Analysis: Mike Pence's Surprising Revelation
Dean Obeidallah dissects Pence's recent announcement, revealing a lackluster list of policy justifications for his decision.
Editor’s Note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, hosts the daily program “The Dean Obeidallah Show” on SiriusXM radio. You can follow him on Threads. The opinions shared in this commentary are his own. For more opinions, visit CNN.
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s recent announcement that he will not endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024 came as a big surprise.
Dean Obeidallah
Dean Obeidallah
Pence, who previously vowed to endorse Trump no matter what, has decided that he can no longer support him in good conscience. This comes after being running mates in the past.
However, Pence's reasons for his decision were mainly focused on policy issues. He mentioned his disagreement with Trump on issues such as the national debt and the sanctity of human life. Pence also criticized Trump's recent change in stance on China and the administration's efforts regarding TikTok.
This is quite different from what Pence previously said, where he raised concerns about Trump's character and the threat he poses to our country. Pence has already taken the difficult step of publicly distancing himself from Trump and criticizing the former president. Now, he should build on this by emphasizing his own experience instead of diluting his message with policy disagreements.
Columbia, SC - February 24: Herbert Curtis, 66, votes for Donald Trump at the Earlewood Park Community Center during South Carolina's Republican Primary day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 in Columbia, S.C. "Things are just out of control. I'm a diehard Trump man. That man set something up inside me that's indescribable. This man is about this country," he said. (Photo by Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Herbert Curtis, 66, cast his vote for Donald Trump at the Earlewood Park Community Center in Columbia, South Carolina on February 24, 2024 during the state's Republican Primary day. "Things are just out of control. I'm a diehard Trump supporter. He has ignited something inside me that I can't fully explain. This man truly cares about our country," he expressed.
Related article
Opinion: Campaign despair is crushing our mental health
Pence has been vocal about Trump's attempts to pressure him into blocking the certification of Joe Biden's election win on January 6, 2021. Trump is facing charges of conspiracy and obstruction for his actions to contest the election results and stay in power despite losing in 2020. Trump denies any wrongdoing.
In June 2023, when Pence announced his presidential bid, he spoke passionately about the events of January 6. He shared with voters that on that day, Trump had asked him to choose between loyalty to him or upholding the Constitution. Pence made it clear that he chose the Constitution then, and he always will.
Pence emphasized his point more directly in August, expressing on Fox News that it was important for the American people to understand that he was not just asked to pause, but to reject votes and essentially overturn the 2020 election.
These remarks provide stronger arguments for opposing Trump compared to the policy differences Pence mentioned on Friday.
Pence revealed at the annual Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC last year that Trump's actions prior to the January 6 attack had endangered his life and his family's safety. He bluntly stated, "Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election." Pence also expressed that Trump's "reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day."
A police officer outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Election-year politics will increase the focus on President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and lawmakers' reactions, as he's stumping to the nation just months before voters will decide control of the House, Senate, and White House. Photographer: Julia Nikhinson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A police officer is seen outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The upcoming election year will bring more attention to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and how lawmakers respond to it. This is a crucial time as voters will soon determine the control of the House, Senate, and White House. The photograph was taken by Julia Nikhinson and is courtesy of Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Related article
Opinion: Is the US on the brink of another civil war?
Pence was not exaggerating. According to the evidence gathered by the House committee investigating the January 6 attack, Trump had an intense phone conversation with Pence on the morning of the Capitol attack. Following this, Trump made changes to his speech at the Ellipse, urging Pence to support his efforts to overturn the election.
As the crowd started entering the Capitol building, Trump once again criticized Pence on social media, stating, “Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.” This tweet fueled rioters just before they made a renewed attempt to breach the building in various areas, as confirmed by the Jan 6 committee. Additionally, when Trump learned that his supporters were chanting “Hang Mike Pence,” he reportedly remarked that his vice president “deserves it,” as testified by a former White House aide.
Get Our Free Weekly Newsletter
Sign up for CNN Opinion’s newsletter
Join us on Twitter and Facebook
Pence has openly discussed his decision to distance himself from Trump, frequently mentioning the events of January 6. It is crucial for Pence to continue emphasizing this point to make sure that voters grasp the extent of Trump's threat to our democracy.
Pence already has the perfect message for past and present Trump supporters, as well as anyone undecided about Trump. As a long-time Republican, Pence can speak to those mainstream patriotic conservatives who were thinking of holding their noses and voting for Trump — and make the case that to do so would be a grave mistake.
When he declared his intention to run for president in 2024, he made it clear: "Anyone who prioritizes themselves over the Constitution should not be the president of the United States. And anyone who expects others to prioritize them over the Constitution should also not be president of the United States." Amen.
Editor's P/S:
Mike Pence's recent decision to withhold his endorsement of Donald Trump for president in 2024 has sparked discussions about the former vice president's motivations. While Pence initially claimed policy disagreements as the reason for his decision, his past statements and actions suggest a deeper concern about Trump's character and threat to democracy.
Pence's vocal opposition to Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, including his revelation that Trump's actions endangered his family's safety, underscore his belief that Trump poses a significant risk to the Constitution and the rule of law. By emphasizing these concerns, Pence can appeal to mainstream conservatives who may be hesitant to support Trump and make a compelling case for his own candidacy. thinking of holding their noses and voting for Trump and make the case that to do so would be a grave mistake.
