Vice President Mike Pence took time out of his busy schedule, using thousands of tax payer dollars, to attend Sunday’s Indianapolis Colts-San Francisco 49ers game where he knew players would protest during the anthem, only to complain about it afterwards, leave the game, and release a statement about the protest.
Here’s what the former Indiana governor wrote on Twitter:
I left today's Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
And here’s the prepared statement he released:
“At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience……now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us…While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.”
We were proud to stand – with all our @Colts – for our soldiers, our flag, and our National Anthem ?? pic.twitter.com/mkZiKMkPDD
— Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017
Of course, President Trump also weighed in to back his VP.
I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017
Pence went to the game for the clear purpose of protesting the protests. The 49ers have had players protesting during the anthem all season and throughout last year. The Colts also had players wearing shirts with messages supporting equality. A reporter was told to wait outside the stadium because the VP might leave the game early.
Many saw right through the publicity stunt.
You went to a 49ers game, knowing they always take a knee, intentionally wasting taxpayers money for a lame, scripted political stunt. https://t.co/K06EePhJQ5
— Facts Do Matter (@WilDonnelly) October 8, 2017
You're cool with @POTUS disrespecting women, gold star parents, the disabled, Puerto Rico, the CIA, the FBI, POWs, and the free press tho. https://t.co/gUnMTobf5p
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) October 8, 2017
Pence also performed his stunt the same day Peyton Manning was inducted into the Colts’ Ring of Honor and had his jersey retired, overshadowing a day that was intended to honor the team’s legendary QB.
