Staff Reports
Former Vice President Mike Pence made a bold move when he announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. He positioned himself as the anti-Trump candidate, hoping voters would appreciate his refusal to challenge the certification of the 2020 election results. However, just four months later, Pence has called it quits on his campaign, citing a lack of donors and low polling numbers as the primary factors behind his decision.
Understanding Mike Pence's Failed Presidential Campaignhttps://t.co/tZUyeQX9L7
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) November 3, 2023
Some may question what exactly Pence was trying to achieve with his campaign. After all, he already had significant recognition from his time in the White House, so running for president seemed unnecessary. It is possible that he genuinely believed he could win both the nomination and the presidency, despite the slim chances of success. However, his polling average of 3.4 percent indicated otherwise, placing him below other candidates like former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Critics argue that Pence’s campaign was driven more by ego than anything else. They claim that he positioned himself as a “principled martyr for conservatism” but lacked the backbone to stand up for his beliefs, citing his handling of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act as evidence. Others take a more sympathetic view, suggesting that Pence saw his campaign as an opportunity to highlight socially conservative issues that are important to him.
Regardless of the motivations behind his campaign, it is clear that Pence now faces an uncertain future. A recent poll showed that a majority of Americans view him negatively, and his influence within the Republican Party appears to be waning. Should former President Trump secure the nomination, Pence’s standing in the party will likely diminish further, as Trump has already ruled out choosing him as his running mate again. While Pence has yet to endorse any primary candidate, he hasn’t ruled out voting for Trump if he becomes the nominee.
