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AG (Attention Getter)

It's a story of betrayal. But who betrayed who? That's the question many Americans are asking when it comes to the events of January 6th, 2021 in regards to then-President Donald Trump and his right-hand man, Mike Pence. Different perspectives of the event have made the Trump-Pence dynamic even more interesting than it already was.

BG (Background)

Mike Pence was the 50th Governor of Indiana, and was the 48th Vice President under Donald Trump, the 45th President. He became less popular with Republican voters after refusing to overturn the 2020 presidential election results at the demand of Trump. Now with the 2024 Republican primary beginning to heat up between Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, questions surrond Pence's potential for candidacy.

Q (Question)

Will Mike Pence run for President in 2024?

Answer (Summary Of Speech)

While he may be less likely to run than other prominent Republicans, Mike Pence will probably attempt to win the GOP nomination next year. This is for a few reasons. First, we see that January 6th serves as Pence's defining moment that he can use to propel his campaign. We also know that he still has support within the GOP, and he has hinted several times at a potential campaign.

R1 (First Reason)

January 6th serves as Pence's defining moment. He refused to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election despite pressure mounting from President Trump and other Republicans who falsely claimed the election was "stolen". Not only that, but he faced threats from rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, sith some even calling for hanging Pence. He stood his ground in order to protect democracy and do the right thing, which appeals to less extreme voters and perhaps can sway more undecided voters to his side, and this functions as a sort of leverage for Pence. PBS NewsHour 11-15-22 explains that Pence can integrate this as a part of his campaign strategy, as well as pointing out the fact that according to him, Trump directly endangered his family.

R2 (Second Reason)

Pence has enough support for a potential primary run. Although it seems like many Republicans have turned on him after January 6th, Pence still has support. Bloomberg 6-21-22 says that almost all former Vice Presidents eventually run for President, and we can assume Pence won't be an exception. He has a good political resume, and the Vice Presidency helps greatly, as was shown with the election of Joe Biden in 2020. He also should be a formidable candidate in the primary and more importantly, against the Democratic nominee. He also does agreee with the GOP on policy almost all of the time, with it really being more a question of morals and integrity. And lastly, Pence has name recognition, something other Republicans don't.

R3 (Third Reason)

Pence has clearly signaled he has an intent to run. The Hill 3-4-2023. discusses how Pence recently gave his strongest hint yet at a 2024 run, with him and his wife saying in a joint statement, "Different times call for different leadership", perhaps directly calling out Trump for attempting a third try at the nomination. He also said that he believes a decision is "coming soon" on whether or not he runs, and he showed his commitment to the party by saying he would endorse whoever the nominee was. He has shown the typical signs of someone preparing for a presidential run, so we can infer he will indeed try.

C (Conclusion)

So, Mike Pence is still likely to run for President in 2024. He can use January 6th as a defining example of his leadership, he has enough support within the party, and he has signaled/hinted many times at running. He really has no good reason not to, as it seems unlikely he would be Vice President again under Trump (if re-elected), and he has a solid chance at the nomination.