Mike Pence believes he has found his purpose. It isn’t a return to the White House, at least not immediately, but a fierce defense of the conservative principles he feels are slipping away within the Republican Party. He describes this fight as “the calling of my life right now.”
The former Vice President challenges the idea that Donald Trump fundamentally altered the GOP. While acknowledging shifts in the party’s agenda, Pence insists the core tenets remain unchanged. He argues Trump didn’t *change* the Republican Party, but rather, temporarily redirected its focus.
From his Washington, D.C. office, Pence leads Advancing American Freedom, an organization dedicated to championing fiscal responsibility, traditional values, a strong national defense, and assertive American leadership. He intends to be a consistent voice for these beliefs, a bulwark against what he sees as dangerous trends.
Pence acknowledges successes during the Trump administration, specifically highlighting border security and the extension of tax cuts. However, he expresses deep concern over what he perceives as a drift towards “big government” solutions – price controls, intervention in private companies, and a concerning trend toward nationalization.
He is particularly troubled by what he views as a weakening of the commitment to the right to life and the growing accessibility of abortion pills. Pence hopes advisors will remind the current president of the conservative agenda that fueled prosperity during their previous term in office.
Pence warns of dangerous “-isms” taking root within the party. He points to protectionist tariffs, questioning support for key allies like Israel, and the unsettling emergence of antisemitism, all of which he believes are fundamentally at odds with conservative values.
While others argue Trump irrevocably changed the Republican landscape, Pence is focused on reaffirming the party’s foundational principles. He believes in a robust national defense, free market economics, limited government, and the sanctity of life.
His mission isn’t to rewind the clock, but to remind Republicans – and the nation – of what the party historically stands for. These principles, he asserts, have consistently benefited the American people for over half a century.
Pence hopes to see a return to these core tenets, not just from the current administration, but from candidates at all levels of government. He believes a strong conservative platform isn’t just good policy, it’s a winning strategy.
His upcoming book, “What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience,” is intended to amplify this message. It’s a direct response to what he sees as the allure of “populism” – a force he believes is pulling the party away from its bedrock principles.
Though his own 2024 presidential bid failed to gain traction, Pence remains undeterred. He acknowledges the appeal of populist rhetoric, but firmly believes the future of the Republican Party lies in a return to its conservative roots.
He doesn’t rule out another run for the White House, but insists his focus remains on the issues and values that initially drew him to the Republican Party. For Pence, this is about more than politics; it’s about preserving a vision for a stronger, more prosperous America.
Ultimately, Pence sees his current role as a vital one – a guardian of conservative ideals, dedicated to reminding the nation what those ideals are and why they matter. He believes this is where he can make the most significant contribution, regardless of future political ambitions.
