Indiana: Mike Pence vs. Bobby Knight

Written by Frank Li

For American politics, all eyes are now on Indiana, which will hold its 2016 primaries next Tuesday, May 3. Over the past few days, two of the biggest political news stories have been the two major endorsements:

1. Bobby Knight Endorses Trump: He Will Go Down as One of the Best Presidents in US History.
2. Governor Mike Pence endorses Ted Cruz, also praises Donald Trump.

Obviously, it was a full-hearted endorsement for Trump vs. a half-hearted one for Cruz! But is there more to the size of the heart? Yes, hear me out …

1. Who is Mike Pence?

Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia – Mike Pence:

Michael Richard “Mike” Pence (born June 7, 1959) is an American politician and attorney who has served as the 50th Governor of Indiana since 2013. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented Indiana’s 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 and served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference from 2009 to 2011.[2]

2. Who is Bobby Knight?

Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia – Bob Knight:

Robert Montgomery “Bob” Knight (born October 25, 1940) is a retired American basketball coach. Nicknamed “The General“, Knight won 902 NCAA Division I men’s college basketball games, the most all-time at the time of his retirement and currently second all-time, behind his former player and assistant coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke University. Knight is best known as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000. He also coached at Texas Tech (2001 – 2008) and at Army (1965 – 1971).[1]

3. Mike Pence’s half-hearted endorsement of Ted Cruz

Watch the video and judge for yourself!

4. Bobby Knight’s full-hearted endorsement of Donald Trump

Watch the video and judge for yourself!

5. The coach vs. the governor

The coach is one of us (i.e. “We the People”), while Governor Pence is one of them (i.e. career politicians)! The differences between them could not have been better demonstrated by the two videos!

The coach played to win!

In contrast, Governor Pence played to cover his ass (Okay, “rear-endâ€, if you prefer)! He tried to have both ways:

1. He first generously praised Trump in order not to offend his constituents too much!
2. He then hesitantly endorsed Cruz, caving to, most likely, the pressure from the GOP establishment!

In other word, between the GOP establishment and “we the people”, Governor Pence chose the former, like many other career politicians such as Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin!

Unfortunately for Governor Pence and the GOP establishment, Indiana is no Wisconsin! Indiana is situated east to Wisconsin, with my home state Illinois (yes, it went to Trump on March 15) in between, and hence more winnable for Trump!

Bobby Knight’s endorsement was huge, so huge that it might have already sealed Trump’s victory in Indiana next Tuesday!

6. Closing

Thank you, DA coach!

Governor Pence, you might have become who you are today by aligning yourself well with the GOP establishment throughout your career (thus becoming a part of the GOP establishment). But too bad for you – This time is different, totally! For more, read: GOP Establishment vs. “We the people”.