Much of the president’s power is derived from what Teddy Roosevelt called the “bully pulpit,” or what legendary political scientist Richard Neustadt called the “power to persuade.” In today’s media landscape, you have an especially potent bully pulpit, because you’re the one person the president cannot fire.
I don’t think you should resign in response to the president hanging you out to dry in the Comey affair, but threatening to do so if he plays you for a patsy again might — just might — help the president get his act together, which would be good for you, the party, and the country. You are also the tiebreaker in the Senate, which means something given the GOP’s precariously thin majority.
The president claims to value loyalty, but we know he respects strength. For your sake and the country, maybe it’s time to show some.
President Trump could most certainly fire Pence. Who can say that Pence will be Trump's running mate in 2020? Let's remember that Trump was calling around asking if he could replace Pence on the ticket within hours of picking him. While it's true Trump ultimately stuck with Pence there is no guarantee he will do so in three years time. Honestly, there's very little risk in Trump dumping Pence. His hardcore supporters care about Trump and only Trump. Hell, Trump could name Nancy Pelosi as his running mate and they wouldn't bat an eyelash even in Indiana.
If Pence threatens to resign then what is to stop Trump from accepting his resignation or asking him to resign? Loyalty and strength are a one way street with Trump. If Trump perceives Pence as a threat he wouldn't give him a second's thought. How long would it be before Trump would go on Twitter to say that Pence was overrated?
The only person who isn't expendable in Trump World is Ivanka and that is a good thing. I suppose one can include Jared Kushner in that mix, but if he runs afoul of Ivanka then hell hath no fury like a father-in-law.
As for Pence, I don't think he will stand up to Trump in private much less in public. He's made his choice and as long as Pence remains a smaller than life figure then Trump will stick with him.
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