In a surprising twist of events, former Vice President Mike Pence is poised to take center stage as a key witness in the trial of his former running mate, Donald Trump. Despite trailing Trump by nearly 50 points in the polls, Pence may yet prove to be a formidable adversary in the courtroom.

Pence has been thrust into the spotlight, due to allegations made in the indictment against Trump. The former vice president publicly stated he chose the Constitution over loyalty to one man, a clear reference to his refusal to support Trump’s claims of election fraud.

This stance has drawn both ridicule and sympathy online, with Trump himself expressing pity for Pence’s lack of popular support.

The charges against Trump are serious and numerous, including conspiracy to trick the U.S., blocking the certification of the electoral vote, and complicity to disable and rattle voters.

Despite these charges, Trump maintains his innocence and continues to assert the 2020 election was marked by fraud.

The trial will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, an Obama-appointed judge. The indictment, penned by DOJ’s special counsel Jack Smith, casts Pence as the protagonist who rejected Trump’s “deliberately fraudulent declarations” of election fraud.

Interestingly, Pence, in a March 2021 op-ed, pointed out significant voting irregularities and instances of officials disregarding state election law. However, his potential role as the star witness in Trump’s trial could put him at odds with his own party.

The indictment references Pence’s “contemporary messages” and provides detailed accounts of private conversations between him and Trump.

These notes, taken in real-time, could prove crucial in establishing Trump’s state of mind during the alleged crimes. The value of Pence’s testimony, however, hinges on whether he can convincingly argue Trump believed Biden won the election fairly.

Pence seized upon Trump’s indictment as an opportunity to distinguish himself from his rival. He suggested the charges against Trump disqualify him from the presidency, stating anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never hold office.

As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how Pence’s testimony will impact the proceedings. Regardless of the outcome, this case promises to be a pivotal moment in American political history, with the former vice president playing a central role.