Choice Reviews
This is an informative, balanced account of the life and career of Vice President Mike Pence. LoBianco (a Washington, DC–based journalist) has covered significant parts of Pence's career and brings useful insights to his narrative, which draws on numerous revealing interviews with Pence's associates. Pence emerges as a crafty, religiously conservative politician, a man less interested in policy than in personal political advancement. He lost two early Indiana Congressional races, and spent a decade developing a statewide profile as a television and radio commentator. Upon arriving in Congress in 2000 he emerged as a strong social conservative opposing much of the "compassionate conservatism" espoused by President George W. Bush. Pence eventually became part of the House GOP leadership, leaving to run successfully for Indiana governor in 2012. His lack of administrative experience resulted in an unexceptional term, which was marred by controversies over a religious freedom law challenged by gay activists. Trump's selection of Pence as vice president was haphazard, and in office the two men's personalities have not jelled. But Pence remains a loyal lieutenant, eyeing further advancement as a future presidential candidate. This is worthwhile reading for those interested in Trump's presidency, conservative religious politics, or political ascent. Bibliographical references stand in for a formal bibliography. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers.
--S. E. Schier, emeritus, Carleton College
Steven E M Schier
emeritus, Carleton College
Steven E M Schier Choice Reviews 57:07 March 2020 Copyright 2020 American Library Association.Kirkus Reviews
A biography of the vice president, who has consistently demonstrated his "chameleon properties." In his work for the Associated Press, CNN, and the Indianapolis Star, journalist LoBianco has observed Mike Pence's political career both as governor of Indiana and vice president. In his evenhanded debut book, the author sometimes offers his own commentary but mostly allows the facts to speak for themselves. (Pence declined to be interviewed for the book.) In The Shadow President (2018), Michael D'Antonio and Peter Eisner created a picture of Pence as an ineffective lawyer and governor and hypocritical vice president whose brand of Christian faith has led him to consistently condemn homosexuality and abortion. The co-authors argued that Pence could be considered an insignificant public figure with one exception: creating a persona as a radio talk show host in Indiana after losing two attempts to get elected to the House of Representatives; the show provided Pence a base that helped him gain entry to the House on his third attempt. LoBianco makes a similar argument, noting Pe nce's "self-affixed Christian-first label" and his long-held, unswerving belief that the God of an inerrant Bible has preordained his path to the presidency. LoBianco is especially effective in explaining how his rigid beliefs receive daily affirmation from Pence's wife, Karen. In convincing detail, the author shows how Karen made more final decisions about policy during Pence's governorship than Pence did. As the author writes, his subjugation to Karen's directions have likely carried over to his role as Donald Trump's vice president. Despite offering copious evidence and periodic interpretations, LoBianco reiterates throughout the narrative that Pence is the "ultimate political shapeshifter," especially compared to other elected politicians. The author presents the possibility that Pence could serve a second term if Trump wins in 2020 and then seek the presidency in 2024. A useful portrait of an enigmatic politician. Copyright Kirkus 2019 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Reviews
Currently covering the White House and the Trump Russia investigation for the Associated Press, LoBianco has been eyeing Vice President Mike Pence since the first campaign rally for governor Pence held in his hometown of Columbus, IN. Here he tracks Pence's rise to power, his reputed ambitions to shove Trump aside, and the "shadow government" he has built to keep conservatism rolling. With a 125,000-copy first printing.
Copyright 2018 Library Journal.