This notion going around that Pence wanted the subpoena for political cover is nonsense

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...there are several prominent reporters speculating today that Pence asked for the subpoena to give him cover for cooperating with investigators.

There's no evidence Pence is cooperating with investigators. 'Negotiations' reported between Pence lawyers and DOJ apparently didn't result in full compliance, so we should assume (the press should assume) the former VP is a hostile witness obstructing the DOJ probe by withholding information vital to their investigation.

This isn't DOJ merely asking Pence for a statement. This is a demand for an appearance before the grand jury for extensive questioning. Pence forfeited the chance to have a friendly discussion with investigators, likely by refusing to say under oath what he'd already written in his book and in the WSJ.

We're supposed to believe Pence made the choice to become the first VP subpoenaed, this one issued in a federal investigation into his treasonous partner, for political calculations?

At the very least, it's DOJ working to obtain Pence's version of events under oath, evidently being actively withheld from investigators. He'll be pressed on whatever conversations or communications with Trump he's been claiming are privileged. Again, potentially incriminating information he's evidently withholding from DOJ investigators.

Enough looking for benign reasons Pence won't comply without a subpoena. Even if this dopey, nice-guy afraid of what the MAGA electorate thinks nonsense about a man who was second to a maniacally treasonous president is remotely true, Pence is still OBSTRUCTING a major investigation, including the probe into his own actions.