Mike Pence’s Mission for the Republican Party

Former Vice President Mike Pence emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that the Republican Party remains aligned with its conservative roots, especially as populism gains traction and government expansion has marked President Donald Trump’s second term. He describes this effort as, perhaps, “the life of my life right now.”

In a recent interview, Pence pushed back against the notion that Trump has completely reshaped the Republican Party since his 2016 election. “While it’s true that Trump has altered some party policies, my belief is that he hasn’t fundamentally changed the Republican Party itself,” he stated. This conversation comes ahead of the release of his new book, which aims to advocate for conservative ideals.

At his Washington, D.C. headquarters for Advance American Freedom, his policy group, Pence laid out his stance: “We will serve as a voice for traditional conservative values—fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and American leadership.” The group has seen growth recently, indicating a push within the party for a return to its foundational principles.

Pence, previously a congressman and the governor of Indiana, was vice president during Trump’s first term but distanced himself following the January 6 Capitol riots, where he played a critical role in certifying the 2020 election results.

He acknowledged some achievements of Trump’s administration, such as border security measures and tax cuts. “I feel proud of what we achieved—especially steering clear of tax increases,” he noted, reflecting on what he views as key successes during their time in office.

However, he has been selective in his praise, offering criticism of the current administration for leaning towards larger government solutions, including price controls and self-righteous trends in nationalization. Pence expressed concern about the diminishing focus on the right to life and the implications of mail-order abortion pills.

“I really hope that President Trump’s team will remember that it was our conservative policies that led to significant prosperity for American families and bolstered our global standing,” he remarked.

Pence also indicated that the Republican Party is currently struggling with various “isms,” including protectionism and isolationism, particularly in how they relate to international allies like Israel and Ukraine. “We must confront the fringe voices that don’t reflect the true beliefs of conservatives,” he asserted.

This claim about Trump not radically altering the party’s core may not sit well with many in the GOP, including veteran strategist Ryan Williams, who argued that Trump’s influence has indeed changed the party’s demographic and its principles. “There’s no going back to what it was; it’s reshaped for good,” he said.

Pence isn’t focused on reverting to a pre-Trump image but rather aims to remind Republicans of their foundational values—like advocating for a robust national defense and limited government intervention. “These principles have propelled our party and benefited the American populace for a long time,” he explained.

He expressed a hope that not only the administration but candidates at all levels would reconnect with conservative core values. This comes as the GOP faces notable challenges, including potential seat losses in midterms and issues stemming from inflation and Trump’s fluctuating approval ratings.

Pence argued that promoting a conservative agenda isn’t just about survival; it’s a “winning plan” for the future of America.

Looking ahead, he has a book, titled “What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience,” set to be published in June. This might invigorate his platform as he continues to present his vision against the backdrop of a crowded presidential field in 2024.

Despite previously running against Trump—a rare move for a vice-president—Pence eventually suspended his campaign due to underwhelming polling and fundraising. “It became evident that factions within the party were being driven by populism that strayed from conservative tenets. I’ve consistently opposed that trend,” he stated, reaffirming the mission of his foundation to uphold conservative values.

When asked about a potential future presidential run, he was noncommittal. “I’m not big on long-term plans,” he admitted, although he noted that his current focus is on the issues and values that initially attracted him to the Republican Party, underscoring the mission of educating the public on conservative principles and their benefits for America.