Former Vice President Mike Pence Suspends 2024 Campaign, Trump Calls for Endorsement
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s decision to suspend his 2024 campaign has sparked a response from former President Donald Trump, who is urging Pence to endorse him.
“Everybody that leaves seems to be endorsing me,” Trump declared at a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday. “You know people are leaving now and they’re all endorsing me.”
Two GOP presidential candidates, Perry Johnson and Larry Elder, who dropped out of the race, have already endorsed President Trump, who is currently leading by significant margins in the polls.
“I don’t know about Mike Pence: He should endorse me,” President Trump insisted at the Las Vegas rally. “He should endorse me. You know why? Because I had a great, successful presidency, and he was the vice president. He should endorse me.”
Trump further expressed his disappointment, stating, “I chose him, made him vice president, but people in politics can be very disloyal.”
Pence’s decision to suspend his campaign comes after months of struggling in the polls. Reports indicate that his campaign faced financial difficulties and was burdened with debt.
Pence’s withdrawal from the race saves him from accumulating more debt and potentially failing to qualify for the third Republican primary debate in Miami on November 8.
In his speech, Pence refrained from endorsing any candidate, instead urging fellow Republicans to choose a nominee who leads with “civility” and appeals to the ”better angels of our nature,” echoing Abraham Lincoln.
Republican presidential candidates (L-R), former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum participate in the first debate of the GOP primary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23, 2023. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Pence’s campaign finances were in dire straits, with only $1.18 million remaining in his account and over $621,000 in debt. He struggled to gain momentum and is currently polling in the low single digits nationally.
An August poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that 57 percent of U.S. adults viewed Pence negatively, while only 28 percent had a positive view of him.
Pence, who aimed to increase his visibility during the campaign, had an aggressive schedule of public appearances, including visits to diners and Pizza Ranch restaurants.
The former vice president is expected to remain engaged in politics through Advancing American Freedom, a conservative think tank he founded after leaving office. He also has a book set to be released next month.
Narrow Field?
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another struggling 2024 candidate, predicts that more Republicans will drop out of the race.
“It is narrowing. It will narrow more, I suspect, when we get to the debate stage in Miami,” Christie shared in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. However, he emphasized that it’s not his place to tell people when to exit the race.
A third GOP debate is scheduled for November, with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Chris Christie reportedly expected to attend. The Trump campaign has announced that the former president will not participate in any future debates due to his commanding lead in the polls.
An aggregate of polls for Sunday shows indicates that President Trump currently holds 59 percent support, followed by DeSantis with 12.6 percent, Haley with 8.3 percent, Ramaswamy with 4.5 percent, Christie with 2.4 percent, and Scott with 1.6 percent.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What factors might influence Mike Pence’s decision to endorse Donald Trump or another candidate in the Republican primary?
T the time of suspension. This amount paled in comparison to the significant war chest accumulated by other Republican candidates, such as Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.
The decision to suspend his campaign was met with mixed reactions from fellow Republicans. Some expressed disappointment, seeing Pence as a strong contender with a history of experience in both the executive and legislative branches. Others, however, believed that his withdrawal would allow the party to rally behind a single candidate and increase their chances of defeating the Democratic nominee in the general election.
Trump’s call for endorsement from Pence comes as no surprise. The former president has consistently sought validation and loyalty from those who served under his administration. Endorsements from prominent Republican figures are seen as a testament to his successful presidency and a reaffirmation of his leadership style.
With the withdrawal of Johnson and Elder, who have both endorsed Trump, the former president aims to further solidify his position as the frontrunner in the Republican primary. His continued popularity among the Republican base, as evidenced by his strong lead in the polls, makes him an attractive choice for candidates seeking to align themselves with a winning platform.
The relationship between Trump and Pence has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. While Pence remained a loyal vice president throughout their time in office, there were moments of tension, particularly during the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Pence faced criticism from Trump and his supporters for carrying out his constitutional role and certifying the electoral votes, despite calls to overturn the outcome.
In his speech announcing the suspension of his campaign, Pence called for unity within the Republican Party. He emphasized the importance of selecting a nominee who upholds the principles of conservatism and values of the American people. The former vice president appealed to the party to prioritize “civility” and to embrace the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, who called for unity during a divided time in American history.
As the race for the Republican nomination continues, the endorsement of Pence remains uncertain. While Trump actively seeks the support of his former running mate, it remains to be seen if Pence will align himself with the former president or opt to endorse another candidate. The decision may ultimately come down to personal loyalty, political strategy, or a desire to differentiate himself from the Trump era.
With Pence’s departure from the campaign trail, the Republican primary takes on a new dynamic. The remaining candidates will have to navigate a field that is continuously reshaping itself, as contenders drop out and endorsements are sought. The future of the race remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle for the Republican nomination is far from over, and the endorsement of a figure like Mike Pence could significantly impact the course of the campaign.
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