Mike Pence suspends 2024 campaign
In a bombshell development over the weekend, former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his fledgling 2024 presidential campaign.
According to Politico, Pence made the announcement at the Republican Jewish Coalition conference on Saturday, stunning audience members.
Pence had struggled to gain any traction in his attempt to secure the Republican nomination next year.
His GOP primary debate performances left something to be desired, according to the opinion of many, which might have been his only shot at gaining any momentum. He ultimately never received the "debate bump" in the polls like some of his rivals.
Pence bows out
The former vice president leaned on his faith in guiding his decision to bow out of the race this time around.
"The Bible tells us that there’s a time for every purpose under heaven. Traveling across the country over the past six months, I came here to say it’s become clear to me that this is not my time. So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today," Pence told the audience.
Audible gasps were reportedly heard as he made the announcement. Some in the crowd reportedly thanked Pence for making the decision to drop out.
Pence continued, "We thank God for his amazing grace. He gave us the courage to step forward so many years ago. And the wisdom to step aside."
"My fellow Republicans, thank you for your kindness, your support and your prayers over the many years. As we go home to Indiana, let me assure you that we leave here with optimism and faith. We don’t know what the future holds. But we know who holds the future, and with faith in him and boundless confidence in all of you, we know the best days for America and our most cherished ally, Israel, are yet to come."
Trump's request
In the wake of Pence's stunning announcement, former President Donald Trump asked for an endorsement.
"He should endorse me," Trump said at a Las Vegas rally, according to The Hill. "You know why? Because I had a great, successful presidency and he was the vice president."
TRUMP ON PENCE: “He should endorse me…because I had a great, successful presidency”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 29, 2023
Only time will tell if Pence rallies behind his former boss, though it's unlikely he would do that anytime soon.
