During a recent campaign event in Iowa, former Vice President Mike Pence, who is vying for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, demonstrated his quick wit when confronted by a confrontational heckler.
The heckler loudly exclaimed, “Leave and get the f*** out of our country and get the f*** out of Iowa!” Pence, maintaining his poise, responded with a touch of humor, saying, “Thank you. I’m going to put him down as a maybe,” drawing laughter from the other attendees.
Pence’s presidential campaign has encountered its fair share of challenges, with polls indicating relatively modest support. In Iowa, he commands the backing of only 3.5% of potential caucus-goers, and on a national scale, he secures 5% of Republican support, according to RealClearPolitics.
Despite having been a respected figure within the Republican Party during his vice presidency, Pence’s political fortunes have dwindled since he refused to comply with Donald Trump’s demands to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Pence centered his campaign around his unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution on January 6, 2021, which marked a significant moment in his political narrative.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Pence unequivocally stated, “The Georgia election was not stolen, and I had no right to overturn the election on January 6.” This stance has put him in opposition to Trump and his supporters.
Donald Trump presently enjoys a substantial lead in the Republican primary, boasting a 40-point advantage over his competitors. He has consistently criticized Pence for his stance on the 2020 election and his performance in the polls. The ongoing dynamic between Pence and Trump continues to be a prominent storyline in the 2024 Republican primary race.