Former US Vice President Mike Pence officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for the White House on Wednesday, saying the choice for 2024 was simple between an "irresponsible" Donald Trump and the Constitution.
The 64-year-old conservative Christian said his former boss's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential results, lost to Democrat Joe Biden, should disqualify him.
Mike Pence nevertheless insisted on defending the White House's record under Trump, of which he was vice president for four years, saying he was proud to stand alongside the businessman who became head of state. "every day" of his mandate (2017-2021).
But he said the lines were breached on January 6, 2021, the day the Capitol was stormed.
"As I have said many times, on that fateful day, President Trump's words were irresponsible and endangered my family and everyone on Capitol Hill," he told supporters in Ankeny, in Iowa.
"But the American people deserve to know that on that day, President Trump also asked that I choose between him and the Constitution. Now voters will face the same choice. I chose the Constitution and always will." , he added.
A fierce opponent of abortion, Mike Pence helped Donald Trump win over the religious right by being his running mate during the 2016 presidential campaign. After years of unwavering loyalty, he changed his tune following the assault on the Capitol, which has shaken American democracy.
That day, Mike Pence led, as vice-president, the session in Congress, during which the elected officials had to certify the victory of Joe Biden. Although he only has a ceremonial role, Donald Trump had insisted that he refuse to validate the election of the Democrat.
The vice-president had not complied, which earned him strong enmity among the billionaire's supporters. Entering the Capitol by force, some had called to "hang" Mike Pence, who had to hide in a hurry.
The break between the two men jeopardizes the chances of Mike Pence, whom many activists loyal to Donald Trump continue to consider a "traitor".
Asked about media reports that Mr. Trump had been told by federal justice that he was personally targeted in the investigation into the White House archives, Mr. Pence told a public meeting on CNN that "no one was above the law".
The man with the wise white wick peaks around 3.8% of voting intentions, far behind the former president (53.2%), according to the average of the latest polls carried out by the RealClearPolitics site.
He is also outdistanced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (22.4%), who is also betting on a very conservative speech but in a more offensive tone, as well as a hair by the former UN ambassador Nikki Haley (4.4%).
08/06/2023 09:36:33 - Washington (AFP) - © 2023 AFP
