In an interview with NBC News, former Vice President Mike Pence set himself a deadline on when he will announce his decision to run – or not – for president. He also expressed willingness to play ball with whatever conditions the party sets on debate participation.
Pence explained that his family is “listening, we’re reflecting, we’re talking to firms” and that “by the spring, our family expects to have a very clear sense of our calling.”
Instead of comparing his policy stances with former President Trump, who has already announced his reelection campaign, Pence drew a clear line between their personalities.
“I think the times call for different leadership,” Pence said. “I’m confident that we’ll have better choices than my old running mate come 2024.”
He said voters often tell him that they want to “get back to the policies of the Trump-Pence administration.”
However, he said voters also “want to see us and our politics return to the kind of civility and respect that Americans show one another every day.”
During the interview, Pence reiterated that he will not comply with a subpoena from the Department of Justice’s special counsel investigating the events at the Capitol on January 6th.
He continues to maintain that it would be “unconstitutional” for him to testify against his ex-boss as a former member of the Trump administration.
He insisted that he would refuse to comply even if compelled for testimony by a federal judge.
If Pence decides to run, he would join former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as the highest profile candidates to enter the race thus far.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is widely expected to run. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott are also weighing runs.
First Lady Jill Biden hinted that her husband, President Joe Biden, will formally announce his reelection campaign soon.
