Editor’s Note: Michael D’Antonio is the author of the book “Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success” and co-author, with Peter Eisner, of the book “High Crimes: The Corruption, Impunity, and Impeachment of Donald Trump.” The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.
CNN
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It seems former Vice President Mike Pence wants his boss’ old job – the one former President Donald Trump himself is trying to reclaim in 2024.
At a CNN town hall on Wednesday, Pence said he believed there would be “better choices” than Trump going into 2024. But Pence was coy about whether those better choices might include him. “I’ll keep you posted,” he said.
Should Pence throw his hat in the ring, however, Trump will inevitably hit him with repeated accusations of disloyalty, given Pence’s role in certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.
But Pence seems to be devising a rope-a-dope strategy, which might allow him to slip past Trump’s attacks by reminding voters of his close ties to the former president. “He was the right man at the right time, and it was my honor to serve alongside him,” Pence said before later adding, “He was my president, he was my friend.” It might be a good defensive move. But given the chance, can Pence deliver a knockout punch? It is doubtful.
After four years of sitting idly by while Trump savaged American democracy, Pence is now using his publicity tour for a new memoir to appeal to Republican voters. But Pence seems to want it both ways, declaring a “new season in America” of respect and civility while also defending the Trump administration and his role in it – even if it “did not end well.”
Instead of delving more deeply into his record as congressman and governor of Indiana, Pence took on the tone of a gentle pastor on Wednesday and referenced his faith and the Bible ad nauseum. And like an old-style politician, he also deflected a number of questions.
He didn’t offer a meaningful explanation when Jake Tapper asked him about the support he provided to two Republican candidates who denied the validity of the 2020 election outcome – which Pence fully accepts. He seemed to gloss over their differences, adding that he was…
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