Former Vice President Pence announces the start of the presidential campaign

2023-06-07 19:03:49, Kosova & Bota CNA

Former US Vice President Mike Pence has joined the long list of candidates in the Republican Party who want the party's support for the 2024 presidential election. Polls so far put him fourth on the list of preferred Republican candidates. Experts analyze the reasons for what could change in the Republican camp with the introduction of new candidates.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served Donald Trump loyally but later turned against him after the 2021 attack on the Capitol, is officially challenging his former boss in the presidential race.

Mr. Pence has been added to a long list of Republican candidates. Polls rank him fourth, with 3.8 percent support among Republicans. The race among Republicans is led by former President Trump with double-digit support that fluctuates between 40 and 50 percent, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Analysts list some of the reasons why Mr. Pence is entering the race at a time when he does not enjoy much support among Republicans.

Aaron Dusso, of Indiana University in Indianapolis, says he has the answer.

"I don't think Mike Pence will have much direct impact on Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis because they will continue to attack each other as the two primary contenders. Mr. Pence, along with all the other candidates, will be waiting for something to happen so that they have a chance to be empowered. But by joining the race now, Mr. Pence will be in a good position if the former president drops out," says Professor Dusso.

Mr. Trump is facing legal problems, including an indictment filed in New York City over payments during the 2016 campaign to buy the silence of two women who allege he had extramarital affairs. He is also being investigated by the Department of Justice for suspected influence on the 2020 presidential election process, or the way he handled secret documents upon leaving the White House.

Another Republican who has just entered the race within the party is the former Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, another former associate of Mr. Trump, turned into his critic.

"He has rejected claims that he will be some kind of kamikaze candidate. He said, I am not 'a contract killer'. He doesn't want his role to be that of a person who joined the race to try to damage former President Trump and then allow other people to step up and take second place," says the agency's reporter . of news, Associated Press.

His campaign will test the reaction of Republican voters to someone who has expressed support for many of former President Trump's policies but has also criticized him.

Mr. Christie rejected former President Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen and asked the party to overcome doubts on this issue./ VOA