Last updated on June 8th, 2023 at 09:32 pm
Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to officially launch his long-anticipated campaign for the Republican nomination for president. According to two sources familiar with his plans, Mike Pence will kick off his campaign with a special event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 7, coinciding with his 64th birthday. His decision to begin his campaign in Iowa, a crucial early-voting state, underscores the significance his team places on the region’s evangelical Christian voters, who make up a substantial portion of the state’s Republican electorate.
Mike Pence Campaign Launch in IOWA-
Pence’s campaign launch in Iowa signifies the growing competition between him and his former boss, President Donald Trump, who is also seeking a second term. The contrasting narratives of the two former allies will likely be a central theme throughout the primary race, as Mike Pence positions himself as a staunch social conservative, firmly opposing abortion rights and advocating for a national ban.
The Republican presidential field is already expanding, with three more candidates expected to join the race next week. The entrance of these candidates, including some prominent names, will further diversify voters’ choices in the upcoming presidential election. The Republican National Committee has also announced the requirements for its first debate, which may exclude some candidates from the stage.
Pence’s campaign strategy in Iowa is expected to be aggressive, as he plans to visit all 99 counties in the state before the caucuses take place next year. This approach demonstrates the importance he attaches to Iowa in his potential path to victory. Additionally, CNN will hold a Town Hall event with Mike Pence on the same night as his campaign announcement, providing him with a platform to present his vision to a national audience.
However, Pence’s support among GOP primary voters remains relatively thin, ranging from 5 to 6 percent in recent polls. While this may not be enough to secure the nomination, it positions him as a contender who could potentially make it to one or more debate stages. One potential point of contention during these debates could be the January 6, 2021 events, when rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence” after he accepted electoral votes that confirmed Joe Biden’s victory. There have been claims that Trump expressed support for hanging Mike Pence, but these allegations remain uncorroborated, adding a layer of complexity to the dynamics between the two candidates.
The recent decision by the Justice Department to close its investigation into the mishandling of classified documents found at Pence’s home comes just ahead of his planned campaign announcement. The letter from the DOJ, obtained by CNN, states that no criminal charges will be sought, allowing Mike Pence to draw a contrast between himself and Trump, who remains under serious investigation by the Justice Department and others. The mishandling of classified documents could serve as another point of divergence between the two candidates as they compete for the Republican nomination.
With Pence’s official entry into the race, the Republican primary field continues to expand, ultimately benefiting Trump, who currently holds the status of an early frontrunner. The impact of these events on the broader political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election remains to be seen. As more candidates enter the race, the dynamics within the Republican Party will evolve, and the contrasting narratives of Mike Pence and Trump will shape the discourse and strategies of the contenders.
Finally, Mike Pence’s decision to launch his presidential campaign from Iowa highlights the importance of the state in his electoral strategy. The contrasting narratives between Pence and Trump, combined with the recent Justice Department decision not to seek criminal charges against Pence, add intrigue to the primary race. With the field expanding and the Republican National Committee setting debate requirements, the road to the 2024 presidential election is becoming increasingly complex and competitive. The impact of these events will shape the Republican primary race and set the stage for a consequential political battle in the coming months.