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Pence quits the presidential race after struggling to gain traction

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2023

Pence quits the presidential race after struggling to gain traction

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday dropped his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, ending his campaign for the White House after struggling to raise money and gain traction in the polls.

“It’s become clear to me: This is not my time,” Pence said at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering in Las Vegas. “So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today.”

“We always knew this would be an uphill battle, but I have no regrets,” Pence went on to tell the friendly audience, which reacted with audible surprise to the announcement and gave him multiple standing ovations.

Pence is the first major candidate to leave a race that has been dominated by his former boss-turned-rival, Donald Trump, and his struggles underscore just how much Trump has transformed the party. A former vice president would typically be seen as a formidable challenger in any primary, but Pence has struggled to find a base of support.

Pence did not immediately endorse any of his rivals, but continued to echo language he has used to criticize Trump.

“I urge all my fellow Republicans here, give our country a Republican standard-bearer that will, as Lincoln said, appeal to the better angels of our nature,” he said, “and not only lead us to victory, but lead our nation with civility.”

Pence’s decision, more than two months before the Iowa caucuses that he had staked his campaign on, saves him from accumulating additional debt, as well as the embarrassment of potentially failing to qualify for the third Republican primary debate, on Nov. 8 in Miami.

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But his withdrawal is a huge blow for a politician who spent years biding his time as Trump’s most loyal lieutenant, only to be scapegoated during their final days in office when Trump became convinced that Pence somehow had the power to overturn the results of the 2020 election and keep both men in office — a power Pence did not possess.

While Pence averted a constitutional crisis by rejecting the scheme, he drew Trump’s fury, as well as the wrath of many of Trump’s supporters, who still believed his lies about the election and see Pence as a traitor.

Among Trump critics, meanwhile, Pence was seen as an enabler who defended the former president at every turn and refused to criticize even Trump’s most indefensible actions time and again.

As a result, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research from August found that the majority of U.S. adults, 57%, viewed Pence negatively, with only 28% having a positive view.

Throughout his campaign, the former Indiana governor and congressman had insisted that while he was well-known by voters, he was not “known well” and set out to change that with an aggressive schedule that included numerous stops at diners and Pizza Ranch restaurants.

Pence had been betting on Iowa, a state with a large white Evangelical population that has a long history of elevating religious and socially conservative candidates such as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Rick Santorum. Pence often campaigned with his wife, Karen, a Christian school teacher, and emphasized his hard-line views on issues such as abortion, which he opposes even in cases when a pregnancy is unviable. He repeatedly called on his fellow candidates to support a minimum 15-week national ban and he pushed to ban drugs used as alternatives to surgical procedures.

He tried to confront head-on his actions on Jan. 6, 2021 , explaining to voters over and over that he had done his constitutional duty that day, knowing full well the political consequences. It was a strategy that aides believed would help defuse the issue and earn Pence the respect of a majority of Republicans, whom they were were convinced did not agree with Trump’s actions.

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But even in Iowa, Pence struggled to gain traction.

He had an equally uphill climb raising money, despite yearslong relationships with donors. Pence ended September with just $1.18 million in the bank and $621,000 in debt, according to his most recent campaign filing. That debt had grown in the weeks since and adding to it would have taken Pence, who is not independently wealthy, years pay off.

The Associated Press first reported earlier this month that people close to Pence had begun to feel that remaining a candidate risked diminishing his long-term standing in the party, given Trump’s dominating lead in the race for the 2024 nomination. While they said Pence could stick it out until the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses if he wanted — campaigning on a shoestring budget and accumulating debt — he would have to consider how that might affect his ability to remain a leading voice in the conservative movement, as he hopes.

Some said that Hamas’ attack on Israel in October, which pushed foreign policy to the forefront of the campaign, had given Pence a renewed sense of purpose given his warnings throughout the campaign against the growing tide of isolationism in the Republican Party. Pence had argued that he was the race’s most experienced candidate and decried “voices of appeasement” among Republican, arguing they had emboldened groups such as Hamas.

But ultimately, Pence concluded that he could continue to speak out on the issue without continuing the campaign. He chose the Las Vegas event to announce his decision, in part, so he could address the topic one last time before formally leaving the race.

On stage at the event, several of Pence’s rivals, including Trump, did not acknowledge Pence’s announcement that had some only a short time earlier.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who spoke immediately after Pence, made no mention of Pence in his speech, but later praised him on social media as a “principled man of faith who has worked tirelessly to advance the conservative cause.” Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, in contrast, began her speech by praising Pence, saying he had fought for American and for Israel and that “we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Pence is expected to remain engaged, in part through Advancing American Freedom, the conservative think tank he founded after leaving the vice presidency and that he envisions it as an alternative to the The Heritage Foundation. He also has a book coming out next month that offers advice on balancing work and family.

Pence’s group is expected to continued to advocate for policies that he supported in his run, including pushing for more U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion and proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare to rein in the debt. Such ideas were once the bread-and-butter of Republican establishment orthodoxy but have fallen out of a favor as the party has embraced Trump’s isolationist and populist views.

Pence quits the presidential race after struggling to gain traction

Related Topics:Mike Pence Presidential Race US

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US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

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23 hours ago

May 28, 2026

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US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a preliminary framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension in the Middle East conflict, but the deal remains subject to final approval from US President Donald Trump, according to American sources.

The development follows renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran after both sides accused each other of violating an existing truce, raising fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.

According to reports cited by US officials and international media, the proposed framework is based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening structured negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security issues. A key component of the deal includes the restoration of normal commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil shipping routes.

Under the proposed arrangement, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be free of tolls, restrictions, or harassment. Iran would also be required to remove naval mines within 30 days, while the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports once safe maritime movement is restored. However, despite reported progress, the agreement has not yet been finalized or officially signed off by President Trump.

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Iranian authorities have pushed back on claims that a final deal has been reached. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing a source close to Tehran’s negotiation team, said the draft text is still under review and has not been concluded. Iranian officials also stressed that any ceasefire agreement would only be considered valid once formally announced by Tehran, not through external declarations.

The diplomatic developments come after a fresh spike in violence following strikes linked to US forces on the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran. Iranian state media claimed the Revolutionary Guards targeted an American-linked airbase in response, while US allies in the region, including Kuwait, reported intercepting incoming projectiles.

Kuwait later condemned what it described as Iranian attacks on its territory, calling them a “dangerous escalation.” The US Central Command described Iran’s response as an “egregious ceasefire violation,” while Iranian officials insisted the US strikes were themselves breaches of the truce.

A major sticking point in the negotiations remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route through which a large portion of the world’s energy supply flows. Reports indicate Iran has restricted access to the waterway since the conflict began on February 28, significantly affecting global oil shipments and energy prices.

US forces said they intercepted multiple Iranian drones and prevented further attacks near the strait, highlighting the continued military volatility in the area. Global oil prices reportedly fluctuated following news of both renewed clashes and the potential ceasefire framework, with traders reacting to uncertainty over supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

President Donald Trump’s approval is now seen as the decisive factor in whether the proposed framework progresses into a formal agreement or collapses amid ongoing hostilities. US officials have indicated that any final deal must align with Washington’s security conditions and regional red lines.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to spill into Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah forces remain engaged despite a separate ceasefire arrangement. Israeli airstrikes near Beirut and southern Lebanon reportedly killed multiple civilians and military personnel, while cross-border attacks continue between both sides. Analysts warn that without a sustained diplomatic breakthrough, the Middle East risks further escalation across multiple fronts.

US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

International

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

Published

6 days ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

At least 82 people have been confirmed dead and two others remain missing following a devastating coal mine explosion in China, officials said, after rescue authorities revised an earlier higher death toll in the chaotic aftermath of the disaster.

The blast occurred on Friday at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions, and is now being described as the country’s worst mining disaster since 2009.

According to state media reports and officials, about 247 workers were on duty at the time of the explosion, which struck at around 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT). More than 100 workers were rescued from the site as hundreds of emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

Authorities initially reported a higher death toll of around 90 before later revising the figure down to 82, citing confusion in the early stages of the rescue operation.

Officials explained that the situation at the mine was chaotic immediately after the explosion, which led to an unclear headcount and inconsistent reporting of casualties.

A total of 128 injured miners are currently receiving hospital treatment, with at least two reported to be in critical condition. Many of the victims are believed to have suffered from inhaling toxic gases released during the explosion, though the exact substance has not yet been officially confirmed.

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One injured miner, identified as Wang Yong, recounted the terrifying moment the blast occurred, describing a sudden plume of smoke and a strong sulphur-like smell spreading through the mine.

“I smelled sulphur, the same smell you get from blasting. I shouted at people to run. As we were running I could see people collapsing from the fumes. Then I blacked out too,” he said, adding that he later regained consciousness and helped another worker escape.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered that “no effort must be spared” in rescue and treatment operations, while also calling for urgent medical care for the injured.

China’s State Council has also announced a full investigation into the incident, promising that those found responsible for any safety violations or negligence will face strict punishment.

The Liushenyu explosion has renewed concerns over coal mine safety in China, where industrial accidents have historically been linked to safety lapses despite repeated government crackdowns.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the missing workers and assess the full extent of the disaster.

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

International

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House

Published

6 days ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House

A White House security shooting on Saturday evening left a 21-year-old armed suspect dead after he allegedly opened fire at a Secret Service security checkpoint just outside the presidential complex in Washington, D.C.

The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, reportedly approached the checkpoint near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest shortly after 6 p.m. local time before pulling a firearm from a bag and firing at officers.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect during the exchange. He was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident triggered an immediate White House lockdown, forcing journalists and staff members on the North Lawn to shelter in place as armed agents secured the area.

Witnesses described hearing between 15 and 30 gunshots during the brief but intense confrontation, which caused panic around the heavily guarded perimeter of the White House.

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Authorities also confirmed that one bystander was injured during the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment. However, investigators have yet to determine whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from Secret Service officers.

Importantly, no Secret Service personnel were injured in the attack.

At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House but was not harmed or directly affected, according to officials.

The lockdown was lifted less than an hour later after law enforcement confirmed that the threat had been neutralised.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports from U.S. media indicate that the suspect may have had previous encounters with law enforcement and the Secret Service. Some reports suggest he had attempted to access restricted areas around the White House in the past.

Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the attack, while federal authorities continue to examine the suspect’s background and possible intentions.

The Washington shooting near the White House has renewed concerns about security threats targeting high-profile U.S. political institutions, despite the extensive protective measures already in place around the presidential residence.