Former Vice President Mike Pence calls Trump's Jan. 6 hostage rhetoric "unacceptable"

Face the Nation
17 Mar 202410:59

Summary

TLDRIn a recent interview, former Vice President Mike Pence discussed his decision not to endorse Donald Trump for the upcoming election, citing Trump's departure from conservative principles and a commitment to the Constitution. Pence emphasized his belief in the sanctity of life and fiscal responsibility, and expressed disappointment in Trump's stance on certain issues. Despite their differences, Pence acknowledged the accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration and his ongoing commitment to traditional conservative values.

Takeaways

  • 🎤 Mike Pence's disagreement with Trump's characterization of January 6th rioters as 'hostages' and 'Patriots'.
  • 🗣️ Pence's assertion that some individuals involved in the Capitol riot were entitled to due process but acknowledges the tragedy of the day.
  • 🚨 Concerns raised by Pence about Trump's language and potential implications for political violence.
  • 🌟 Pence's declaration that he will not be endorsing Trump for president this year due to policy differences.
  • 🛑 Criticism from Pence on Trump's departure from conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility and commitment to life sanctity.
  • 🤝 Pence's emphasis on the importance of traditional conservative values such as strong national defense, limited government, and constitutional adherence.
  • 📣 Call for the Republican party to return to its conservative roots, as Pence sees the Biden administration as a disaster leading to a return to familiar保守主义.
  • 🚗 Discussion on Trump's recent comments about tariffs on cars manufactured in Mexico by Chinese companies, with Pence questioning the specifics.
  • 👶 Pence's pro-life stance and desire for the Republican nominee to endorse a minimum 15-week ban on abortions, while also respecting state debates on the issue.
  • 🧬 Pence's belief in the sanctity of life from conception, including embryos, and the need for legal protection of IVF treatments.

Q & A

  • What did former Vice President Mike Pence say about the individuals involved in the January 6th violence?

    -Mike Pence acknowledged that some people were caught up in the moment and entered the Capitol, and he believes they are entitled to due process of law for any nonviolent activities. However, he emphasized that the assaults on police officers and the loss of lives were tragic and should not be diminished. He also mentioned that the legal system is processing these individuals through trials.

  • How did Pence respond to Trump's reference to the January 6th defendants as 'hostages' and 'Patriots'?

    -Pence found it unfortunate, especially considering American hostages being held in Gaza, for any leader to refer to individuals going through the justice system as 'hostages'. He deemed it unacceptable and reiterated that while some may have been caught up in the moment, the violence and assaults that occurred that day were tragic.

  • What is Pence's stance on endorsing Donald Trump for the upcoming election?

    -Mike Pence has decided not to endorse Donald Trump for the upcoming election. He cited profound differences with the president, particularly regarding the handling of the 2020 election and adherence to the Constitution, as well as departures from conservative principles such as fiscal responsibility and commitment to the sanctity of life.

  • How did Pence justify his decision not to endorse Trump, despite their shared administration record?

    -Pence acknowledged the accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration but stated that his decision not to endorse Trump is based on the president's departure from mainstream conservative values and principles. He believes these principles are the best hope for the future of the country.

  • What did Pence say about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on the economy, particularly in relation to tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles?

    -Pence addressed Trump's campaign comments on tariffs by clarifying that while they have different styles and language, he believes the main point was about the impact of imports on the American automotive industry. He did not directly comment on whether he agreed with the specific tariff proposal but emphasized the need for a strong national defense and American leadership in the world.

  • How did Pence respond to concerns about Trump's language, especially in relation to political violence?

    -Pence commended the context in which the concerns were raised and clarified that his differences with Trump are not over style or language but rather over policy and adherence to conservative principles. He did not directly address the concerns about political violence but reiterated his commitment to traditional values and the rule of law.

  • What is Pence's position on the sanctity of life and abortion?

    -Pence identifies as pro-life and is proud of his role in an administration that appointed three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He expressed disappointment in Trump's previous denouncement of a pro-life bill and stated that he would like to see the Republican nominee endorse a minimum 15-week ban on abortion, while also affirming the sanctity of life as debated in states across the country.

  • How does Pence view the role of the federal government in protecting embryonic life?

    -Pence believes in the sanctity of human life from conception, including embryos. He supports protections for fertility treatments like IVF but also asserts that unborn human life, including embryos, should be properly treated and respected in the law.

  • What values does Pence plan to champion moving forward, and how does he see these values benefiting the Republican Party and America?

    -Pence plans to continue championing traditional conservative values such as a strong national defense, traditional values, the sanctity of life, the Constitution, and limited government. He believes these values are not only good for the Republican Party but also for a stronger, more prosperous America.

  • How did Pence address the Biden Administration's impact on his decision not to endorse Trump?

    -Pence referred to the 'disaster' of the Biden Administration, suggesting that its policies have led people to return to what's familiar. He believes that his conviction in conservative principles is strong and that the Republican Party still stands for less government, less taxes, American leadership, traditional moral values, and the right to life.

  • What was Pence's reaction to the suggestion that he might be persuaded to endorse or vote for Trump if he changes his stance on certain issues?

    -Pence did not commit to endorsing or voting for Trump if he changes his stance. He emphasized that his decision not to endorse is based on his belief that Trump has departed from the mainstream conservative agenda, and he will focus his energies on championing the values he believes in for the remainder of the year and beyond.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Mike Pence's Response to Trump's Remarks and January 6th

Former Vice President Mike Pence discusses President Trump's recent comments at an Ohio rally, where Trump referred to the January 6th rioters as 'hostages' and 'Patriots.' Pence expresses his disagreement, noting the ongoing trials for the rioters and the importance of due process. He also addresses Trump's past actions and statements, leading to his decision not to endorse Trump for the upcoming election. Pence emphasizes his commitment to conservative principles and his concerns about Trump's departure from these values.

05:00

🤝 Pence's Stance on Trump's Endorsement and Future of the Republican Party

Mike Pence elaborates on his decision not to endorse Donald Trump, citing profound differences in their views on the Constitution, fiscal responsibility, and American leadership. He reflects on the achievements of the Trump-Pence administration but expresses his inability to support Trump's current agenda. Pence also discusses the Republican Party's direction under Trump's influence and asserts his belief in the party's core conservative values. He addresses the issue of political violence and the importance of Trump's language, emphasizing the need for a return to traditional conservative values.

10:01

🚨 Pence's Views on Pro-Life Policies and the Future of the Republican Party

In the final paragraph, Mike Pence focuses on his pro-life stance and the importance of protecting the sanctity of life from conception. He discusses his desire for the Republican nominee to endorse a minimum 15-week ban on abortions and to affirm the sanctity of life. Pence also touches on the debate around IVF and the legal status of embryos, advocating for their proper treatment and respect in law. He concludes the interview by reiterating his commitment to championing conservative values for a stronger and more prosperous America.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mike Pence

Mike Pence is the former Vice President of the United States who served under President Donald Trump. In the transcript, he discusses his views on Trump's actions and statements, particularly in relation to the January 6th Capitol riots and the upcoming election.

💡January 6th

January 6th refers to the date of the Capitol riots in the United States, where a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The event is central to the discussion in the transcript, with Mike Pence reflecting on the actions of those involved and the consequences they face.

💡Trump

Donald Trump is the 45th President of the United States and the subject of much of the discussion in the transcript. Mike Pence talks about Trump's actions and statements, particularly in relation to the January 6th Capitol riots and his potential impact on the Republican party and the country's future.

💡Patriots

In the context of the transcript, 'Patriots' is a term used by former President Trump to describe the individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riots. This term is controversial as it implies that those who participated in the riots were acting out of love for their country, which Pence finds unfortunate and unacceptable given the context.

💡Endorsement

In the political context of the transcript, 'endorsement' refers to a public or official statement of support for a particular candidate or policy. Mike Pence discusses his decision not to endorse Donald Trump for the upcoming election, citing differences in principles and policy.

💡Constitution

The Constitution refers to the fundamental principles and established laws of a country, in this case, the United States. In the transcript, Mike Pence emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Constitution and criticizes Trump for suggesting that Pence had the right to overturn the election, which he views as a violation of constitutional principles.

💡Sanctity of Life

The 'sanctity of life' is a phrase often used in the context of pro-life beliefs, emphasizing the inherent value and right to life of all human beings from conception. In the transcript, Mike Pence, a known pro-life advocate, discusses the importance of this principle in the Republican party's platform and his disappointment with Trump's stance on certain pro-life legislation.

💡Republican Party

The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally associated with conservative policies. In the transcript, Mike Pence discusses the principles that he believes define the party and his concern that Trump's actions and agenda are departing from these mainstream conservative values.

💡Election

An 'election' refers to the process by which people choose their representatives in government by voting. The transcript discusses the upcoming election and the role of endorsements, as well as the impact of past elections, particularly the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath on the current political landscape.

💡Political Violence

Political violence refers to the use of violence or force in the context of politics, often to achieve certain political goals or to express political grievances. In the transcript, the discussion around Trump's language and the potential for it to incite violence is a central concern, especially in the context of the divided state of the country.

Highlights

Mike Pence comments on Donald Trump's remarks about January 6th prisoners, criticizing the use of the term 'hostages' for those facing charges.

Pence addresses the importance of due process for non-violent participants of January 6th but condemns the violence and loss of life that occurred.

Pence discusses the need for the public to see evidence of Trump's role in January 6th before the election.

Pence states he will not be endorsing Donald Trump, citing differences over January 6th and a departure from conservative principles.

Pence expresses pride in the Trump administration's record but emphasizes his deep differences with Trump beyond January 6th.

Pence highlights his forgiveness of Trump as a Christian but underscores the importance of fidelity to the Constitution.

Pence critiques Trump for deviating from conservative commitments, including fiscal responsibility and the sanctity of life.

Despite not endorsing Trump, Pence respects the choice of Republican voters and focuses on promoting traditional conservative values.

Pence questions the alignment of current Republican leadership with conservative principles in light of widespread support for Trump.

Pence critiques Trump's approach to China and TikTok, contrasting it with the previous administration's stance.

Pence clarifies Trump's 'bloodbath' comment, explaining it as concern for the automotive industry, not a reference to violence.

Pence discusses his pro-life stance and disappointment in Trump's reaction to pro-life legislation.

Pence advocates for a national role in the pro-life movement, including support for a 15-week abortion ban.

Pence supports the protection of fertility treatments while affirming the sanctity of human life, including embryos.

Pence emphasizes the need for respect and proper treatment of unborn human life in the law.

Transcripts

00:00

former vice president Mike Pence joins

00:01

us in person in studio good morning to

00:04

you and happy St Patrick's Day good

00:05

morning margar good to be with you

00:07

there's a lot to get to with you today

00:09

but I want to begin um with some remarks

00:11

Mr Trump made yesterday at a rally in

00:14

Ohio he walked onto the stage to a song

00:17

recorded by a choir of prisoners facing

00:20

charges for their role in the violence

00:22

of January the 6th take a

00:24

listen you see the spirit from the

00:27

hostages and that's what they are as

00:29

hostage es they've been treated terribly

00:32

and very unfairly and you know that and

00:35

everybody knows that and we're going to

00:37

be working on that soon the first day we

00:40

get into office we're going to save our

00:42

country and we're going to work with the

00:44

people to treat those unbelievable

00:48

Patriots and they were unbelievable

00:50

Patriots and

00:51

are I know in the past you've said Mr

00:54

Trump's Reckless words endangered you

00:56

and your family on that day what do you

00:59

think when you hear him refer to those

01:01

people facing charges as hostages and

01:03

Patriots well I think it's very

01:04

unfortunate at a time that there are

01:07

American

01:08

hostages being held in

01:10

Gaza that the president or any other

01:13

leaders would refer to people that are

01:14

moving through our our justice system as

01:18

hostages and it's just it's just

01:21

unacceptable I I was there on January 6

01:24

I I have no doubt in my mind Margaret

01:26

that that some people were caught up in

01:28

the moment and that and enter the

01:30

capital and um uh and they're certainly

01:32

entitled to due process of law for um

01:35

any nonviolent activities that day but

01:38

uh the assaults on police officers

01:41

ultimately an environment that that

01:43

claimed lives uh is something that U I

01:47

think was tragic that day and I I'll

01:49

never diminish it and the legal system

01:52

is processing these individuals through

01:55

and and giving them trials um I I wonder

01:58

what you think though about Miss Trump

02:00

and whether the public needs to hear and

02:03

see some of the evidence in regard to

02:05

the federal charges related to his

02:08

alleged role in January 6 do you think

02:10

that needs to happen before election day

02:13

well I look I I think the American

02:15

people live through that moment u i and

02:18

U my family and my team live through it

02:20

at the capital that day I think most

02:22

Americans know what happened I uh you as

02:26

I've said before um you know I I truly

02:28

do believe that

02:31

um that the judgment about the

02:33

president's conduct that day should have

02:34

been left to the American people I know

02:36

it's been brought into a criminal trial

02:39

now uh and uh and we have cases around

02:42

the country that have been brought

02:43

related to that notably in Georgia but

02:47

uh at the end of the day I think the

02:49

American people know what happened in

02:50

that day and I I said the people that

02:52

the people that ransacked the capital

02:54

need to be held to the fullest account

02:56

of the law and U I believe that they are

02:59

but uh the judgment about the

03:01

president's efforts that day I think can

03:03

be left to the American people but but

03:06

look I you know I said last week that um

03:10

you know after a lot of prayer and

03:11

reflection I've come to the conclusion

03:13

that I'm uh I I won't be endorsing

03:15

Donald Trump this year um I mean look

03:18

I'm very proud of the record of our

03:20

Administration Margaret it was a record

03:22

that left America more prosperous and

03:24

and U more secure and uh and our

03:28

liberties and the sanctity of life

03:30

stronger than ever before in my lifetime

03:33

but you've said Mr Trump's walked away

03:34

from conservative principles well I do I

03:36

said it during my presidential campaign

03:38

the president and I have profound

03:39

differences and many people think it's

03:42

just over January 6th um and and frankly

03:47

the fact that the president continues to

03:48

insist that that I had the right to

03:51

overturn the election that day is a

03:53

fundamental difference but I want to be

03:54

clear that you know I I've forgiven the

03:57

president in my heart for what happened

04:00

that day I as a Christian I'm required

04:02

to do that I I've prayed for him in that

04:05

regard but the the issue of falty to the

04:08

Constitution is not a small matter but

04:10

it's not just that I mean the reason

04:12

that I I cannot in good conscience

04:15

endorse Donald Trump this year also has

04:17

to do with the fact that he is walking

04:19

away not just from keeping faith with

04:22

the constitution on that day but also

04:25

Margaret with a a commitment to fiscal

04:28

responsibility a a commitment to the

04:30

sanctity of Life a a commitment to

04:32

American leadership in the world I mean

04:34

the president's reversal just in the

04:36

last week on uh on Tik Tock following an

04:40

Administration where where we literally

04:42

changed the national consensus on China

04:45

is the reason why I after a lot of

04:48

reflection I just concluded I I cannot

04:50

endorse the agenda that Donald Trump is

04:53

carrying uh into this National debate is

04:56

that the final word from you can you be

04:58

persuaded

05:00

if he changes tax to vote for him would

05:02

you vote for him I I won't be endorsing

05:04

Donald Trump this year but look I want

05:06

to be clear but would you vote for him I

05:08

I respect the right uh of Republican

05:11

voters who've made it clear who

05:13

therefore who they want to be our

05:14

standard Bearer uh this year what I'm

05:17

going to focus my energies on is uh what

05:21

remains of this year on what we should

05:23

be for I joined this party when I was in

05:25

college yeah cuz I heard the voice and

05:28

the values of another good Irishman

05:30

named Ronald Reagan who who said that we

05:32

need to be have a strong National

05:34

Defense but also recognize we're leader

05:37

the Free World that we need to stand for

05:38

Traditional Values the sanctity of life

05:41

we need to stand for the Constitution

05:43

and limited government and U in the

05:46

balance of this year and in the years

05:47

ahead I'm just going to continue to

05:48

Champion those values that I think are

05:50

not just good for the Republican Party

05:52

Margaret but I think that they are the

05:54

right policies for a stronger more

05:56

prosperous America but I I ask you about

05:59

persuad

06:00

and voting because this is not just Mr

06:02

Trump he has taken the party with him he

06:05

has taken the Senate Republican

06:07

leadership who are endorsing him he has

06:09

taken the house Republican endorsements

06:12

with him too in in terms of leadership

06:14

are all of those people from Mitch

06:16

McConnell to to Mike Johnson walking

06:18

away from the conservative principles

06:20

you say well I I I don't want to say

06:24

that they are I want to say that my deep

06:26

conviction theying Donald Trump that

06:28

this is a conservative

06:30

party with this is still a party I

06:33

believe that stands for Less government

06:35

less taxes American leadership in the

06:37

world traditional moral values and and

06:40

the right to life I just think frankly

06:42

the disaster of the Biden

06:44

Administration uh has uh has resulted in

06:47

people going back to what's familiar and

06:49

I understand that I I worked day in and

06:52

day out for four and a half years to

06:53

build that record of the Trump Pence

06:55

Administration I'm incredibly proud of

06:57

it uh but uh as I look at what Donald

07:00

Trump is running on now uh I I I simply

07:04

cannot in good conscience endorse his

07:06

candidacy this year uh on the issues of

07:10

the economy which many Republicans uh

07:12

refer to as you know something the Trump

07:16

Pence Administration did well with until

07:18

covid Trump's campaigning on that last

07:21

night he was talking about electric

07:22

vehicles in particular and said um when

07:25

it comes to Chinese companies who

07:26

manufacture in Mexico he's going to put

07:27

in tariffs but I want you to listen to

07:30

exactly what he

07:32

said we're going to put a 100% tariff on

07:35

every single car that comes across the

07:38

line and you're not going to be able to

07:40

sell those guys if I get elected now if

07:43

I don't get elected it's going to be a

07:45

blood bath for the whole that's going to

07:47

be the least of it it's going to be a

07:48

blood bath for the country that'll be

07:50

the least of

07:52

it what does that mean and given how

07:55

divided the country is does that

07:58

language concern you particularly when

08:02

it comes to political violence well

08:03

first I want to I want to commend you

08:04

Margaret for putting that in context I

08:06

mean I woke up this morning U seeing

08:09

online all the discussion about

08:11

bloodbath and as you've just reflected

08:12

the president was clearly talking uh

08:15

about the impact of of imports

08:17

devastating the American automotive

08:19

industry was that clear to you because

08:21

it was it was look I want people to know

08:24

my my look the president and I it was

08:26

very clear for four years the president

08:28

and I have have different

08:31

styles we're different men uh but my

08:33

differences with him are not over style

08:35

it's not over language and as I said

08:37

before it's not personal I mean for me

08:40

the reason why I I won't endorse Donald

08:42

Trump this year is because I see him

08:45

departing uh from the mainstream

08:47

conservative agenda that has defined the

08:50

Republican party over the last 40 years

08:53

and still has the best hope for the

08:54

future of the country and it sounds like

08:56

you're trying to move the party back in

08:58

that direction which is why I'm asking

08:59

you if you're persuadable here but on

09:01

that point you made about the commitment

09:03

to the sanctity of human life you say Mr

09:06

Trump's walking away from it President

09:08

Biden is telling voters that Donald

09:10

Trump's trying to ban access to abortion

09:11

even though he really hasn't given any

09:13

specifics as to what he actually thanks

09:16

um what would you like him to say that

09:20

that he will endorse a 15we restriction

09:23

like you did well I'm pro-life I don't

09:25

apologize for it I couldn't be more

09:27

proud to have played a role in the

09:28

administra that appointed three of the

09:30

justices that sent Rover versus way to

09:32

the ash heap of history but there

09:34

doesn't seem to be a conservative

09:35

consensus on this issue which is so

09:37

motivating to so many voters but look

09:39

that states around the country have been

09:41

advancing the principles of life I I was

09:44

very disappointed during our

09:45

presidential campaign When Donald Trump

09:49

uh denounced and said a pro-life Bill a

09:51

six-week Bill enacted in Florida which

09:54

had already been enacted in Georgia and

09:56

in Ohio was I think in his words

09:58

terrible mhm look we're we're a pro-life

10:01

party I mean I I really do believe that

10:04

there is a national role I I'd like I'd

10:06

like to see uh our nominee uh endorse a

10:10

minimum 15we ban but also I'd like to

10:13

see a nominee that's affirming the

10:15

sanctity of life as it's debated in

10:17

States across this country this is a pro

10:20

party protections for IVF absolutely

10:24

endorsing should embryos be considered

10:26

children well I look I'm I I I'm I'm

10:30

someone that believes in the sanctity of

10:33

human life that life begins at

10:35

conception my family is you know

10:37

Margaret is benefited by fertility

10:39

treatments and I think they should be

10:41

protected but I I also believe that in

10:44

the days ahead we would do well to

10:47

ensure that U that that unborn human

10:50

life including embryos are properly

10:52

treated and properly respected in the

10:54

law well we will track that uh Mr Pence

10:58

thank you for coming in

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