4 New Hampshire Republicans who endorsed Trump 19 days ago are now backing Ron DeSantis
NBCDec 26, 2022
Mike Pence Unveils 2024 GOP Presidential Campaign
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Image copyright: Gage Skidmore [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Former US Vice President Mike Pence formally announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination for the 2024 election on Wednesday with a campaign kick-off event in Des Moines, Iowa.
Pence joins the race, which is headlined by his former boss, Pres. Donald Trump along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Pence's announcement falls on his 64th birthday as he faces an uphill battle of competing with a tough field.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The GOP is still deeply infected with Trumpism, and it is unlikely that someone like Mike Pence, who is despised by many Trump supporters, has any chance of winning the primary. Though he is a more "traditional conservative," his views will be put to the test as he tries to distance himself from Trump, while also appealing to Trump's base.
Republican narrative
Mike Pence is a solid candidate for the Republican nomination, as he has years of experience and possesses strong conservative values. Though Trump is certainly doing well in the polls, Pence, as well as some of the other contenders like Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley, would also be good choices to lead the country.
Pro-Trump narrative
Pence simply does not stand a chance against Trump, who made Pence's career in the first place by making him vice president. Though Pence has proven that he is ready to tackle America's problems like Trump, he ultimately does not have the same flair as the former President. America doesn't want a typical Republican who will try to use the president's name to garner support.
