The 2024 presidential election looms large on the horizon. Given President Joe Biden’s dismal approval ratings and policy disasters at home and abroad, the Democratic Party is right to be concerned.
January 2022 polling indicates a high level of support for former President Donald Trump within the party. But Trump’s first term ended with an attempt to keep election certification from happening. He let the nation down. The GOP should move on from Trump, but the question is which direction they should go. Yet one politician who should excuse himself from a possible presidential run is Mike Pence.
The former vice president was the polar opposite of his boss in nearly every nonpolicy way. Pence’s calm demeanor helped to stabilize an often chaotic administration. In the end, however, Trump’s aggressive determination to be reelected caused what seems to be a permanent rift between the two men.
Regardless, Pence should steer clear of his own presidential candidacy. He may have national name recognition but not in a wholly positive way on either side of the aisle. Among Democrats, his connection to Trump is inexcusable. In their eyes, he stood still and silent for far too long. His actions on Jan. 6 are not enough to change long-held opinions. Disaffected Democrats are not at all likely to throw support behind him. Among many Republicans, Pence’s loyalty to Trump wasn’t strong enough to withstand the ultimate test: certifying him as victor. That Pence didn’t do this is a testament to his character. Still, it has cost him within the GOP.
Put simply, Pence either gave too much to Trump over the course of four years or not enough on one pivotal day. His unpopularity is directly attributable to his time in the previous administration. Whether he would be a solid, national leader isn’t really the point. He lacks the support necessary even to make the attempt.
Pence doesn’t shy away from the day that defined his time in Washington, D.C. The best role for him now is to continue down that path. It should also include throwing support behind reasonable non-Trump candidates. Running for president makes no sense. Yes, the GOP desperately needs realignment. But former Vice President Mike Pence can best affect the GOP, and his legacy, from the sidelines.
Kimberly Ross ( @SouthernKeeks ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
