America since former President Barack Obama’s time. He knows what’s at stake in this election if the far left continues to march through our institutions, media and corporations.

Graduating first in his class at West Point, Mr. Pompeo has lived the U.S. Military Academy motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.” He is appalled by the “woke” military. From the sobering intelligence he’s seen, he understands the importance of restoring America’s military capabilities and projecting them smartly to suppress the unchecked influence of China, Russia and Iran.

As a veteran, Mr. Pompeo understands the risks of engagement and is an advocate of an effective deterrence philosophy, leveraging all the power the United States can muster against our adversaries — military, diplomatic and economic. He knows that power can be used to avoid kinetic wars and that we need to adjust our strategy to better guard against today’s asymmetric warfare tactics.

As a former business executive, Mr. Pompeo can speak from experience about how best to expand the economy. He has run a business, taken risks and met a payroll. For a nation facing inflation, mounting debt and a statist if not openly socialist political left, Mr. Pompeo can articulate a new Trump business plan to reinvigorate and sustain economic growth.

As a three-term member of Congress, he had a 96% rating from the American Conservative Union. He has had the courage to call Randy Weingarten and the teachers unions a “true threat to our nation.”

As a former CIA director, he saw firsthand the challenges of an intelligence bureaucracy that many Americans openly question for its effectiveness and loyalty to constitutional freedoms.

As Mr. Trump’s secretary of state, he faced an absolute mess left by his predecessor and perhaps the most hostile environment in the government for any of the Trump appointees. He capably handled a range of challenges on the world stage for the president, administering a foreign policy that renewed Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” approach.

Our adversaries will take him seriously, and our friends will welcome his voice at the table. Nobody could accuse him of being hired in the name of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Mr. Pompeo is a strong Christian who teaches Sunday school and serves as a deacon in his church. His faith is central to his understanding of America’s promise and purpose.

Mr. Pompeo is likable. He gets along with MAGA members of Congress as well as establishment Republicans and moderates. He has helped raise millions for conservative candidates across the country, which adds to his political resume. The remaining traditional liberals know he’s principled, but his demeanor harks back to a time in Washington when people actually talked to each rather than at each other. 

Mr. Pompeo is good on television. As a Fox News contributor, he has strong relationships with the most-watched cable news network, which has at times had a love-hate relationship with Mr. Trump.

Here’s a nice bonus: The liberal cognoscenti can’t stand him. A former editor of the Harvard Law Review who understands that the far left is driving American decline, Mr. Pompeo is largely unassailable.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly to Mr. Trump, Mr. Pompeo has demonstrated respect for and deference to his former boss during and after his service in the administration. Mr. Pompeo’s 2023 book “Never Give an Inch” credits the former president with the foreign policy successes of those four years. He knows who the boss is, but he’s no “yes man.” People like that in Washington are a true commodity. 

Mr. Pompeo is warm and amiable, stable and smart. He won’t compete with a presidential candidate that has all the personality people can handle and often more.

At a time when so many Americans are tired of the backbiting and sharp talk, they are looking for what Mr. Pompeo calls “pipehitters.” Mr. Trump needs reliable people who will work tirelessly to get the job done. That’s Mike Pompeo.

• Tom Basile is the host of “America Right Now” on Newsmax TV and is a columnist for The Washington Times.