Pence is by far the best conservative in Washington. BUT every single day he becomes more like one of “them” and less like one of us. That is the point. He is no where near as conservative as he was 8,4 or even two years ago.
Pence was the author of the phony touchback system as a way to give amnesty.
I agree on both of your points. That's the problem with Washington, and it's why this nation cannot afford another president plucked from congress. No matter how sincerely intent one is on maintaining independence and good judgment when first elected, the steady erosion is inevitable. They don't even know it's happening to them. Their reasoning is altered on a molecular level.
Traditionally, we've elected governors to the presidency, and for good reason. Obviously, the executive experience is essential. But geography is, imho, just as important. Governors lead from their own states, amid the people who elected them. They simply are not as vulnerable to the daily erosion.