Pence criticizes Trump, we’ll never “see eye to eye” on Capitol Insurrection
Pollemix News
Breakdown
- Former VP breaks silence over Capitol Riot
- Criticizes Trump over January 06 Insurrection
- Claims Democrats are using Capitol Riot to divide America and advance their agenda
- Says Republican Party needs to move forward from that “dark day”
By Harps Johal
Published June 03, 2021
Former Vice President Mike Pence finally broke his silence over the ‘January 06 Insurrection’, reluctantly offering some tepid criticism of Donald Trump over the events of that “dark” and “tragic” day. Pence has remained tight-lipped since the attack, with many saying he felt “hurt” and “betrayed” by then President Trump over the event.
The riot was sparked by Trump’s fiery speech where he directed most of his ire at his VP Pence for not overturning the election. Saying at one point, “Mike Pence is gonna have to come through for us,” as the crowd jeered. “And if it doesn’t, that will be a sad day for our country.” Consequently, most of the insurrectionists anger was directed at Trump with chants of “hang Mike Pence” echoing through the halls of the Capitol.
Even after the insurrection began, Trump sent out a tweet blasting Vice President Pence rather than urge his supporters to desist from storming the Capitol:
This tweet was from 2:24 pm ET Jan 6…
The security camera footage of Pence and his family being whisked out of the Capitol by Secret Service that we saw for the first time today was from 2:26 pm ET pic.twitter.com/udk1cXDsjP
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 10, 2021
Pence was apparently livid over being scapegoated by Trump “…after all the things I’ve done for him [Trump],” he lamented to Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe. Trump tapped then Indiana Governor Pence to shore up the evangelical base of the GOP that may have been somewhat wary of Trump’s moral scruples. Despite their contrasting personalities they made a formidable team with Pence playing the straight foil to Trump’s bile and bombast. Even during Trump’s most tempestuous moments, Pence remained unflinchingly loyal. His first test of faith came during the infamous Access Hollywood tape where Trump was caught on a hot mic bragging about groping women.
The ‘October surprise’ threatened to derail the Trump campaign, however, Pence’s presence and evangelical bona fides were crucial in retaining support from ‘values voters’. Throughout Trump’s myriad scandals Pence remained resolute in his unequivocal support for Trump but the attack on Capitol Hill seemed to be the breaking point for their relationship, with the two barely speaking in the aftermath.
Complicating matters for Pence, however, is that he still harbors hopes of one day assuming the Presidency. Trump’s popularity among the base remains undiminished by his loss and any signs of disloyalty towards the former President would scupper his chances of occupying the White House.
The rare public acknowledgement of discord between Trump and Pence was in a speech in New Hampshire. Pence told the crowd:
“You know, President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office. And I don’t know if we’ll ever see eye to eye on that day. But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years.”
In the same speech Pence also explained his decision to vote against a bipartisan inquest into the Capitol Riot:
And I will not allow Democrats or their allies in the media to use one tragic day to discredit the aspirations of millions of Americans, or allow Democrats or their allies in the media to distract our attention from a new administration intent on dividing our country to advance their radical agenda,” Pence said.
Verdict
The tepid criticism of Trump by Pence over the insurrection is likely to ruffle a few feathers among the Republican base. Regardless, Pence seems an unlikely prospect to be the GOP nominee in 2024. If Donald Trump runs for the nomination, Pence like Trump’s other challengers would likely be an also-ran against the hugely popular ex-President who remains revered by the base. Pence’s best hope would be if Trump decides not to challenge Biden in 2024 and he is rewarded by the MAGA base for his service to the former President. Thus Pence will need to remain cautious against any open hostility, as any disloyalty towards Trump is often followed by plummeting poll numbers among Republican voters for the antagonist. Just ask Paul Ryan and Liz Cheney.
