Former Vice President Mike Pence is making waves as he distances himself from former President Trump in preparation for a potential 2024 White House campaign. While Pence avoids using harsh language or tone like some of his Republican counterparts, such as Chris Christie, Asa Hutchinson, and Chris Sununu, he is crystal clear about where he and his former running mate disagree.
In a recent interview with Fox News and other news organizations, Pence expressed his disagreement with Trump’s stance on entitlement reform. He emphasized that Trump was “wrong” on this issue, setting himself apart from the former president as he laid out his economic agenda.
During a keynote speech at the Josiah Bartlett Center’s annual awards dinner in New Hampshire, Pence outlined his vision for the country. He called for permanent tax cuts, advocated for free trade, urged the Federal Reserve to focus solely on fighting inflation, and emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility. Pence also made it clear that he opposes punishing big businesses over ideological grounds, a stance that separates him from some members of the GOP.
One of the key areas of disagreement between Pence and Trump is entitlement reform. Pence believes that Social Security and Medicare contribute significantly to what he terms “runaway government spending” and advocates for reforming these programs.
While Trump has pledged to protect Social Security and Medicare, Pence argues that Biden shares the same policy of avoiding necessary discussions about reform.
Pence also diverged from Trump on the issue of the national debt and potential default. When asked about Trump’s suggestion that the country should default if Biden doesn’t agree to Republican congressional spending cuts, Pence disagreed.
He stressed the importance of upholding the full faith and credit of the United States and supported Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s efforts to promote fiscal discipline and reform.
The former vice president highlighted another area of disagreement: abortion. Pence expressed his support for federal abortion bans proposed by some Republicans and reiterated his belief in the sanctity of life, despite Trump’s hesitance on this issue.
As for the ongoing controversies surrounding Trump, including the recent civil case brought against him, Pence declined to comment on whether Trump should bow out of the 2024 race.
He emphasized that it’s a decision for the American people and for Trump himself, but acknowledged the importance of listening to individuals who believe they have been subjected to sexual abuse.
While Trump remains the front-runner in the Republican nomination race according to polls, Pence is positioning himself as a distinct alternative.
With his principled conservative stance on limited government, fiscal responsibility, and support for businesses, Pence is making it clear that he’s ready to bring his ideas forward if he decides to run.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pence’s potential presidential campaign and how his positions differ from those of his former running mate.
Source Fox News
