Former Vice President Mike Pence joins a roster of seven contenders who have already fulfilled the debate prerequisites. This group includes Trump, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramawamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie, and North Dakota’s Governor Doug Burgum. Pence’s potential qualification could mark the conclusion of the candidate selection process.
Overcoming the donor requirement proved to be Pence’s primary challenge in securing a spot on the stage, a criterion that several of his primary rivals met weeks ahead of him. In various interviews, Pence consistently expressed confidence in his stage presence, while also critiquing candidates who relied on tactics like distributing free gift cards or hosting raffles for soccer tickets to boost their donor numbers.
A central query surrounding the inaugural debate revolves around Trump’s participation. The former president has publicly contemplated bypassing the debate, citing his reluctance to share the spotlight with candidates whose polling numbers fall significantly below his own.
However, should Trump ultimately choose to participate, it could establish a dramatic face-off between Pence and his former superior. Pence’s cooperation with authorities during a federal investigation led to Trump’s recent indictment, which encompasses charges related to Trump’s endeavors to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump entered a plea of not guilty for all four counts on Thursday.
Trump’s repeated efforts to exert pressure on the former vice president, actions that Pence firmly rejected on January 6th, serve as crucial elements in the indictment. The two individuals have not communicated since the summer of 2021.
Following the public release of the indictment, Pence unequivocally expressed his belief that Trump is not suited for a return to the presidency. “Today’s indictment stands as a significant reminder: anyone who places their interests above the Constitution should never hold the office of the President of the United States,” Pence conveyed in a statement on the evening of the indictment’s disclosure.
