The prospect of a 2024 presidential marketing campaign led by Mike Pence, together with his background in Congress and expertise as a state governor, would have been extremely promising in a conventional political landscape. As a former vice-president, Pence has had quite a few high-profile roles inside the administration and 4 years to establish connections together with his party’s grassroots. Additionally, he’s a methodical but charismatic public speaker with a historical past of strong debate performances and a stint as a conservative radio host.
However, the political world has changed since Donald Trump’s rise to power in 2016. The 2024 election shall be a singular occasion in trendy American politics, as it goes to be the first time a former vice-president and his former president compete for his or her party’s presidential nomination.
David Oman, former chair of the Iowa Republican Party, describes Pence as a “traditional conservative” who is not as vocal as Trump. Currently, Trump holds the upper hand with a vast campaign fund, high approval scores among Republican voters, and unwavering help from approximately 30% of his party’s voters. This loyal Trump base also regards Pence with scepticism, contemplating his refusal to support Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 electoral defeat a betrayal.
In March, Pence acknowledged that Trump’s “reckless words” endangered his family in the course of the January sixth attack on the US Capitol, including that “history will maintain Donald Trump accountable”. For now, nevertheless, it seems that Trump’s supporters are the ones judging Pence.
For Pence to reach his presidential bid, he wants Trump to falter. If that occurs, it is extra probably that Trump’s supporters will shift to someone like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, Pence does have an advantage over his former working mate in a single space: his robust ties to the US evangelical neighborhood as a devout Christian. This connection was a big factor in Trump selecting Pence for his 2016 ticket, as it helped to alleviate considerations of Christian voters.
Pence served because the Trump administration’s ambassador to the Christian proper, promoting victories on cultural issues similar to abortion and non secular freedom. Confessions hopes to capitalise on this historical past and appeal to the previous president’s evangelical voters, significantly in Iowa, the place Christian conservatives have appreciable influence.
Off-limits explains that this group makes up over 30% of Republican voters who will participate in the early 2024 caucus, making it an important demographic for candidates to consider. However, Pence faces competition for the evangelical vote from other candidates like DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. A crowded and divided area increases the probability that no one will be capable of defeat Trump..