Would Grassley have had same courage as Pence?

Hours before a pro-Trump mob overran the Capitol, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, then Senate president pro tempore, made a cryptic comment, as reported by Roll Call. On a Jan. 5, 2021, call with agricultural reporters, Grassley said he, rather than Vice President Mike Pence, would preside over the Jan. 6 certification of Electoral College votes, since "we don't expect him to be there."

What?

Grassley’s office quickly backtracked, saying our senior Iowa senator had merely explained what would happen if Pence had to step away from the proceedings.

Baloney. Why did Grassley believe Pence might have to “step away” Jan. 6? Had Grassley presided over the Senate, would he have exhibited the same courage as Pence to uphold the Constitution? Given his failure to vote to convict Trump in the second impeachment, any thorough answer by Grassley to such questions could prove as stomach-turning as spoiled lunchmeat (speaking of baloney).

Iowa voters should usher Grassley (89 on Sept. 17) into the retirement he hasn’t the grace to elect on his own. Choose Admiral Mike Franken instead.

Kurt Rogahn

Cedar Rapids

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