When last we looked in on White House Apprentice, Donald Trump was focusing on a massive and diverse set of two unlikable loudmouths: the one who abandoned his job being a governor to fetch burgers, and the one who abandoned his dying wife and led his party down a path to failure. So … tempting options.
But the Trump campaign wants to remind everyone that there are in fact at least three, possibly four, people willing to give the zombie stare from a position somewhat to the side and clearly behind Don Trump—even if some of them are sad, low-energy losers. So the full cast of White House Apprentice is being expanded to include:
GOV. MIKE PENCE OF INDIANA
... the popular governor of a Rust Belt swing state — President Obama narrowly won Indiana in 2008; Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate, won it 2012 — is a favorite among social conservatives, and could help reassure a Republican base still skeptical about Mr. Trump’s credentials.
Yes, Pence’s willingness to make his state a leader in anti-gay laws was so successful in harming local businesses that the popular Pence managed to take his favorability ratings deep underwater and put his political future on the path to Trump.
Pence has become an object lesson for extremists.
Twenty-fifteen was the year of political crazy. Total bat-bleep crazy. If you played Republican politics last year, you could show no glint of sanity. Go big or go home.
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa
A Harley-riding mom from a socially conservative state ... During her Senate bid, she garnered attention with an ad about pig castration and her promise to make the politicians in Washington “squeal” — an outsider ethos that matches that of Mr. Trump.
Are people who want Sarah Palin going to be satisfied with imitation Sarah Palin? Yes. Both of them. Bonus: Ernst has already demonstrated her ability to toady for billionaires.
That's it. Barring the appearance of a last minute surprise guest (we're all pulling for Ivanka), that's your complete cast for this season of White House Apprentice. Which one of them will earn the coveted spot of “that knucklehead who went down in flames with Trump?” Stay tuned!