In early January, former Vice President Mike Pence openly contested Donald Trump’s depiction of the January 6 Capitol attack, advocating for a new Republican candidate in 2024.
Pence Rejects Trump’s Claim
Pence rebutted Trump’s description of the events as “peaceful” and the participants as “patriots.” He stated, “The truth is that this was a riot that should never have happened.”
“Patriotic and Peaceful” Event
Pence’s remarks came in response to comments Trump made while campaigning in Iowa. Trump characterized the Capitol storming event as “patriotic and peaceful.”
Pence on January 6
In a CNN interview, Pence described the riot as inexcusable, highlighting the chaos he witnessed firsthand. He expressed deep frustration over the events at the Capitol, stressing their inappropriateness in such a significant location.
Debunking Misinformation
Pence also dismissed Trump’s claims of the FBI’s involvement in the riots, affirming his trust in the agency. “I’ve heard the many repeated assurances from the FBI that they were not involved, and I take them at their word,” he said.
Release of Jailed Supporters
Former President Donald Trump, during his Iowa speech, called for the release of his supporters who were apprehended or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot incident.
Trump Labels Supporters as “Hostages”
Speaking at a campaign event in Clinton, Trump labeled these jailed supporters as “hostages.”
“Release them, Joe”
He said, “They ought to release the J6 hostages. I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners, I call them hostages. Release the J6 hostages, Joe. Release them, Joe. You could do it real easy, Joe.”
Over 1,200 Indicted, 900+ Guilty or Convicted
More than 1,200 people have been indicted for their involvement in the Capitol riot, with over 900 pleaded guilty or convicted.
“Antithetical” to Democracy
Discussing attempts to disqualify former President Trump from the 2024 election under the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection clause,” Pence labeled these efforts as “antithetical” to democracy.
Critique of Efforts to Take Decisions from American People
He said, “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.”
Facing Danger During the Certification of 2020 Elections
Pence has consistently condemned Trump’s actions on January 6 when he faced personal danger as Trump supporters stormed the Capitol while he was certifying the 2020 election results as Vice President.
Pence Accuses Trump of Election Pressure
In the early stages of his presidential campaign in June 2023, Pence, who had unwaveringly supported Trump until his final days, revealed that Trump had pressured him to assist in overturning the 2020 presidential election results.
Constitution or Trump
He said at the time, “President Trump also demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. Now, voters will be faced with the same choice. I chose the Constitution, and I always will.”
Future of the GOP
Focusing on the upcoming elections, Pence encouraged Republicans to seek new leadership. He emphasized the importance of the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary in providing a “fresh start” for the party. However, Trump easily won both contests, solidifying his position as the Party’s presumptive nominee.
“We Need New Leadership”
The former vice president said, “We need new leadership in the Republican Party. We certainly need new leaders in the White House to move us forward.”
No Endorsements Yet
While expressing admiration for fellow Republicans like Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Chris Christie, Pence stopped short of endorsing any specific candidate. DeSantis and Christie have since dropped out of the presidential primary race.
Ending Presidential Bid
Pence ended his presidential nomination bid in October, stating, “It’s become clear to me: This is not my time.”
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