A group of well-known Republicans who initially aimed to steer their party in a different direction from Donald Trump for the 2024 elections have shifted their stance. They now support him as the likely candidate for the party. Their support comes with a common reasoning: they see Trump as a better option than President Biden.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his preference succinctly. “I think he’d be better than Joe Biden,” Kemp stated. “It’s as simple as that.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu remarked, “I mean, the alternative is Biden.”
Senate Minority Whip John Thune from South Dakota presented the choice as stark and straightforward. “The choice before the American people is crystal clear: It’s Donald Trump or Joe Biden,” he said.
However, Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, offered a contrasting viewpoint. By choosing not to endorse Trump, Pence made a significant statement. This decision diverges from other Republicans who seemed to suggest there was no alternative to supporting Trump. Pence’s stance might also influence others who are undecided, such as Nikki Haley, to refrain from endorsing just yet.
“It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year,” Pence told Fox News on Friday. This statement was somewhat unexpected, especially since Pence had previously indicated he might support Trump regardless of circumstances during a debate in August.
Pence’s reasons for not endorsing Trump are noteworthy. He doesn’t necessarily view Trump as a threat to democracy or is overly concerned about Trump’s criticism of him for not attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Instead, Pence criticizes Trump for not aligning closely enough with conservative values on issues like abortion, the national debt, and policies towards China and TikTok.
“Donald Trump is pursuing and articulating an agenda that is at odds with the conservative agenda that we governed on during our four years,” Pence explained. “And that is why I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump in this campaign.”
Pence has stated he won’t support Biden but plans to keep his voting decision private. This approach is different from some candidates who may declare their vote for someone without officially endorsing them.
This situation highlights the dilemma faced by Republicans who have criticized Trump’s actions on January 6 or his unpredictable leadership style but feel compelled to support him now that he’s likely to be the nominee. They’ve treated endorsing Trump as a matter of course, given their shared party affiliation and opposition to the Democratic Party, regardless of their previous statements.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for instance, noted that his support for the Republican nominee shouldn’t be surprising news.
Pence often describes himself as “a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican — in that order.” His refusal to endorse Trump suggests he places his conservative values above party loyalty. This poses a challenge to other Republicans who prioritize party allegiance.
Pence’s decision also underscores the divide between GOP elected officials and those who worked closely with Trump. A survey by NBC News found that only a small fraction of former Cabinet officials were willing to support Trump early in the primary contest. Many have become vocal critics of Trump, including former chief of staff John F. Kelly and former defense secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark T. Esper.
These officials, like Pence, may not have immediate political careers to consider, which allows them more freedom to criticize Trump or withhold support.
Pence’s political future seemed uncertain after his presidential campaign faltered, partly due to Trump’s influence over his supporters. However, by taking a stand against Trump, Pence may find a new path within the conservative movement.
It remains to be seen whether others will follow Pence’s lead.