UNITED STATES: In a resolute address, former Vice President Mike Pence unequivocally condemned Donald Trump’s involvement in the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, which occurred as Trump’s supporters stormed the building in an attempt to impede the recognition of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
Pence’s speech in Iowa stands out as a notable rebuke of Donald Trump, as few other Republican presidential contenders have openly addressed the events of January 6. This can be attributed to Pence’s initial reluctance to directly criticize Trump and the limited discussion of the incident among other Republican candidates.
Taking a significant risk, Vice President Pence places his faith in the belief that Americans will support his stance on upholding the Constitution throughout the nomination process, even when it diverges from Trump’s position. He expressed concern that Trump’s actions on that fateful day “endangered my family and everyone present at the Capitol.”
Pence finds himself engaged in a head-to-head battle for the White House with contenders such as Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, as he enters an already crowded field of Republican candidates. Joining the likes of Chris Christie and Doug Burgum, the number of Republican candidates vying for the nomination now totals ten.
Within the Republican primary, Vice President Mike Pence faces an uphill challenge, polling at a mere 5% and trailing Donald Trump by a substantial 44 percentage points. Pence accuses Trump of cowardice and questions his authority to influence the outcome of the election. During the certification process, as Trump supporters breached the Capitol, Pence was forced to evacuate, with protesters even chanting “Hang Pence.”
Pence emphasizes the American people’s right to be aware of Trump’s pressure on him to choose between upholding the Constitution or prioritizing Trump’s personal interests. With a growing pool of contenders, Trump’s path to victory appears plausible.
However, Pence, a conservative Christian, hopes to gather momentum in Iowa, where a significant number of evangelical voters reside, potentially bolstering his chances and propelling his campaign forward.
Pence argues that Donald Trump has abandoned the cause of the unborn by failing to support federal measures to restrict access to abortion. He lends his support to congressional efforts aimed at enacting nationwide limitations on abortion, contending that individual states should have the authority to determine their own policies on the matter.
In response to DeSantis characterizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a mere “territorial dispute,” Pence offers a sharp critique, highlighting his understanding of the distinction between an aggressive act of war and a territorial disagreement. Trump conveyed his wishes for Pence’s success while simultaneously criticizing him for accepting the certification of the 2020 election results, asserting that their relationship remained amicable.
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