By Smartencyclopedia Newsroom*

Former US Vice President Mike Pence made a bold entry into the race for the Republican nomination for president by delivering a scathing denunciation of his former running mate, ex-President Donald Trump. In a momentous move, Pence launched his campaign in a suburb of Des Moines, becoming the first vice president in recent history to challenge the president he served alongside.

During his campaign kickoff, Pence didn’t hold back in criticizing Trump, accusing him of deviating from conservative principles and shirking his responsibilities on January 6, 2021. Pence firmly stated that Trump had effectively disqualified himself by falsely asserting that Pence possessed the authority to overturn the election results and keep him in office, despite the absence of such power.

Pointing to the events of January 6th, Pence highlighted the grave danger faced by his family and all those present at the Capitol. He emphasized that Trump’s insistence placed him in an untenable position, forcing him to choose between loyalty to the former president and upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution. Pence firmly asserted that American voters now face a similar choice, one that carries profound consequences for the nation.

With his bold denunciation of Trump, Pence sets himself apart from his former political ally and seeks to establish his own identity and principles as he embarks on his presidential campaign. The stage is now set for a heated battle within the Republican Party as Pence challenges the incumbent and presents himself as a principled alternative.

“I firmly hold the belief that anyone who prioritizes their own interests above the Constitution should never assume the role of the President of the United States. Furthermore, any individual who requests another person to prioritize them over the Constitution should be disqualified from holding the esteemed office of the President of the United States once more,” Pence passionately expressed.

Over the past two and a half years, Pence has tactfully expressed his reservations about Trump, carefully maneuvering within a Republican Party that has undergone a significant transformation under Trump’s influence. However, on Wednesday, as Pence officially declared his candidacy and addressed voters, he chose not to mince his words.

He boldly accused the former president of forsaking the conservative principles he campaigned on, particularly concerning issues such as abortion. Pence’s remarks showcased his determination to distinguish himself from Trump and reaffirm his commitment to upholding the values he believes in.

Pence, a staunch advocate of a national ban on abortion, expressed his disappointment in Donald Trump and other candidates for their perceived retreat from the pro-life cause. He asserted that under Trump’s leadership, the administration achieved significant pro-life milestones, making it the most pro-life in American history. However, he criticized Trump for treating the issue as an inconvenience and even attributing the party’s election losses in 2022 to the potential overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Unlike Trump, Pence firmly supports a national ban on abortion but did not delve into the specific limits he advocates.

In addition to highlighting his stance on the sanctity of life, Pence expressed his concern about the current state of politics, which he characterized as dominated by grudges and grievances. He called for leaders who possess the wisdom to differentiate between the “politics of outrage” and steadfast principles. Pence pledged to restore a threshold of civility in public life, emphasizing the need for more respectful and constructive political discourse.

With Pence’s entry into the race on his 64th birthday, the GOP field is now mostly established. Alongside Trump, who currently leads in early polls, other notable candidates include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who holds second place, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who also announced his candidacy on the same day as Pence. The stage is set for a competitive and diverse Republican primary race.

Pence’s presidential campaign will serve as a litmus test for the Republican Party’s receptiveness to a candidate who embodies social conservatism, displays a mild-mannered demeanor, and holds deep religious beliefs. He has consistently voiced his concerns about the populist surge that engulfed his party during Trump’s tenure. The success or failure of Pence’s campaign will also shed light on his political viability, particularly in light of the persistent belief among a significant faction of his party that the 2020 election was fraudulently stolen and that Pence possessed the authority to reject the electoral results in favor of Democrat Joe Biden.

Pence and his team view Iowa as a crucial state on his path to securing the GOP nomination, as it holds the first votes in the nominating calendar. With its significant number of evangelical Christian voters, the campaign sees them as a natural constituency for Pence, given his social conservative stance and unwavering support for a national ban on abortion. Additionally, Pence’s background as a former representative and governor of Indiana aligns well with the Midwestern state’s sensibilities.

“We firmly believe that victory hinges on winning over Iowa and its 99 counties,” stated Scott Reed, co-chair of a newly launched super PAC supporting Pence’s candidacy.

However, Pence faces formidable challenges. Despite being a prominent figure in the crowded field, he grapples with high unfavorability ratings. Critics of Trump hold Pence complicit in the former president’s controversial actions, while staunch Trump supporters label him a traitor.

A recent CNN poll revealed that 45% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents expressed unwillingness to support Pence under any circumstances, while only 16% expressed the same sentiment towards Trump.

Recognizing this challenge, Pence’s advisors aim to directly address voters and emphasize that he faithfully fulfilled his constitutional duties, lacking the power to influence the election outcome.

Pence’s team considers their primary goal to be reintroducing him to the public beyond his role as Trump’s second-in-command. They seek to remind voters of his previous leadership roles in Congress and as governor, planning a campaign that prioritizes intimate settings such as town halls, house parties, and visits to local establishments like diners and Pizza Ranch restaurants. These interactions aim to offer voters a closer, more personal understanding of Pence as an individual.

According to Todd Huston, the Indiana House speaker and a close friend of Pence involved in outreach to state legislators, people will witness a different side of Pence beyond his vice presidency.

Reed believes there is a strong desire within the party for a candidate like Pence who embodies Reagan-style conservatism, encompassing traditional social values, a firm stance on foreign policy, and an emphasis on small government economics.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz and agencies