Politics
Pence ‘cannot in good conscience’ endorse Trump
Former Vice President Mike Pence has made a significant decision: he will not endorse his former boss, Donald Trump, in the 2024 general election. Speaking on Fox News, Pence stated that he “cannot in good conscience” support Trump due to profound differences between their views on various issues12.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/politics/pence-will-not-endorse-trump/index.html
This move is remarkable, considering their history as running mates and the time they spent serving together. Pence, who ended his own presidential bid last October, had previously committed to supporting the eventual Republican nominee. However, his recent statement makes it clear that he cannot align with Trump’s current agenda1.
In the complex world of politics, loyalty and endorsements can be delicate matters. Trump, in response to Pence’s withdrawal from the race, had urged him to endorse, emphasizing their past association: “I chose him, made him vice president. But … people in politics can be very disloyal” 1. The dynamics between politicians can indeed be intricate and unpredictable.
Pence’s concerns revolve around Trump’s evolving positions. He highlights Trump’s departure from their shared commitment to conservative principles. Specifically, Pence points to Trump’s stance on abortion, the national debt, and his recent reversal on TikTok2. These deviations have led Pence to withhold his endorsement.
Interestingly, Pence remains tight-lipped about his own voting choice for the upcoming election. While he won’t back President Joe Biden, he also rules out supporting a third-party candidate2. His decision not to overturn the 2020 election results, despite pressure from Trump, further underscores their divergent paths2.
In his own presidential campaign, Pence cautioned fellow Republicans about the allure of populism, a warning that resonates even now as he distances himself from Trump’s political trajectory2. Politics, it seems, continues to be a complex dance of principles, loyalties, and individual convictions.
