Ahead of giving a speech on April 29 in front of an anti-LGBTQ group, former Vice President Mike Pence (R) criticized the Biden-Harris administration for ending the Trump administration-sanctioned 1776 Commission and declared that “we will reject Critical Race Theory” and “we will CANCEL Cancel Culture.”
Yet, at the much-touted event and the ex-veep’s first major appearance since leaving office, Pence’s speech praising former President Donald Trump (R) and rallying for “traditional values” was ignored. It was not broadcast on any television networks and was only watched live by a “few dozen” people.
Related: The Trump administration scrambled to support this hate group’s lawsuit. A judge just threw it out.
Pence said in multiple tweets that he’s “had enough” of the agenda being pursued by the Biden-Harris administration.
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They abolished the 1776 commission aimed at promoting patriotism in American education, they authorized teaching Critical Race Theory in federal agencies and public schools, and they restored Title 10 funding to Planned Parenthood.
Had enough? I have.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 30, 2021
After 100 days of open borders, runaway spending, proposing one of the biggest tax hikes ever conceived, embracing calls to defund the police, abandoning the right to life, forcing Critical Race Theory into our schools, & cancelling our most cherished liberties, I’ve had enough! pic.twitter.com/nNO3r3MgRf
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 30, 2021
Yet, at the event where “Pence debuted the type of lines and arguments that could serve to relaunch him politically in the months ahead,” Politico reported that “Trumpworld has moved on,” because “as Pence spoke, no cable channel picked up his remarks. Just a few dozen people at any given time watched him live on Facebook, including roughly 55 when the speech ended.”
During the speech, Pence nearly avoided anything that seem to relate to the storming of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6 by a pro-Trump mob that sought to overturn the 2020 election. Pence was inside, presiding over both chambers of Congress, when he and others had to be rushed out. Trump cheered and claimed that Pence lacked the “courage” to not certify the election.
Since, Trump and Pence reportedly have barely spoken, with aides reporting that the pair talked more times in April than the last three combined. A former Trump administration official said they’re “cordial but not intimate.”
For Pence’s part, he reportedly did not share with his former President that he was having heart surgery last month, and Trump only found out from watching television. He reportedly called and offered his well wishes to Pence after.
Still, Trump is openly flirting with the idea of running for a second term with other running mates instead of Pence. He hasn’t mentioned his former Vice President publicly and aides report that they’re not even keeping tabs on him, and many found out about Pence’s post-office debut from reporters.
“A lot of people like that… they love that ticket,” Trump said on Fox News about running with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) the same day as Pence’s speech. “But certainly, Ron would be considered. He’s a great guy.”
Pence hasn’t entered into the 2024 presidential campaign yet, and neither has Trump. But Trump’s associates are not worried about Pence messing with Trump’s chances.
A former Trump aide told Politico, “would it surprise me to see Mike Pence heading up Heritage instead of running for president or being the GOP nominee in 2024? No.”
Instead of focusing on his 2024 prospects, those in political circles are observing the end of his scandal-filled years as Vice President and the issues that have plagued him since.
For example, a report that a vacation Pence took in December to go to Colorado cost over $750,000 in taxpayer dollars have raised more than a few eyebrows.
“It’s miraculous how Republicans only ever seem to have an issue with the national debt when it comes to combating child poverty or hunger but say absolutely NOTHING about lavish million dollar ski trips for career politicians paid for by tax payers,” March For Our Lives founder David Hogg tweeted.
Meanwhile, outrage continues to ensue regarding book publisher Simon & Schuster’s decision to publish or distribute Pence’s upcoming book. The publisher is standing behind the decision for now, but some believe that pressure from hundreds within the company’s own ranks may make a difference. The same company did cancel a book deal with Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) after January 6.
Pence’s speech was at an event for the Palmetto Family Council, a state-level affiliate of the anti-LGBTQ group Focus on the Family.
Thank you Palmetto Family! It was a great honor to be with one of the most effective pro-family organizations in America last night! pic.twitter.com/RFK67dv8kq
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 30, 2021
Mike Pence spent nearly 500 words praising Donald Trump at his speech last night.
He spent exactly 5 talking about Jan. 6:
"tragedy at our nation's capital."
— S.V. Dáte (@svdate) April 30, 2021
His only reference to the storming of the Capitol came as part of a review of what “we’ve all been through a lot over the past year.”
“A global pandemic, civil unrest, a divisive election, tragedy at our nation’s capital,” Pence said, “and a new administration intent on further dividing our country as they advance the agenda of the radical left.”
Pence’s next stop is at a fundraising event in Texas on May 7, hosted by former Bush administration advisor and GOP strategist Karl Rove. Trump, who has long criticized Rove included in recent weeks, is not believed to be on the itinerary.
