“It’s clear that Trump will need Democrat crossover votes to win, and win big.
Does a hard-right pick like Pence change that?”
As for Pence, he’s very popular in a key area of the country - the Midwest. Look for polls in that area to bump the Trump/Pence ticket up a couple of points - at least - in the next week. IMHO, the VP NEVER brings many votes in, but he (or she) can sure lose votes for the POTUS candidate. Pence won’t do the latter.
Something you didn’t mention is the effect on Republicans. Being so rock solid conservative, he will help to smooth over the ruffled feathers of the #NT people, and assuage the fears of many about the “bomb-throwing” Trump. Pence is nothing if not a cool, measured guy, and that will have a good effect on the campaign trail. FYI, I also believe that Trump was also in the process of ameliorating the “bomb throwing” aspect of his campaign, and becoming more “Presidential.” He is reportedly that way in private, and it won’t be that difficult to take away the ultra-combative shell of a personality that he’s displayed on the campaign trail.
This election is, IMHO, Trump’s to lose at this point - and he’s not only smart enough not to drop the ball, and to surround himself with very capable and experienced people that will help in this task, but his competitive nature will not allow him to lose. Clinton is also a piss poor candidate - even leaving her utter corruption (moral and legal) out of the equation (and they won’t be, quite obviously).
Start getting used to hearing “President Trump.” BTW, I don’t know how old you are, but my first Presidential vote was in 1980. It took about a year to get used to “President Reagan,” and it was fun the entire time (except when he got shot) - the Dems all needed duct tape to keep their heads from exploding, and it will be even more fun this time around.
Many of the koolaid dispensers will be eliminated under Trump.