Mike Pence drops out of the Presidential Race. Expected to challenge Trump
Former vice president of the US and recent presidential candidate, Mike Pence, announced on Saturday that he would suspend his campaign, effectively stepping out of the race for the White House. "I've come to the conclusion that it's not my time," he stated.
6:26 AM EDT, October 29, 2023
"I'm leaving the campaign, but let me assure you: I will never cease fighting for conservative values and I will continue to support the election of principled Republican leaders for all offices across the country," said the 64-year-old Pence, according to ABC News.
Pence, a representative of the Republican Party, was expected to compete against Donald Trump and others. He presented himself as a counterbalance to the controversial style of the former president, calling for a "restoration of decorum in public life".
ABC News notes that Pence's support for military aid to Ukraine made him stand out among other Republican candidates. In addition, he advocated for a federal-level ban on abortion after 15 weeks, among other conservative initiatives.
However, Pence had trouble winning over voters who are fiercely loyal to Trump, as evidenced by his lack of growth beyond single-digit support in the polls.
"Christian, conservative, and Republican"
Moreover, Pence's underwhelming fundraising results led to the dismissal of at least two campaign staff members in early October.
"Even if Mike Pence had 200 million dollars, it wouldn't impact the polls. I believe it's not necessarily a matter of financing. His message just doesn't resonate with the times," argued Barry Bennett, former campaign manager for Ben Carson and an advisor to Trump, quoted by ABC News.
Pence introduced himself to voters as a "Christian, conservative, and Republican" – in that order. His appeal to evangelical Christians in the Midwest was one of the reasons why, he said, Trump chose him as vice president four years ago.
