Pence’s announcement came as a surprise — and at the end of a speech in which he had previously strongly condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel and fully supported Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The audience was impressed and gave Pence a standing ovation.
Pence is dropping out of the race less than three months before the first Iowa caucuses. Pence has pinned his hopes on Iowa — but despite former President Donald Trump’s troubles in the small state, he is also clearly leading in the polls. According to the New York Times, Pence’s decision also shows how difficult it is for Trump’s internal party competitors to find a way to defeat Trump – despite him having been indicted four times. Pence is the highest-ranked candidate to throw in the towel so far and the first to qualify for the televised debates.
Recommendation for someone “educated”
Pence did not make any recommendations, but called for choosing someone who appeals to the better side of people and who can lead with “courtesy.” Pence launched his bid for president in June, but his campaign never took off.
The 64-year-old fell out with his former boss, Trump. He has repeatedly warned that no one who puts himself above the US Constitution should be allowed to become President of the US. On the day the Capitol was stormed, on January 6, 2021, Trump asked him to choose between Trump and the Constitution. Pence, as then president of the Senate, refused to block the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Many Trump supporters see this as a betrayal, and Trump himself has accused him of cowardice.
Loyal at Trump’s side for a long time
Archconservative Pence has stood loyally by Trump’s side throughout his controversial presidency. Since taking over Congress, he has increasingly distanced himself from Trump. Presidential and parliamentary elections will take place in November 2024. In the preceding months, the candidates of the respective parties are determined through extensive primaries.
The field of Republican candidates is led by former US President Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley are also in the race. US President Biden is running for re-election among Democrats. As an incumbent, he is unlikely to face any serious competition within the party in the election campaign.