Pence Attracts Praise for COVID-19 Pandemic Efforts | Eastern NC Now

Publisher's note: The author of this post is Mitch Kokai for the John Locke Foundation.

Grace Curley of the Boston Herald focuses attention on the “steady, devout” Vice President Mike Pence.

• In February, President Trump appointed Pence to head up the coronavirus task force. The late-night TV show hosts (who try to be funny) and the network news anchors (who are funny by accident), had a field day.
• Jimmy Kimmel’s writers came up with this one, “Why is Mike Pence in charge? What is his plan to stop the virus, abstinence?”
• Don Lemon’s disgust for Pence’s devout ways was even less subtle. The CNN host panicked over the horrifying idea that the VP would pray over the pandemic. “Is that the person you want in charge of the coronavirus outbreak? Someone who needs to pray on something instead of looking at science? Come on. Let’s be real about it. Let’s be honest about it. Is that the person you want in charge?”
• Strangely, I could not find any examples of Lemon doubting Nancy Pelosi’s ability to lead because of all of her “praying” for the president. …
• … And right now, with the world running low on patience and hope, Pence’s demeanor is not just reassuring — it is admirable.
• Mike Pence has been mocked because of his conviction and underestimated because of his good nature. But make no mistake, his faith has not been shaken.
• This week, a nurse posted a photo of her and her colleagues. In their blue scrubs and surgical masks they stood atop the helipad of their hospital in Nashville, Tenn.
• They were praying.
• Part of her caption read, “We could feel God’s presence in the wind. Know that you are all covered in prayer.”
• What a comforting thought.
• In a world that can seem covered in panic and hate, a powerful uniter survives.

Follow Carolina Journal Online’s continuing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on North Carolina. You’ll find the latest stories HERE.