US presidential candidacy: Pence sees “better choices” than Trump

Mike Pence was once considered a loyal deputy to ex-US President Trump. But times have changed. In an AP interview, Pence clearly distanced himself from Trump – and is considering his own presidential candidacy.

Mike Pence, 63, former governor of Indiana and later vice president, is not a man of big words. In interviews, his sentences are usually short and his pauses long – even now, when he’s promoting his new book and warming up for a bid for the presidency.

When asked if Donald Trump should ever be president again, Pence said in an ABC interview: “I think the American electorate has to decide that, but I think we’ll have better choices in the future,” was the answer. Does that mean he will run against Trump himself in the Republican party primary? “We’re thinking about it at home,” was the reply, in typical Pence fashion.

Allegiance to Trump – until January 6, 2021

Pence is a devout, conservative family man. He served Trump as vice president faithfully – some say obsequiously – until Trump chose to deny his electoral defeat to President Joe Biden and fight a transfer of power by any means – including the use of force, as demonstrated by the storming of the Capitol Has.

Pence took on the role of certifying the election result as Vice President on January 6, 2021. Trump publicly asked him to refuse, but Pence stood his ground.

“Hang Mike Pence,” the violent mob chanted. Pence was just brought to safety. How does he see it today? “The President’s words were reckless. He chose to be part of the problem,” Pence said.

Low chances of candidacy

Would the former vice president stand a chance as a contender for the presidential nomination in the Republican primary against Trump? No, says Van Jones, who, however, belongs to the opposite side, the Democrats. Jones was an advisor to ex-President Barack Obama:

“Pence is a completely different personality than you have to be as an election campaigner. He is reserved, a man of understatement, is politically very far to the right. He was never a street sweeper at events,” said Jones on CNN.

“It’s not easy to run as a presidential candidate”

John Kasich, Republican, ex-governor of Ohio and outspoken opponent of Trump, once tried to become a presidential candidate himself. He is also skeptical about Pence’s candidacy: “It’s not easy to run as a presidential candidate. You have to go to Iowa, to New Hampshire, out on the street, look people in the eye. It’s a long way.”

What does that mean for Trump competitors like Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, or Pence? “DeSantis will compete, Pence will probably compete, others too,” said Kasich. “But the irony is: the larger the field of applicants, the better Trump’s chance of winning the candidacy. He has the most money, the best connections. But in the end he will not become President of the United States again,” said Kasich in the tone of conviction. “People will not vote for Trump again.”