Former US Vice President Mike Pence released a video of his 2024 election campaign, emphasizing the need for leadership change to solve the country's problems.
“Today, the Republican Party and our country need a leader who can bring out the good selves within, as the late President Lincoln said,” former US vice president Mike Pence, 64, said in a campaign announcement video released today.
"It's easy to just watch," Pence said, but that's not how he grew up. "This is why today, before God and dear family, I am announcing my candidacy for president of the United States," he said.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence announced his candidacy for 2024. Video: Twitter/Mike Pence
He mentioned a series of problems facing the US such as inflation, immigration and the risk of a recession. Mike Pence also listed Russia and China as America's adversaries. He criticized President Biden for making America "weak at home and abroad" when the video featured images of the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 8.
“America’s timeless values are under attack more forcefully than ever before. We are so much better than we are now, we can turn it around. Changing times require changing leadership," he said, expressing confidence that "together we can bring our country back, the best days of Earth's greatest nation are still ahead."
The video features President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, without mentioning Trump or featuring him.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence rides a motorcycle to the event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3. Image: AFP
Pence's decision to run for the White House made him the first vice president in modern history to run against his former superior. Former US President Donald Trump has announced his re-election bid in 2024.
Pence's campaign is focusing on Iowa, the first state to vote in the Republican presidential primary.
Mike Pence worked for decades in the US House of Representatives and 4 years as governor of Indiana before serving as a deputy under the Trump administration. Mr. Pence has long been regarded as one of the Republican voices.
When entering the race for the White House, Mr. Pence will face many challenges in the Republican primaries with a series of formidable opponents. The fractured relationship with former President Donald Trump after the Capitol Hill riots in January 1 could also turn many people away from him.
In a poll of Republican candidates held by Reuters/Ipsos in May, Pence won 5% of the vote while Trump's approval was 5%.
Ngoc Anh (Follow Hill)
