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The attorney who wrote the infamous coup memos on how to jettison the results of a legitimate presidential election angrily blamed then-Vice President Mike Pence for the Capitol siege as rioters roamed through the building on Jan. 6, The Washington Post reported on Friday.

Donald Trumpattorney John Eastmanlambasted Pences chief counsel at the time, Greg Jacob, as he and Pence were under guard and hiding out as the mob streamed through the Capitol.

The siege is because YOU and your boss did not do what was necessary to allow this to be aired in a public way so that the American people can see for themselves what happened, Eastman reportedly wrote to Jacob, referring to Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud.

Jacob quoted from he email in an opinion piece he planned to publish earlier this year but ultimately opted not to. A draft of the article was obtained by the Post.

Eastman displayed a shocking lack of awareness of how those practical implications were playing out in real time, Jacob wrote in the draft, according to the Post. He called Eastmans relentless legal advice on how to subvert Americans vote a barrage of bankrupt legal theories.

Jacob wrote in the draft column that Eastman and Trumps former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani were part of a cadre of outside lawyers who had spun a web of lies and disinformation in an attempt to pressure Pence to betray his oath of office and the Constitution by rejecting electoral votes, the Post noted.

Eastman confirmed to the Post that he wrote the email to Jacob, but denied that he was blaming Pence for the violence. He insisted the election was plagued by widespread fraud, a perspective unsupported by any evidence.

Eastman was part of a Trump war room team based in the Willard Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., after Bidens victory,plotting how to overturn the results of the presidential election.

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The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection plans to subpoena Eastman.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

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'Coup Memo' Lawyer Ripped Mike Pence As He Hid From Jan. 6 'Hanging' Mob: Report - Yahoo News

ASHLAND Critical race theory, Ronald Reagan and problems within the Biden administration.

Mike Pencetouched on them all and had the crowd applauding and cheering during a 30-minute speech Friday night at the 34th annual Ashbrook Memorial Dinner at Ashland University's John C. Myers Convocation Center.

Remembering Colin Powell: Ashbrook Center remembers the late Colin Powell, first Black secretary of state

It was the 48th vice president's third visit to Ashland and Richland countiessince 2016, when he campaigned for the White House on the Trump-Pence ticket.

Pence told the crowd of more than 550 that Republicans will take back the House next year and soon after, the White House. He did not reference any of his own campaign plans, but Pence has been making a series of recent appearances, including a stop in Virginia Thursday.

We are "going to win back America in 2024," he said to a round of applause at Friday's appearance in Ashland, where he touched on a number oftopics:

On Ronald Reagan: He is "truly one of a kind," he said. "He set ournation on a new course of freedom," noting he became a Republican because of Reagan.

On President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: Pence criticized the Democratic administration's liberal policies saying they created the worst border crisis in the country's history. "Now more than ever we need to dedicate ourselves to the founders' vision," Pence said.

On critical race theory:It "is nothing short of state-sponsored racism," Pence said, ..."actually teaching children as young as kindergarten to be ashamed of their skin color."

Ashbrook center hosts Judge O'Connor: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor speaks at Ashbrook Lecture Series at AU

Before his remarks, Penceaccepted the John M. Ashbrook Award.The Ashbrook Center, dedicated in 1983 by then-President Reagan, is named forthe late Congressman Ashbrook, who represented Ohios 17thdistrict for 21 years.

Pence also touted effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines quickly developed during the Trump administration when Pence led the White HouseCoronavirus Task Force.

Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell, Mayor Matt Miller and former Prosecutor Bob DeSantos were in attendance, along with Ohio legislators state Sen. Mark Romanchuck, U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Sec. of State Frank LaRose and U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson.

Five-hundred and seventy-four seats were set for the event,Ashland University's Linda McFarlin said.

"This is a very prestigious event," McFarlin said. "A lot of hard work goes into this event,"which helps supportAshbrook Scholars in theliberal arts politics and history program.

Past speakers have included Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Margaret Thatcher, Benjamin Netanyahu, Clarence Thomas, Mitt Romney, and Tucker Carlson.

The dinner staff was lean, relying on volunteers from the university's men's basketball team andband members, according to McFarlin.

McFarlin said she found the former vice president to be "quite a nice man, very humble and soft-spoken."

Five-hundred and sixty meals were prepared, according to Ashland University chef Kevin Burke.

Dinner is preppednearly two days ahead, Burke said, notingkitchen staff came in at 5 a.m. Friday to prepare for the 7 p.m. event. Some worked up to 15 hours, he noted.

"We enjoy doing it " Burke said.

Despite political tensions, Pence, a devout Christian, said he has faith in the American people.

"This is a nation of faith," Pence said. "I saw it everywhere I went. ... The foundation of America is freedom. The foundation of freedom is faith."

He enjoyed a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

Reach Grant at gritchey@gannett.com

On Twitter: @ritchey_grant

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Former VP Mike Pence talks critical race theory, Ronald Reagan during Ashland appearance - Port Clinton News Herald

Speaking to Vanity Fair, a friend of Mike Pence says the former vice president is still upset over the fact that Donald Trump put him and his family in danger on Jan. 6.

Pence is reportedly "still angry that Trump placed his and his family members' lives in jeopardy," Vanity Fair reports, citing Pence's friend. Trump and Pence "still trade phone calls sporadically," according to their advisers.

During the Capitol riot, Trump supporterswere caught on videochanting "Hang Mike Pence!"

"I heard at least 3 different rioters at the Capitol say that they hoped to find Vice President Mike Pence and execute him by hanging him from a Capitol Hill tree as a traitor," reported Reuters photographer Jim Bourg. "It was a common line being repeated. Many more were just talking about how the VP should be executed."

Trump and Pence have avoided being seen together in public. Pence is reportedly seeking a 2024 presidential bid.

"He's making real money for the first time in his life," said one longtime friend. "Running for president is also a great way of making six-figure speeches."

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Pence is "still angry" that Trump put his and his family's lives "in jeopardy" on Jan 6 - Salon

At Reagan National Airport, I saw a newsstand selling t-shirts with Donald Trump asking, Do you miss me yet? But how can we miss him if he never went away?

The 45th president vacated the White House but not the news cycle, and Republicans want more. Last week, a Hill-HarrisX poll found 77 percent of GOP voters support a Trump 2024 run, as did a Quinnipiac poll, reporting 78 percent support.

Although 2024 is three years away, it appears that Trump has claimed the Republican presidential nomination unless derailed by a severe health, legal or political crisis worse than two impeachments.

If Trump runs again, he is essentially the incumbent, Matt Schlapp, the influential chairman of the annual CPAC conference, told me in a recent interview. Then this week, Trump released a statement quoting GOP pollster John McLaughlin, who says, Trump would win in a landslide right now. He would beat either Biden or Harris. Hes ahead of Harris 49 to 46 in the poll.

Trump topping the 2024 GOP ticket likely means replacing former Vice President Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceFormer professor claims she was fired in retaliation over COVID-19, criticism of Pence Jan. 6 panel plans to subpoena Trump lawyer who advised on how to overturn election Pence to deliver address on 'educational freedom' in Virginia MORE. Why? On Jan.12, the New York Times confirmed a terse exchange summarizing their schism. The conversation occurred on Jan. 6, before Pence presided over the constitutionally mandated joint session of Congress certifying the states Electoral College votes. After Pence refused the presidents demands to overturn the election results, Trump allegedly said: You can either go down in history as a patriot, or you can go down in history as a pu--y.

If Trumps stars align enough to select a new running mate, one can surmise that his first choice would be a clone of himself. But since science has yet to offer that political option, Trumps favorite off-spring might suffice. Thus, expect endless punditry and comedy about why daughter Ivanka TrumpIvanka TrumpMcCain blasts Graham for refuting funeral remark about Kushner, Ivanka Trump Trump attacks Meghan McCain and her family McCain: Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner had 'no goddamn business' attending father's funeral MORE should be included or excluded from the VP shortlist.

More constructive than long lists of specific names this early in the 2024 cycle are questions and answers that complicate Trumps search for a Number Two.

First, any prospective VP should examine the post-election conflict between Trump and Pence, asking themselves: On Jan. 6, would I have acquiesced to Trumps demands or acted like Pence in accordance with the VPs constitutional role? Inevitably, candidates must be prepared for that question with the correct answer a litmus test for selection.

Second, and related: If, as vice president, Trump demanded that I engage in what is widely considered to be a constitutionally illegal act, how would I respond?

Third, What if before Trump selects me as his VP nominee, he demands that I publicly disavow all disparaging press statements attributed to me concerning him or his actions relating to the 2020 election, impeachment or the events of Jan. 6. Would I comply?

Conversely, what follows is a list of questions from Trumps perspective:

Would this candidate be 100 percent loyal to me during a crisis?

Will they outshine me in the media?

Will they always put me first or focus on positioning themselves to be president?

How physically attractive is this candidate?

How well would they defend me on television?

How does this candidate enhance my chances of winning?

Do I personally like and respect this candidate?

Is this person strong enough to be my VP?

Would they resent and conflict with family members in senior White House roles?

Is this candidate qualified to be president and carry forth my agenda?

Answers to all questions from both perspectives could be tricky, and why my Trump VP shortlist offers only two names coincidentally, both from South Carolina.

In first place is Nikki HaleyNikki HaleyObama looks to give new momentum to McAuliffe US rejoins UN Human Rights Council, reversing Trump exit Smarkets betting site makes Trump favorite in 2024 MORE, twice-elected governor before joining the Trump administration as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Then in 2019, rumors swirled that Trump was considering replacing Pence with Haley on the 2020 ticket to help attract more women voters.

Trump and Haley have a complicated up-and-down relationship. Most notably, her February bombshell Politico interview signaled she was separating from the former president and positioning herself to lead a post-Trump GOP. But in April, Haley inched back, saying, I would not run if President TrumpDonald TrumpOvernight Defense & National Security Presented by Boeing Milley warns of 'Sputnik moment' for China WSJ publishes letter from Trump continuing to allege voter fraud in PA Oath Keeper who was at Capitol on Jan. 6 runs for New Jersey State Assembly MORE ran, and I would talk to him about it.

Then, this month, she switched again, stating her decision to run would not be dependent on Trump. Obviously, Haley and Trump would need relationship counseling before joining forces, but she is a strong, qualified woman and could be an asset to Trump.

In second place is Sen. Tim ScottTimothy (Tim) Eugene ScottBlack Caucus pushes for priorities in final deal Tim Scott takes in .3 million in third quarter Nikki Haley gets lifetime post on Clemson Board of Trustees MORE (R-S.C.), the only African American Republican senator. Scott is running for reelection, raising millions of dollars, and back in March, Trump heartily endorsed him. Scott endeared himself to the former president during a Fox News appearance on Feb. 8. While discussing the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, the senator said, The one person I dont blame is President Trump.

In 2019, Scott announced that his 2022 reelection bid would be his last race, which translated from Washington speak means ripe for higher office.

And why is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisFlorida strips schools of federal aid for mask mandates Florida surgeon general defends not wearing mask in meeting with ill state senator Florida school district to relax mask mandate for high school students MORE absent from my shortlist? For starters, DeSantis is not a number-two kind of guy. But more serious, Article II of the U.S. Constitution presents an Electoral College voting problem when both candidates on the presidential ticket are from the same state.

Ultimately, anyone who agrees to be Trumps running mate enters a minefield and should enroll in the Mike Pence School of Patience and Constitutional Law.

Myra Adams writes about politics and religion for numerous publications. She is a RealClearPolitics contributorand served on the creative team of two GOP presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008. Follow her on Twitter @MyraKAdams.

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Who is brave enough to be Trump's 2024 running mate? | TheHill - The Hill

Donald Trump is a defeated one-term president who cost the Republican party both houses of Congress. Yet three-quarters of Republicans want him to again run in 2024, polling that has other aspirants keeping their heads well down.

Joe Biden is politically vulnerable, his job approval underwater, his coalition fraying. He could meet the same fate as Trump sans residual enthusiasm.

The next Republican nominee could easily be the next president. Against this backdrop, David Druckers Baedeker to the current crop of wannabes is a perfectly timed and well-informed contribution.

As senior political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, a conservative paper, he knows of whom and what he writes. Better yet, he has access. In Trumps Shadow is chock-full of tidbits and trivia, the stuff on which political junkies and journalists thrive.

Drucker names an array of Republican presidential hopefuls, among them long-shots such as the Texas governor, Greg Abbott; the Nebraska senator Ben Sasse; and Trumps last national security adviser, Robert OBrien.

Drucker delivers deeper dives on former vice-president Mike Pence; the Florida senator Marco Rubio and governor, Ron DeSantis; Nikki Haley, Trumps ambassador to the United Nations; the Arkansas senator Tom Cotton; and the governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan. In doing so, he covers the Republican ideological spectrum.

Drucker also reports on an interview with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort and retreat. Not surprisingly, Trump has kind words for Mike Pompeo, his former secretary of state; contempt for Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader; and disdain for Liz Cheney, the congresswoman from Wyoming and daughter of former vice-president Dick Cheney who turned against Trump over the Capitol riot.

Shes a psycho, says the very stable genius.

Trump has, however, had time to grow appreciative of Lyin Ted Cruz, the Texas senator whose father and wife Trump attacked viciously during the primaries in 2016.

Amid such Trumpian cacophony, Drucker reminds us of just who within the GOP is laying groundwork for runs for the White House, and how realistic their hopes might be. It is a tricky and contorting dance. But though Trump can dominate coverage, he cannot completely extinguish ambitions. Drucker pulls back the curtain on other figures schemes, dreams and hard political infrastructure.

Take Pence. Once a congressman from Indiana, then its governor, he began preparing for the top step on the ladder the moment he was elected Trumps VP. Pence established a separate political operation within the White House and a fundraising Pac of his own, the Great America Committee. He used it to pay expenses while stumping for Republicans around and across the country.

Trump was fine with that. It meant Pence would not look to his boss to pay his travel bills. The veep had a stash of his own.

Since leaving office, Pence has also launched Advancing American Freedom, a political non-profit which touts conservative values and policy proposals. More importantly, it is stocked with Trump loyalists. Kellyanne Conway, the mother of alternative facts. Larry Kudlow, chief White House economic adviser. Newt Gingrich, once speaker of the House, a colleague on the right. All are there.

Drucker also sheds light on Pences defiance of Trump and service to the republic, in the aftermath of a defeat by Biden which Trump sought to overturn with lies about electoral fraud. As a traditional conservative, Drucker writes, Pence was skeptical of the power of the vice-president to unilaterally steal an election. Before he certified results, he sought a legal opinion, which debunked Trumps false claim that he could.

When Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol, on 6 January, some chanted Hang Mike Pence. Others erected a makeshift gallows. Pence was forced to hide, but he refused to leave.

Ten months on, Team Pence seems not to know what to think or say. It was a dark day in the history of the US Capitol, Drucker records Pence telling one crowd. But Pence later told Fox News the media wants to distract from the Biden administrations failed agenda by focusing on one day in January.

The political momentum is clear. Pences own brother, a congressman from Indiana, voted against certifying the election. This week, Greg Pence was the only no-show in the House on the vote to hold Steve Bannon in contempt for defying the 6 January committee. Two-thirds of Republicans deny that the Capitol riot was an attack on the government. The right has a new Lost Cause.

Drucker also does justice to Rubio, capturing the senators tendency to chase the latest shiny object, be it immigration reform in 2013 or police reform after the murder of George Floyd. Hes the butterfly, according to one Republican strategist.

Marco goes to every brightly colored flower and sticks his nose right in the middle of it, [then] takes a little bit of honey and stands in front of it to see if anyones looking at the flower.

In 2016, Rubio won three Republican nominating contests but was battered by Trump in his home state, losing the Florida primary by nearly 20 points. Before 2024, he will face a stern Senate challenge from Val Demings, an African American ex-cop and impeachment floor manager.

Demings has out-raised Rubio recently but Rubio has $3m more in the bank. This, remember, is a politician who once purportedly told a friend: I can call up a lobbyist at four in the morning, and hell meet me anywhere with a bag of $40,000 in cash.

He also has a history of credit card problems. Imagine what a President Rubio might do with the national debt.

If nothing else, Drucker reminds us that though Trump rules Red America, like rust, ambition never sleeps. The starters flag on the race for the Republican nomination has yet to fall. In Trumps Shadow is fine preparatory reading.

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In Trumps Shadow: David Drucker surveys the Republican runners and riders for 2024 - The Guardian