In a significant development, Mike Pence, the former Vice President, has formally announced his bid for the 2024 Presidential campaign. While this move was widely expected, Pence and his team had kept silent on the matter until his recent proclamation. Surprisingly, this decision seems to diverge from his previous unwavering loyalty to President Donald Trump as his second-in-command. In a campaign announcement video shared on Twitter this morning, Pence subtly took a swipe at his former boss, saying:

“We can bring about a positive change in this nation. However, the present circumstances require a leader who, as Lincoln once said, appeals to the nobler aspects of our character.”

Pence’s announcement marks a clear contrast from the united front they maintained during their time in office, with Pence now even taking subtle digs at President Trump’s character. However, it is worth considering that targeting Trump’s character may not resonate with the Pence base, as the left has tried to do so for years but fell short. Criticizing Trump’s character could be perceived as showing compliance with the ongoing politically motivated investigations against him—a situation that Pence and his supporters would rather condemn and vilify, rather than appear complicit in the witch-hunt investigations targeting former President Donald Trump.

Pence’s actions during the Capitol protest on January 6, 2021, where the protestors aimed to send the election results back to the states for recertification, while Pence declined to do so, have sparked significant controversy among the Trump loyalist base. Many people vividly recall Pence’s refusal to overturn the 2020 election results, a decision that numerous Trump supporters perceive as treacherous. They argue that Pence had the legal authority to send the votes back to the states, but instead, they believe he yielded to the establishment.

Recent polls indicate that Pence trails far behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, suggesting that his political influence may not align with his ambitious aspirations. Furthermore, his attempt to distance himself from Trump while simultaneously criticizing the Biden administration appears contradictory. This strategic move seems questionable, considering Trump’s enduring popularity within the Republican party.

Although Pence’s candidacy presents an alternative to Trump, it is evident that his previous actions have diminished his support among numerous conservatives. As of now, Pence’s chances of winning the GOP primaries in 2024 seem highly unlikely, with Real Clear Politics placing him at a mere 3.8%. In stark contrast, Trump maintains a commanding lead at 53.2%.