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Jason Sattler, Opinion columnist Published 4:44 p.m. ET April 27, 2021 | Updated 5:39 p.m. ET April 27, 2021

This liberal's plea to 'pro-life' party leaders: Promote the COVID-19 vaccination as an act of patriotism, not partisanship. Help end this pandemic.

There has never ever been a better time for the "pro-life" movement of America to act urgently to, well, save some lives.

America's supply of COVID-19 vaccines will soon surpass demand.Meanwhile Israel, with the most aggressive (yet imperfect) vaccine rollout in the world, has recorded multiple days with zero pandemic-related deathsfor the first time in 10months suggesting that a comprehensive national vaccination program could contain the killer virus that has already killed nearly 575,000 Americans.

Still, some Americans seem to be eager to stand in the way of any hope of what scientists call "herd immunity. Who are those Americans? Mostly Republican menand white evangelicals aka the people whove spent the past 40years or so telling us they are much moreconcerned about life than everyone else.

Nearly all Americans have a chance step up to take a shot that might not only save us but also our families, our neighbors and our countryfrom prolonging the deadliest pandemic in a century. Yet at this Dunkirk moment,elected Republicans have largely done the opposite of joining our armada of "little ships."

Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rand Paulof Kentucky have spread garbage about the effort to vaccinate as many Americans as possible.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis acts far more concerned about efforts to make sure people are vaccinatedthan he does about the effects of COVID-19, which has already killed 35,000 Floridians morethan the 32,463-vote marginthat put him in office in 2018.

Donald Trump urged his followers at the Conservative Political Action Conferenceto get their shotsand has made a fewsupportive comments.But when he was still president, in January,he and first lady Melania Trump were vaccinated secretly at the White House. Their off-camera shots, revealed last month, deniedthe country the single most obvious image that might be used to persuade reluctant Trump supportersto join the war on COVID-19.

Former Vice President Mike Pence was among the first Americans to get his shot lastDecember. Since then, he hasbeen busy avoiding nooses brandished by fans of his two-time running mate and getting a pacemaker. Nonetheless, he has found time to try to scaremonger about unaccompanied minors at the border.

COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 12, 2021, in Connecticut.(Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

And Pence isnt alone. The entire Republican Party seems to want the nation to fixate on the tragic number of 18,500 kids arriving alone at the border in March. But the Republicanscant find the same energy to finish off a pandemic still infecting more than50,000 Americans eachday, still orphaning thousands of Americans eachweek.

And whos paying the cost of the GOPs insistence on Joe Biden and his administration almost solely responsible for the biggest public health mobilization in American history? In Michigan, the state withthe worst spike of cases in the nation, we'relearning that the answer increasingly isthe kids.

Just say yes: Are we about to hit a vaccine wall? If you have doubts about getting the shot, reconsider.

Ive spent a lot of my adult life trying to shame pro-lifers into caring about actual children as much as they do about fertilized eggs. While this effort may get you some retweets, it doesnt change the rights behavior in the least. Its like trying to translate Republicans professed affection for Israel into an appreciation of Israels national universal health care.

Im sure President Biden, who has led an awesome nationalized rollout of vaccinations that has exceeded most reasonable expectations, will humbly call for all Americans to join the fight when he addresses Congress on Wednesday. Unfortunately, this clarion call from a man 70% of Republicans think stole the electionwith his tricky strategy of getting over 7 million more votes than Trump mightonly increase Republican hesitancy to get injected.

The rights inherent suspicion of government power, which suddenly reappears when Republicans arent in power, is being compounded by the way COVID-19 was turned into a culture war with the bombastic leadership of the last president. Republican leaders recognize there are few rewards that come with breaking with their partys base. And who wants to help a Democratic president in the task that will largely define the success of his presidency? So were stuck.

Even talking about vaccine hesitancy helps normalize it, especially when its me, a lib, doing it. Would Republicans risk their own voters' lives just to own me? Ask the millions of Americans who have been denied Medicaid insurance because their Republican governors refuse to expand it under the Affordable Care Act even though the federal government is footing almost the entire bill.

We have never been more desperate for Republican heroes who want to save their own constituents' lives, and theyve never been harder to find. Im begging GOP leaders to care as much about their fellow Republicans health and survival as much as this lib does.

Former CDC chief: Think diners, dentists and dollar stores. Make COVID vaccines easy to get.

We may disagree about when life begins, but we can all agree that every American who is 16 and over and now eligible for free vaccines has met that standard. Go out and brag about taking Mr. Trumps shots that were basically invented by Mr. Trump himself (even though the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were already in clinical trials before Operation Warp Speed was even announced).

Do whatever you have to do to make vaccination an issue of patriotism and not partisanship.

Since the sanctity of life is obviously not encouragement enough, think of the next election, the one you are busy trying to rig in state legislatures across the country.If you dont act to defeat this plague when it's possible, your next president could spend his entire term dealing with this pandemic. And if it is who I know you hope it is, we already know how much he hates doing that.

Jason Sattler, a writer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a member of USA TODAYs Board of Contributors and host of "The GOTMFV Show" podcast. Follow him on Twitter:@LOLGOP

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Where are the Republican COVID-19 heroes willing to risk their careers to save lives? - USA TODAY

When President Joe Biden speaks to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, it will look different than presidential addresses in years past with the event taking place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and heightened security concerns in the wake of the January 6 Capitol attack.

The joint session will be designated a National Special Security Event and there will be a limit on the number of lawmakers in the chamber due to Covid-19 protocols, a Capitol official involved in planning told CNN. Lawmakers will be seated in the upstairs gallery in addition to the House floor and guests will not be permitted. A total of about 200 people are expected to be allowed in the House chamber.

Even the date and timing of the address was affected by the pandemic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter earlier this month inviting Biden to speak to Congress after previously saying that she was waiting to make a decision on extending an invitation due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden wont be required to wear a mask while speaking on Wednesday, however. House rules require anyone speaking in the chamber to be wearing a mask, but that doesnt apply to Biden because the rules only pertain to lawmakers, according to a senior Democratic aide.

The rule, which took effect on January 4, similarly didnt apply to then-Vice President Mike Pence when he presided over the congressional certification of Bidens victory on January 6.

The House Sergeant at Arms sent a letter on Friday to members offices, which noted that due to Covid and safety protocols, the joint address is invite-only with invitations extended to a limited number of lawmakers. Sources familiar told CNN that Capitol Police initially asked for fencing to remain in place until the address to a joint session of Congress.

Its unclear how many lawmakers per party will attend. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell both are expected to attend.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, told reporters Monday, I understand its going to be selective seating, so I hope Im there. Asked if hes going, he replied, I dont know. I dont know if I made the cut.

Sen. John Thune, the Republican whip, told reporters that he thinks each Senate caucus will receive 30 invitations to the joint address, and each House caucus will receive 40.

I think right now my understanding at least the way theyre limiting it its like 40-40. 40 Rs, 40 Ds. And then the Senates like 30 and 30, or something like that, Thune said.

The South Dakota senator said he doesnt think that number of invites will be a problem for Republicans, and anyone who wants to attend he thinks should be able to. Thune added, Im sure there are a lot of members who prefer to watch it from their offices or somewhere else.

The letter from the House Sergeant at Arms stated that if a lawmaker does not receive an invitation from congressional leadership, he or she will not be allowed inside the Capitol after 5 p.m. ET on the day of the address.

Many, though not all, congressional lawmakers have been vaccinated. CNN confirmed last month that 189 Democrats out of 219 in the House have been vaccinated, and 53 House Republicans out of 211 have been vaccinated.

In another sign of how the setup will be different this year, first lady Jill Biden wont have a traditional viewing box at Bidens joint session address as coronavirus restrictions limit capacity in the chamber for the speech, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.

Jill Biden will attend the address to Congress, but due to increased Covid protocols and decreased attendance she will not be bringing guests to sit with her, Jill Bidens press secretary Michael LaRosa told CNN.

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Covid and security precautions will make this year's joint address to Congress different - KNBR

Four business owners in Columbus, Indiana, the hometown of Vice President Mike Pence, share their thoughts on Pence's legacy in the White House. Indianapolis Star

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been a popular topic of conversation lately.

There are reports of Pence being homeless since he is no longer vice president and he sold his Indiana home when he became Indiana's governor in 2013.

Plus, many wonder if he'll still be involved in politics or if Pence is planning to ride off into the sunset.

Former Vice President Mike Pence and his family join him as he gives remarks to a small crowd on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at Columbus Municipal Airport in Columbus, Ind. (Photo: Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

Here's what you need to know about former Vice President Mike Pence:

Pence and his wife, Karen, are currently living in northern Virginia where the former vice president has opened a transition office, according to USA Today.

Outgoing presidents and vice presidents are allowed six months of services to complete any official business.

While no exact locations has been given, Pence plans to return to his home state of Indiana this summer, according to IndyStar. He made a quick trip to speak with Hoosiers in Columbus, Ind., on Jan. 20.

"I've already promised Karen will be moving back to Indiana come this summer," Pence said. "There's noplace like home."

Coming to a close: How Pence's hometown views his legacy

Once his vice presidential transition is finished, Pence will be a "distinguished visiting fellow" atthe Heritage Foundation, according to USA Today.

The plan is for Pence to advise policy experts, deliver policy speeches and write a monthly column for the conservative think tank.

Pence credits the Heritage Foundation for shaping his conservative philosophy, as the foundation was used to shape theIndiana Policy Review. Pence was president of the Indiana foundation and a radio talk show host before joining Congress in 2000.

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Pence was pretty emotional during his 15-minute speech in Columbus on Jan. 20.

According to IndyStar, Pence's voice was "cracking" and he was "holding back tears" at the podium.

He congratulated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before thanking former President DonaldTrump for his opportunity to "serve the nation."

Donald Trump: What the former President said about Mike Pence on final day

While we don't know what the future holds," Pence said, "we know who holds the future. I'm absolutely confident that the best days, for this one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, are yet to come.

Trump only spoke for about 10 minutes during his final speech as president, according to USA Today. His comments on Pence were very brief.

"I want to thank our vice president, Mike Pence and Karen," Trump said.

In 2019, Forbes reportedPence didn't have much besides $65,000 in index funds and under $15,000 in a bank account. However, his state and federal pensions working as a government official total about $85,000 per year for the rest of his life.

According to Forbes' calculations, those pensions would make Pence worth about $1.2 million but he still owes on a six-figure student loan debt. Factor in a payoff of those student loans, Forbes places Pence's net worth at $1 million.

Chris Sims is a digital sports producer at IndyStar. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

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Mike Pence: Where is he, what is he doing in life after ...

WASHINGTON (AP) When former President Donald Trump was asked to list those he considers the future leaders of the Republican Party, he quickly rattled off names including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz. Conspicuously absent from the list:Mike Pence.

The former vice president is steadily reentering public life as he eyes a potential run for the White House in 2024. Hes joining conservative organizations, writing op-eds, delivering speeches and launching an advocacy group that will focus on promoting the Trump administrations accomplishments.

But Trumps neglect in mentioning Pence during a podcast interview earlier this month signals the former vice presidents unique challenge. For someone who built a reputation as one of Trumps most steadfast supporters, Pence is now viewed with suspicion among many Republicans for observing his constitutional duty in January to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration, a decision that still has Trump fuming.

To prevail in a Republican presidential primary, Pence may have to reinforce his loyalty to Trump while defending his decisions during the final days of the administration when the presidentfalsely alleged widespread voter fraud, contributing toa deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol. If anyone can achieve this awkward balance, some Republicans say, its Pence.

Anybody who can pull off an endorsement of Ted Cruz and become Donald Trumps vice presidential nominee should not be counted out, said Republican strategist Alice Stewart, who worked for Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign when Pence endorsed him. He has a way of splitting hairs and threading the needle that has paid off in the past.

Pence aides generally brush off talk of the next presidential election. They insist he is focused on his family and next years midterm elections, when Republicans are well positioned to regain at least one chamber of Congress. Allies argue that, over time, the anger will subside.

I think 2024s a long time away and if Mike Pence runs for president he will appeal to the Republican base in a way that will make him a strong contender, said Republican Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, who chairs the conservative Republican Study Committee and has already endorsed a Pence 2024 run. If and when Mike Pence steps back up to the plate, I think he will have strong appeal among Republicans nationwide.

Pence declined to comment for this story. For their part, Trump aides warn against reading too much into the omission during the podcast interview.

That was not an exclusive list, said Trump adviser Jason Miller. Still, Trump continued to deride Pence in the interview, falsely claiming Pence had the authority to unilaterally overturnthe results of the election, even though he did not.

Trump has not said whether he will seek the White House again in 2024. If he doesnt, other Republicans are making clear they wont cede the race to Pence. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, for instance, is alreadyvisiting the critical primary statesof Iowa and New Hampshire.

Since leaving office in January, Pence, who served as Indianas governor and a member of Congress before being tapped as Trumps running mate, has kept a lower profile. Hes pieced together a portfolio aimed at maintaining influence, paying the bills and laying the groundwork for an expected presidential run.

Hes forged a partnerships with the conservative Heritage Foundation and has even been discussed as a potential president of the organization, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Hes joined the Young Americas Foundation and a top speakers bureau, penned an op-ed for the Daily Signal in which he perpetuated falsehoods about the 2020 election, and recently toured a Christian relief organization in North Carolina. He will makehis first public speechsince leaving office next month at the Palmetto Family Councils annual fundraiser in South Carolina, another crucial primary state.

Pence has also discussed writing a book, according to aides, has been in continued conversation with his evangelical allies, and plans to spend much of the next two years helping Republican candidates as they try to reclaim House and Senate majorities in 2022. Hes also planning to launch an advocacy organization that aides and allies say will give him a platform to defend the Trump administrations record and push back on the current presidents policies as he tries to merge the traditional conservative movement with Trumpism.

Hes doing what he needs to be doing to lay the groundwork in the event he wants to set up an exploratory committee, Stewart said. You have to make money, lay the groundwork, gauge the support and then pull the trigger.

Pences allies see him as the natural Trump heir, someone who can keep his base engaged while winning back suburban voters who left the party in droves during the Trump era.

Obviously Mike Pence has a very different persona, a very different tone. That probably is an understatement, said former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a longtime friend who now leads the Young Americas Foundation. As long as he can still talk about the things that Trump voters care about, but do so in a way thats more reflective of kind of a Midwesterner, that I think ... would be attractive to those voters.

Skeptics, meanwhile, see another old, milquetoast white man saddled with Trumps baggage, but without his charisma. For these critics, Pence is a sycophant who debased himself for four years to avoid Trumps wrath only to take the blame when Trump insisted, wrongly, that Pence could unilaterally overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The anger at Pence took a dangerously personal turn on Jan. 6 when rioters paraded through the Capitol chanting Hang Mike Pence as a mob outside set up a makeshift gallows. DuringTrumps impeachment trialfor sparking the insurrection, video was presented showing Pence being rushed to safety, sheltering in an office with his family just 100 feet from the rioters.

Signs that many in the GOP still hold Pence responsible for losing the election have dotted the highway in many Trump strongholds, where masking tape and markers block out his name on Trump-Pence flags and lawn signs.

Meanwhile, others, like Pompeo, are trying to claim the Trump mantle without as much baggage.

In many ways I think his futures in Trumps hands, longtime Republican pollster Whit Ayres said of Pence. If Trump publicly praises Pence as a loyal lieutenant, Ayers said, he can see him being a viable candidate. But if Trump continues to publicly blame Pence for their loss in November, hes toast, Ayres said.

In the meantime, Pence has tried to project the impression that he and the former president have mended fences, referencing their conversations at a meeting last month with members of the conservative Republican Study Committee. Pence and Trump have spoken multiple times since leaving office, according to aides for both men.

He was very complementary of President Trump and he told us that he and President Trump had been talking and reminiscing about the great accomplishments of the administration and all of that, said Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., who attended.

While Johnson acknowledged the tensions during the final days of the administration obviously adds a degree of difficulty for Pence, he argued that the former vice president could overcome trepidation with a focus on Trumps policy achievements.

He helped achieve those and so lays claim to that legacy, Johnson said.

I think if he does get in hes a viable candidate, added Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, whose endorsement could provide Pence with a boost if he becomes a candidate. Hes a force to be reckoned with.

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Mike Pence Faces Uphill Battle To Become Trump's 2024 Heir ...

Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images Vice President Mike Pence Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images

In another sign of Vice President Mike Pence's fraying relationship with President Donald Trump, a Republican senator told reporters the VP was the most angry he's ever seen him.

"I've known Mike Pence forever," Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma told reporters on Capitol Hill Wednesday night. "I've never seen Pence as angry as he was today."

"He was very upset," Inhofe said of Pence at another point, according to a pool report compiled by Congressional reporters.

Inhofe indicated Pence's frustration was aimed at his boss, particularly given the VP's notoriously unflinching loyalty to Trump.

"I had a long conversation with him," Inhofe said. "He said, 'After all the things I've done for [Trump].'"

Pence is not known for his displays of emotion.

Since taking office, Pence has demonstrated consistent loyalty no matter what controversies Trump has gotten himself into. Until Inhofe spoke on the record about Pence's feelings toward Trump on the day of the siege, the only other widely reported instance of Pence breaking from Trump in a substantive way was in the aftermath of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape.

Trump went after Pence during his speech preceding the storming of the Capitol on Wednesday. The president's main contention was that Pence could refuse to certify the results of the Electoral College while presiding over the joint session of Congress, even though such a move would not be legally binding or have any impact on President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

"And Mike Pence is gonna have to come through for us," Trump said as the crowd jeered. "And if it doesn't, that will be a sad day for our country."

Even while the siege was happening, Trump was focused on going after Pence once again on Twitter instead of urging his supporters to stop attacking Capitol Police officers and back away from storming the building.

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Mike Pence was livid 'after all the things I've done' for ...