Tuesday, May 7, 2024

OPINION:

With South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem now dogged by her own publicized poor judgment (“Noem defends her shooting of chicken-killing dog,” web, May 2), who should rise to the top of Donald Trump‘s vice presidential candidate shortlist? Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo‘s experience, steadiness, faith and conservative principles make him the most qualified and reassuring choice.

Mr. Pompeo‘s resume includes a Harvard Law School degree and tax law experience, a U.S. Army career as a captain, entrepreneurial endeavors, a congressional career and loyal service as the former president’s Central Intelligence Agency director and secretary of state.

The choice of Mr. Pompeo would reassure the pro-life and evangelical communities that Mr. Trump‘s second administration will have a strong voice urging support for the value of human life and protection of religious freedom. Mr. Trump and Mr. Pompeo can hammer home the fact that Democrats insist on legalizing abortion right up to the point of birth — a position deplored by most Americans and adopted by only a handful of countries, including China, Vietnam and North Korea.

Choosing Mr. Pompeo would prove both principled and pragmatic, as it would solidify and energize the former president’s base while attracting independents who value experience, stability and strength in foreign affairs at a time when our adversaries are advancing.

Mr. Pompeo‘s solid conservative credentials would reassure ideological conservatives that a second Trump term would steer our careening nation back toward limited government, fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense and judicial constitutional restraint.

While coalescing conservatives and the faith community on whom his election depends, choosing Mr. Pompeo would provide Mr. Trump with a Renaissance man upon whom to depend for counsel and support.

JONATHAN IMBODY

Mechanicsville, Virginia