Former President Donald Trump mentioned people he thought could be future leaders of the Republican Party, and he did not include Mike Pence, per AP News. Trump adviser Jason Miller stated that this was not an exclusive list. Still, it seems to show that if Pence does run for president in 2024, he will face some challenges.
Many Republicans are still suspicious of him, and many Trump-Pence flags and signs have tape or marker blocking out his name. “In many ways I think his future’s in Trump’s hands,” said Republican pollster Whit Ayres. He went on to say that if Trump keeps blaming Pence for the loss in November, “he’s toast.”
Republican strategist Alice Stewart stated, “Anybody who can pull off an endorsement of Ted Cruz and become Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee should not be counted out.” She addded that Pence “has a way of splitting hairs and threading the needle that has paid off in the past.” Republican Rep. Jim Banks is backing a run for Pence in 2024, saying, “If and when Mike Pence steps back up to the plate, I think he will have strong appeal among Republicans nationwide.”
Mike Pence seems to be laying the groundwork for a 2024 presidential run
Pence aides say the former vice president is really just focused on his family and next year’s midterm elections (via AP News). But Stewart says, “He’s doing what he needs to be doing to lay the groundwork in the event he wants to set up an exploratory committee. You have to make money, lay the groundwork, gauge the support, and then pull the trigger.”
According to the Washingtonian, Pence joined a conservative think tank, Heritage Foundation, where he will advise on public policy issues, deliver speeches, and write a monthly column. He has also set up an Office of the Former Vice President to take care of correspondence, statements, activities, and schedules.
The Guardian reported that Pence is collaborating with a conservative advocacy group, Young America’s Foundation, as well. These lectures, speeches, op-eds, and a video podcast seem to all point to the former vice president’s efforts to regain his momentum within the Republican party.
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