In an upcoming announcement expected within the next week, former President Donald Trump is set to name his new vice presidential running mate, signaling a significant change from his previous partnership with Mike Pence. The decision to replace Pence revolves around his refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 election, a move that Trump believes cost him a second term in office.

While media coverage surrounding Trump's potential vice presidential options has been extensive, exploring various angles and speculating on contenders, it is crucial to address the fundamental question of why Trump needs to select a new running mate in the first place. The answer is clear: Pence's honorable stance on January 6, 2021.

Following the 2020 presidential election, Trump persistently alleged voter fraud, seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the outcome. He encountered repeated legal defeats as courts dismissed his claims and state legislatures stood firm against his attempts to challenge results. With his options dwindling, Trump turned to Vice President Pence, who was overseeing the count of Electoral College votes during the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021.

Trump pressed Pence to unlawfully reject electors from crucial states that supported Joe Biden, effectively subverting the election to keep himself in office. However, Pence stood firm in his commitment to the Constitution, repeatedly informing Trump that he lacked the constitutional authority to take such actions. Despite Trump's urging and false claims, Pence upheld the integrity of his position as vice president.

In response to Pence's refusal, Trump addressed a rally at the White House on that fateful day, telling his supporters that Pence had the power to change the election outcome. Amidst a fervent crowd, Pence held his ground, writing a letter minutes before the joint session, stating that he lacked the unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should or should not be counted.

The day quickly descended into chaos when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, forcing Pence and lawmakers into lockdown. Trump, instead of denouncing the violence, attacked Pence on social media and reportedly suggested that his vice president deserved the wrath of the insurrectionists. Pence's unwavering commitment to democratic processes and the Constitution remained steadfast despite the threats and violence directed at him.

Law enforcement eventually restored order, allowing Congress to reconvene and certify the electoral vote. At 3:42 a.m., Pence confirmed Joe Biden's victory and the peaceful transition of power. The event bore witness to the horrific consequences of Trump's actions, and briefly united bipartisan consensus held Trump responsible for the insurrection.

However, right-wing propagandists soon crafted an alternate narrative, downplaying the severity of the mob's violence and shifting blame onto federal agitators. This counternarrative resonated within the Republican base, leading to the party's continued denial of the election results and their intention to reinstate Trump as the nominee for the presidential ticket in 2024.

In contrast, Pence, who maintains that Trump was at fault for the insurrection, has opted not to support Trump's candidacy in the upcoming general election. Pence's refusal to validate Trump's false claims and his commitment to upholding the Constitution have led to his exclusion from the ticket in 2024. Trump, in his quest for a loyal running mate, is likely to choose someone who would align with his own election denial rhetoric.

As journalists cover Trump's vice presidential pick, it becomes imperative to highlight the underlying stakes at play. Candidates vying for the position have all demonstrated their willingness to overlook the events of January 6 and publicly pander to Trump by downplaying election denial and avoiding firm commitments to accepting future electoral results.

Ultimately, Trump's failed coup was upheld by Republicans like Pence, who prioritized their loyalty to the Constitution over personal allegiance to the former president. By seeking a new running mate, Trump signals his intent to choose someone who would make a different choice if faced with a similar situation. Journalists must keep these crucial considerations in focus while reporting on Trump's forthcoming vice presidential selection.