Mike Pence, a former Vice President and potential Republican presidential candidate, said in an exclusive interview with NBC News that he would make a decision about running for the presidency by the spring. If he decides to run, he also pledged to support the eventual GOP nominee in primary debates.
Mike Pence weighing his options
Mike Pence emphasized that his family is currently listening, reflecting, and talking to firms, and that they expect to have a clear sense of their calling by the spring. However, the ongoing investigation by special counsel Jack Smith into former President Donald Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, could impact Pence’s timing. Smith is seeking a court order to compel Pence to testify before a grand jury about Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.
Despite this, Pence stated that he would allow the legal process to play out and would work with his counsel to adhere to the Constitution. He also maintained that Smith’s subpoena of him was unconstitutional and that only the courts could rule on its constitutionality.
Former VP avoided discussing Trump
During the interview, Mike Pence declined to discuss policy disagreements with Trump, instead emphasizing the need for different leadership, civility, and respect. He believes that the times require a new style of leadership and better options than his former running mate. Despite hearing calls to return to the policies of the Trump-Pence administration, he says that people want civility and respect in politics.
Pence’s willingness to support the eventual GOP nominee in primary debates could indicate that he is positioning himself as a unifying force within the Republican Party. This move could be seen as an attempt to bridge the divide between the pro- and anti-Trump factions within the party.
Overall, the former Vice President’s decision to run for presidency, if he makes it, could have a significant impact on the Republican Party’s future. With the 2022 midterm elections approaching, his potential candidacy could influence the party’s strategy and priorities, and his decision will likely be watched closely by both Republicans and Democrats alike.