The ex-vice-president states he ‘respects the right’ of Republicans who intend to vote for the ex-president.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, in a recent interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, addressed his stance on endorsing Donald Trump for a second presidential term, shedding light on his reservations and acknowledging the choices of fellow Republicans.
Policy-Based Decision:
Pence reiterated his reluctance to endorse Trump, citing policy-related disagreements rather than personal animosity. He emphasized that his decision was rooted in differences on key issues and not driven by personal grievances.
Respect for Republican Voters:
While maintaining his position, Pence expressed respect for Republican voters who continue to support Trump. He acknowledged their right to choose Trump as the GOP’s nominee for the upcoming election, recognizing their preferences.
Avoidance of Direct Answer:
Despite repeated questions from host Margaret Brennan about whether he would vote for Trump, Pence sidestepped providing a direct response. Instead, he focused on highlighting the differences in style and approach between himself and Trump.
Acknowledgment of Divergent Styles:
Pence acknowledged the contrasting styles and approaches between himself and Trump, attributing their differences to individual perspectives rather than personal enmity. He emphasized that their dissimilarities were not indicative of personal conflicts.
No Implication of Betrayal:
Pence clarified that endorsing Trump did not signify a betrayal of conservative principles for prominent Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Mike Johnson. He emphasized that endorsing Trump was not synonymous with compromising conservative beliefs.