Pence's exit from presidential race confirms the end of conservatism

Las Vegas specializes in making money off of people who just can't walk away. But on Saturday in Sin City, that's exactly what former Vice President Mike Pence did. An ironic place for the most pious politician I've covered to announce what will likely be the end of his political career.  It was a long shot bid from the start, so, its early end was no surprise. "It's become clear to me: This is not my time," was the apt comment he delivered at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual conference. I cannot recall agreeing with him more strenuously, but for more reasons than I expect he intended.  Pence's time ended shortly after the 2016 election, as did the era of his entire brand of conservativism. The GOP shift toward the populist, inarticulate, grievance-based platform of today cannot credibly tout the Holy Bible as its guide. It never really could, but the party's hate-based rhetoric of today has made the hard-to-take-seriously piousness of the party's past an unfunny joke. Pence never wavered from his version of Christianity, though.   Connect with Michael Leppert Visit michaelleppert.com to read the full post and links to any resources or articles mentioned. Twitter @michaelleppert  Facebook at Michael Leppert