Most people know that Vice President Mike Pence is a man of prayer. He's been having extra quiet time with God lately as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on society. Presumably as a way to heap more criticism on the Trump administration, some media figures have chosen to exploit the VP's prayer life.
ABC anchor Byron Pitts, who at times has spoken of his own devout Christian faith, for some reason tried to make an example of the vice president by subtly suggesting he is part of the problem and not the solution.
"Mr. Vice President I have a final question for you," Pitts informed told his guest during an episode of Nightline last week. "I - and I ask this not in a political way, but for you, sir, like so many of us in our nation, are you a person of deep faith. No one doubts that. When you talk to God in your moments alone, do you find yourself worrying at all that people you represent and care deeply about have died and will die who did not need to because of steps the federal government did not take soon enough?"
Instead of getting offended, Pence took a deep breath and presented a measured answer encouraging unity and compassion.
"Well, thank you for mentioning that we are talking about one American at a time and I promise you, that's the way President Trump thinks of this, it's the way I think of it," Pence responded. "We wanted the American people to see the numbers so that we understand the challenging days that lie ahead, but I want people to know that our future is in your hands, that if every one of us will do and put into practice the Guidelines for America that we can bring those numbers down. I - I really do believe we'll get through this and we'll come out stronger than ever before."
What's that saying? When the media goes low, Pence goes high.
At least Pitts was a little less subtle than NBC's Chuck Todd, who directly asked former Vice President Biden if President Trump had "blood on his hands" during this pandemic. Even Biden said that was a bit harsh.
The VP is in good company. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, 55 percent of U.S. adults say they are praying for an end to the pandemic.
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