Former Vice President Mike Pence’s Decision Not to Endorse Trump: More than Policy Disagreements
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s announcement last week that he would not endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024 was a significant development in the political landscape, especially considering Pence’s previous pledge to support Trump during the first GOP presidential debate in 2021.
Beyond Policy Disagreements: The Importance of Character and Constitutional Integrity
Pence’s reasons for distancing himself from Trump went beyond mere policy disagreements. He expressed concerns over Trump’s commitment to reducing the national debt and his stance on the sanctity of human life, but these issues did not fully capture the gravity of Pence’s concerns.
The January 6 Incident: A Turning Point for Pence
Pence has publicly criticized Trump’s efforts to pressure him into blocking the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory on January 6, 2021. The former president is currently facing charges for conspiracy and obstruction in relation to this election interference case. Trump denies any wrongdoing.
The January 6 Incident: A Matter of Constitutional Principle
When Pence announced his presidential run in June 2023, he shared his experiences surrounding the January 6 incident with great passion, reminding voters that Trump demanded Pence choose between him and the Constitution. Pence made it clear that he chose the Constitution.
The January 6 Incident: A Matter of Personal Risk
Pence also acknowledged that Trump’s actions on January 6 put his family’s safety at risk. He emphasized this point during the annual Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC, stating that Trump’s “reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day.”
The January 6 Incident: A Matter of Danger to Our Republic
The evidence gathered by the House committee investigating the January 6 attack revealed that Trump had a heated phone call with Pence on the day of the incident. The former president later added lines to his speech at the Ellipse, urging Pence to overturn the election result. After the rioters stormed the Capitol building, Trump took to social media to criticize Pence, and some in the crowd chanted “Hang Mike Pence.” Trump responded that his vice president “deserves it,” according to a former White House aide’s testimony.
The Importance of Pence’s Message
As a long-time Republican, Pence is well positioned to reach out to mainstream patriotic conservatives who might consider supporting Trump despite his questionable actions. He should emphasize the importance of character and constitutional integrity in a presidential candidate, stressing that anyone who puts themselves above the Constitution should not be elected president.
Conclusion
Pence’s experience and firsthand account of Trump’s actions during the January 6 incident provide more compelling reasons to oppose Trump than policy disagreements. By focusing on these issues, Pence can effectively communicate the dangers Trump poses to our republic and make a strong case for voters to support candidates who prioritize constitutional principles.