Mike Pence Launches Presidential Bid, Criticizes Trump’s Actions.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence officially announced his presidential campaign on Wednesday, positioning the Republican nomination as a choice between Donald Trump and the Constitution.
Pence strongly criticized his former boss, arguing that Trump’s attempt to overturn the previous election disqualifies him from running again in 2024.
During his speech in Ankeny, Iowa, Pence praised the policies of the Trump administration, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty as Trump’s running mate from 2017 to 2021. However, Pence drew a clear boundary when it came to the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump’s words incited a crowd to storm the Capitol.
Pence, who was present at the time, oversaw the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.
“On that fateful day, President Trump’s words were reckless and endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol,” Pence stated.
“The American people deserve to know that President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will face the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will.”
Despite being known for his unwavering loyalty and efforts to rally the religious right during Trump’s presidency, Pence’s refusal to comply with Trump’s pressure to disrupt the 2020 election has distanced him from Trump’s passionate supporters.
Pence had to evacuate for his safety when a mob, incited by Trump, breached the Capitol and called for the vice president’s execution.
In his campaign launch video, Pence expressed his belief that “God is not done with America yet.” As the first modern vice president to challenge his former running mate for the party’s nomination, Pence faces the challenge of navigating the campaign trail. He aims to distance himself from the chaos of the Trump era while also taking credit for the country’s perceived progress.
During a CNN town hall, when asked about media reports regarding Trump’s potential indictment over mishandling classified documents, Pence emphasized that “no one’s above the law.” He expressed hope for a resolution without the divisive step of indicting a former president.
Pence’s announcement came a day after former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie entered the race, vowing to be the only candidate unafraid to challenge Trump. Other contenders include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former governors Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson. However, early polls consistently show Trump as the dominant frontrunner, with leads of over 30 points against his closest competitor, DeSantis.
DeSantis, who visited southern Arizona, defended his state’s decision to send mainly Venezuelan migrants to California on charter flights from Texas. The move prompted California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom to threaten DeSantis with kidnapping charges. DeSantis criticized “sanctuary” cities and states, advocating for stronger immigration control and calling for stricter measures at the border.
As the presidential race intensifies, the Republican contenders face the challenge of navigating the political landscape while vying for their party’s nomination and attempting to differentiate themselves from Donald Trump’s legacy.
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