Three years after the U.S. Capitol attack that endangered his own life, former Vice President Mike Pence is speaking out against Donald Trump’s narrative of the events.
Capitol “Truth” Revealed
Mike Pence openly disputed Trump’s description of the Jan. 6 attack as “peaceful” and carried out by “patriots.” He also dismissed Trump’s allegations about FBI involvement and criticized the portrayal of the convicted individuals as political “hostages.”
Time for GOP Change?
With Trump emerging as a frontrunner in the GOP, Pence, once a devoted ally, is now advocating for Republicans to explore other options for their 2024 presidential candidate.
Firm Stance
In a CNN “State of the Union” interview on Sunday, Mike Pence made his stance about the Jan. 6 attack clear, saying, “The truth is that this was a riot that should never have happened.”
Reckless Words
“And while I said that the president’s words were reckless — and I believe that history and the American people will hold him ultimately to account for his role in that day — I think these efforts to take the decision away from the American people are really antithetical to the very democracy that President Biden and many Democrats talk about wanting to defend,” Pence continued.
Is Trump Responsible?
Pence has frequently criticized Trump’s conduct on January 6, a day when his safety was at risk as Trump’s supporters invaded the Capitol while he was validating the 2020 Electoral College results as vice president.
Supreme Court to Decide
The future of Trump’s presence on presidential ballots now rests with the Supreme Court, which declared on Friday that it would consider Trump’s appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to exclude him from the state’s primary ballot.
Pence Thanks FBI
Pence expressed his gratitude to the FBI for their efforts in prosecuting criminals, challenging Trump’s unfounded allegations. I’ve heard the many repeated assurances from the FBI that they were not involved, and I take them at their word,” he said.
Seeking Fresh Republican Face
While acknowledging that voters in 2024 are likely to focus on recent events, Pence voiced his hope for Republican support for a candidate other than Trump.
Pence views the upcoming Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary as an opportunity for “good Republican voters” to “give our party a fresh start and give us new leadership to lead our party forward in the election and beyond.”
Faith in American Voters
After stepping down from his 2024 presidential campaign, Pence voiced his trust in the American electorate’s ability to choose their leader and expressed belief in the Supreme Court’s alignment with this view.
Let Democracy Prevail
“I’m very confident that the American people will choose wisely. I’m confident that we will run our elections,” Pence asserted.
“But removing the former president or any other candidate from the choice of the American people, I don’t believe is in the interest of the country, And I have reason to be confident that the Supreme Court of the United States will see it just that way,”
Neutral Stance
Pence refrained from explicitly endorsing any of Trump’s opponents, but he did express admiration for Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis and mentioned his longstanding friendship with Chris Christie.
He withdrew from the presidential race in late October, motivated by his belief that “different times call for different leadership.”
Narrow Escape from Capitol Chaos
As the Capitol riot unfolded, Pence was rushed out of the Senate chamber while rioters were shouting death threats against him. At the same time, Trump was at the White House witnessing the insurrection.
Following the attack, Pence and Trump did not communicate for several days and eventually parted ways.
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