IOWA, USA — The political landscape of the 2024 presidential race experienced a shakeup as former Vice President Mike Pence officially announced his bid for the Oval Office.
The announcement coincided with Pence’s 64th birthday, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and was characterized by sharp criticism of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
“President Joe Biden and the radical left have weakened America at home and abroad,” Pence stated in a launch video. “We can turn this country around. But different times call for different leadership.”
Pence did not hesitate to subtly critique Trump, under whose administration he served as vice president. Drawing on a quote from Abraham Lincoln, Pence emphasized the need for leadership that appeals “to the better angels of our nature.”
The former Vice President is one of three Republican candidates to announce their candidacy this week, alongside former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
Despite entering a crowded field and lagging behind in early polling, Pence is banking on his brand of faith-based conservatism to gain traction in the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa.
Currently, Pence is ranked fourth in the Republican field, trailing Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley.
Pence’s campaign must overcome significant obstacles, notably winning over voters who still fervently support Trump, and countering memories of the Capitol insurrection, during which a mob spurred on by Trump called for Pence’s execution.
Pence’s prior role as a staunch advocate for Trump, particularly among conservative evangelical Christians, complicates his path to the presidency. His challenge lies in differentiating himself from Trump while consolidating GOP voters who are either wary of Trump or open to alternative candidates.
Recognizing the need to reshape public perception, Pence campaign officials aim to reintroduce him as a conservative leader in his own right, drawing on his record in Congress and as governor of Indiana.
Pence’s traditional Republican platform, focusing on strong national defense, cuts in spending, and conservative social policy, distinguishes him from his competitors.
It is this platform that the Pence campaign hopes will resonate with Iowa voters, as one person familiar with Pence’s plans stated, “It’s a place that values Mike Pence’s principles — traditional conservative principles — deep-rooted faith and uncommon character.”
As the race for the 2024 presidency begins to heat up, it remains to be seen if Pence’s brand of traditional conservatism can secure him the Republican nomination.
With a political career deeply tied to a divisive former president and a party still grappling with its identity, Pence’s bid for the Oval Office represents a significant political gamble.
