Former Vice President Mike Pence warned towards “populists” searching for sway over conservative politics throughout a Friday speech at Colorado Christian College, and he known as for a protection of “conventional” conservative values on overseas coverage, abortion and marriage.
Pence’s speech at CCU, a small conservative faculty in Lakewood, got here 10 days after his former operating mate, Republican Donald Trump, was reelected to the White Home. Pence, who mentioned final 12 months that Trump ought to “by no means be president of america” due to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, mentioned Friday he congratulated his “outdated good friend” final week on the win. He known as Trump’s win — coupled with Republican victories within the U.S. Home and Senate — a “time of nice alternative.”
“However I have to let you know, it’s additionally a time of concern for these of us that consider in that conventional conservative agenda,” he mentioned, and he argued that the “new majorities and new management” should “hew to our roots” of these values. That features, he mentioned, a dedication that marriage is between one man and one lady, in addition to opposition to abortion and a dedication to restricted authorities, free-market economics and an outward-facing method to overseas coverage.
These beliefs must be defended, he mentioned, towards a “rising populist heart” that threatens to undermine “conventional conservatism with an agenda fueled in some ways by private grievance.” He didn’t title any particular person or coverage.
Pence drew applause when he mentioned america ought to proceed supporting its “most cherished ally, Israel,” whereas additionally persevering with to assist Ukraine in its battle towards Russia. He mentioned Israel should “search out and destroy Hamas” within the wake of the fear group’s assault on Oct. 7, 2023. Then, he mentioned, the West can reveal its “compassion and generosity” by serving to to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which has been decimated by the Israeli navy amid a marketing campaign {that a} United Nations particular committee just lately mentioned was according to genocide.
Pence, a former Republican congressman and governor of Indiana, served as Trump’s vice chairman throughout the president-elect’s first stint within the White Home. The 2 males’s relationship collapsed amid Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent and that Pence had the authority to throw the election to Trump — a fringe idea that Pence denied.
On Jan. 6, 2021, Pence got here “dangerously shut” to rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, shortly after Trump advised a crowd that he hoped Pence would assist his illegitimate makes an attempt to stay within the White Home. Pence mentioned Friday that he wasn’t afraid throughout the riot.
“I used to be indignant,” he mentioned. “I discovered myself pondering, ‘Not this, not right here, not in America.’ ”
Pence mentioned he’d introduced his spouse and daughter with him Jan. 6 to the Capitol, the place he was to preside over the certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory, and that his spouse stayed with him into the early morning of Jan. 7.
“When the day developed, I have to let you know, it grew to become extra animated between us,” Pence mentioned of his relationship with Trump. “However I did my responsibility.”
Final 12 months Pence unsuccessfully ran towards Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. After he dropped out, Pence didn’t endorse Trump or his opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris, who had succeeded Pence as vice chairman.
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