Former Vice President Mike Pence calls Trump's Jan. 6 hostage rhetoric "unacceptable"
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
🗣️ 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.
🤝 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.
🚨 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
💡January 6th
💡Trump
💡Patriots
💡Endorsement
💡Constitution
💡Sanctity of Life
💡Republican Party
💡Election
💡Political Violence
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
former vice president Mike Pence joins
us in person in studio good morning to
you and happy St Patrick's Day good
morning margar good to be with you
there's a lot to get to with you today
but I want to begin um with some remarks
Mr Trump made yesterday at a rally in
Ohio he walked onto the stage to a song
recorded by a choir of prisoners facing
charges for their role in the violence
of January the 6th take a
listen you see the spirit from the
hostages and that's what they are as
hostage es they've been treated terribly
and very unfairly and you know that and
everybody knows that and we're going to
be working on that soon the first day we
get into office we're going to save our
country and we're going to work with the
people to treat those unbelievable
Patriots and they were unbelievable
Patriots and
are I know in the past you've said Mr
Trump's Reckless words endangered you
and your family on that day what do you
think when you hear him refer to those
people facing charges as hostages and
Patriots well I think it's very
unfortunate at a time that there are
American
hostages being held in
Gaza that the president or any other
leaders would refer to people that are
moving through our our justice system as
hostages and it's just it's just
unacceptable I I was there on January 6
I I have no doubt in my mind Margaret
that that some people were caught up in
the moment and that and enter the
capital and um uh and they're certainly
entitled to due process of law for um
any nonviolent activities that day but
uh the assaults on police officers
ultimately an environment that that
claimed lives uh is something that U I
think was tragic that day and I I'll
never diminish it and the legal system
is processing these individuals through
and and giving them trials um I I wonder
what you think though about Miss Trump
and whether the public needs to hear and
see some of the evidence in regard to
the federal charges related to his
alleged role in January 6 do you think
that needs to happen before election day
well I look I I think the American
people live through that moment u i and
U my family and my team live through it
at the capital that day I think most
Americans know what happened I uh you as
I've said before um you know I I truly
do believe that
um that the judgment about the
president's conduct that day should have
been left to the American people I know
it's been brought into a criminal trial
now uh and uh and we have cases around
the country that have been brought
related to that notably in Georgia but
uh at the end of the day I think the
American people know what happened in
that day and I I said the people that
the people that ransacked the capital
need to be held to the fullest account
of the law and U I believe that they are
but uh the judgment about the
president's efforts that day I think can
be left to the American people but but
look I you know I said last week that um
you know after a lot of prayer and
reflection I've come to the conclusion
that I'm uh I I won't be endorsing
Donald Trump this year um I mean look
I'm very proud of the record of our
Administration Margaret it was a record
that left America more prosperous and
and U more secure and uh and our
liberties and the sanctity of life
stronger than ever before in my lifetime
but you've said Mr Trump's walked away
from conservative principles well I do I
said it during my presidential campaign
the president and I have profound
differences and many people think it's
just over January 6th um and and frankly
the fact that the president continues to
insist that that I had the right to
overturn the election that day is a
fundamental difference but I want to be
clear that you know I I've forgiven the
president in my heart for what happened
that day I as a Christian I'm required
to do that I I've prayed for him in that
regard but the the issue of falty to the
Constitution is not a small matter but
it's not just that I mean the reason
that I I cannot in good conscience
endorse Donald Trump this year also has
to do with the fact that he is walking
away not just from keeping faith with
the constitution on that day but also
Margaret with a a commitment to fiscal
responsibility a a commitment to the
sanctity of Life a a commitment to
American leadership in the world I mean
the president's reversal just in the
last week on uh on Tik Tock following an
Administration where where we literally
changed the national consensus on China
is the reason why I after a lot of
reflection I just concluded I I cannot
endorse the agenda that Donald Trump is
carrying uh into this National debate is
that the final word from you can you be
persuaded
if he changes tax to vote for him would
you vote for him I I won't be endorsing
Donald Trump this year but look I want
to be clear but would you vote for him I
I respect the right uh of Republican
voters who've made it clear who
therefore who they want to be our
standard Bearer uh this year what I'm
going to focus my energies on is uh what
remains of this year on what we should
be for I joined this party when I was in
college yeah cuz I heard the voice and
the values of another good Irishman
named Ronald Reagan who who said that we
need to be have a strong National
Defense but also recognize we're leader
the Free World that we need to stand for
Traditional Values the sanctity of life
we need to stand for the Constitution
and limited government and U in the
balance of this year and in the years
ahead I'm just going to continue to
Champion those values that I think are
not just good for the Republican Party
Margaret but I think that they are the
right policies for a stronger more
prosperous America but I I ask you about
persuad
and voting because this is not just Mr
Trump he has taken the party with him he
has taken the Senate Republican
leadership who are endorsing him he has
taken the house Republican endorsements
with him too in in terms of leadership
are all of those people from Mitch
McConnell to to Mike Johnson walking
away from the conservative principles
you say well I I I don't want to say
that they are I want to say that my deep
conviction theying Donald Trump that
this is a conservative
party with this is still a party I
believe that stands for Less government
less taxes American leadership in the
world traditional moral values and and
the right to life I just think frankly
the disaster of the Biden
Administration uh has uh has resulted in
people going back to what's familiar and
I understand that I I worked day in and
day out for four and a half years to
build that record of the Trump Pence
Administration I'm incredibly proud of
it uh but uh as I look at what Donald
Trump is running on now uh I I I simply
cannot in good conscience endorse his
candidacy this year uh on the issues of
the economy which many Republicans uh
refer to as you know something the Trump
Pence Administration did well with until
covid Trump's campaigning on that last
night he was talking about electric
vehicles in particular and said um when
it comes to Chinese companies who
manufacture in Mexico he's going to put
in tariffs but I want you to listen to
exactly what he
said we're going to put a 100% tariff on
every single car that comes across the
line and you're not going to be able to
sell those guys if I get elected now if
I don't get elected it's going to be a
blood bath for the whole that's going to
be the least of it it's going to be a
blood bath for the country that'll be
the least of
it what does that mean and given how
divided the country is does that
language concern you particularly when
it comes to political violence well
first I want to I want to commend you
Margaret for putting that in context I
mean I woke up this morning U seeing
online all the discussion about
bloodbath and as you've just reflected
the president was clearly talking uh
about the impact of of imports
devastating the American automotive
industry was that clear to you because
it was it was look I want people to know
my my look the president and I it was
very clear for four years the president
and I have have different
styles we're different men uh but my
differences with him are not over style
it's not over language and as I said
before it's not personal I mean for me
the reason why I I won't endorse Donald
Trump this year is because I see him
departing uh from the mainstream
conservative agenda that has defined the
Republican party over the last 40 years
and still has the best hope for the
future of the country and it sounds like
you're trying to move the party back in
that direction which is why I'm asking
you if you're persuadable here but on
that point you made about the commitment
to the sanctity of human life you say Mr
Trump's walking away from it President
Biden is telling voters that Donald
Trump's trying to ban access to abortion
even though he really hasn't given any
specifics as to what he actually thanks
um what would you like him to say that
that he will endorse a 15we restriction
like you did well I'm pro-life I don't
apologize for it I couldn't be more
proud to have played a role in the
administra that appointed three of the
justices that sent Rover versus way to
the ash heap of history but there
doesn't seem to be a conservative
consensus on this issue which is so
motivating to so many voters but look
that states around the country have been
advancing the principles of life I I was
very disappointed during our
presidential campaign When Donald Trump
uh denounced and said a pro-life Bill a
six-week Bill enacted in Florida which
had already been enacted in Georgia and
in Ohio was I think in his words
terrible mhm look we're we're a pro-life
party I mean I I really do believe that
there is a national role I I'd like I'd
like to see uh our nominee uh endorse a
minimum 15we ban but also I'd like to
see a nominee that's affirming the
sanctity of life as it's debated in
States across this country this is a pro
party protections for IVF absolutely
endorsing should embryos be considered
children well I look I'm I I I'm I'm
someone that believes in the sanctity of
human life that life begins at
conception my family is you know
Margaret is benefited by fertility
treatments and I think they should be
protected but I I also believe that in
the days ahead we would do well to
ensure that U that that unborn human
life including embryos are properly
treated and properly respected in the
law well we will track that uh Mr Pence
thank you for coming in
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