The prospect of a 2024 presidential marketing campaign led by Mike Pence, together with his background in Congress and experience as a state governor, would have been extremely promising in a standard political panorama. As a former vice-president, Pence has had quite a few high-profile roles within the administration and four years to determine connections along with his party’s grassroots. Additionally, he is a methodical but charismatic public speaker with a history of strong debate performances and a stint as a conservative radio host.
However, the political world has modified since Donald Trump’s rise to power in 2016. The 2024 election shall be a singular event in fashionable American politics, as it will be the first time a former vice-president and his former president compete for their party’s presidential nomination.
David Oman, former chair of the Iowa Republican Party, describes Pence as a “traditional conservative” who just isn’t as vocal as Trump. Currently, Trump holds the higher hand with a vast campaign fund, excessive approval ratings among Republican voters, and unwavering support from approximately 30% of his party’s voters. This loyal Trump base additionally 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 during the January 6th assault on the US Capitol, adding that “history will maintain Donald Trump accountable”. For now, however, it appears that evidently Trump’s supporters are those judging Pence.
For Pence to succeed in his presidential bid, he wants Trump to falter. If that occurs, it is more probably that Trump’s supporters will shift to somebody like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, Pence does have a bonus over his former running mate in one space: his strong ties to the US evangelical group as a devout Christian. This connection was a big factor in Trump selecting Pence for his 2016 ticket, because it helped to alleviate issues of Christian voters.
Pence served as the Trump administration’s ambassador to the Christian right, selling victories on cultural points such as abortion and religious freedom. He now hopes to capitalise on this history and appeal to the former president’s evangelical voters, particularly in Iowa, where Christian conservatives have considerable influence.
Tools explains that this group makes up over 30% of Republican voters who will participate within the early 2024 caucus, making it a vital demographic for candidates to assume about. However, Pence faces competition for the evangelical vote from different candidates like DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. A crowded and divided subject will increase the chance that nobody will have the ability to defeat Trump..