Mr. Mike Pence at an event in Iowa on June 3.
In a video announcing his candidacy released on June 7, before delivering a campaign kickoff speech that evening in Iowa, Mike Pence described himself as a Republican from the Ronald Reagan era who is seeking to return America to conservative principles, CNN reported.
"It would be easy to stand on the sidelines, but that's not how I grew up. That's why today, before God and my family, I announce that I'm running for president of the United States," Pence, who was also governor of Indiana and a six-term senator, said in the 2.5-minute video, according to CNN.
What chance does former "deputy" Pence have when he confronts Mr. Trump to win the 2024 US presidential election?
By announcing his entry into the 2024 US election, Mr. Pence puts himself in a special position as the first vice president in modern US history to challenge his "old boss", former President Donald Trump, who is the leading Republican candidate in this race.
Despite his loyalty to Trump, Pence broke with the former president by refusing to reject the 2020 election results and presiding over the certification of Joe Biden's victory in that race on January 6, 2021. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol and some called for the former vice president to be "hanged."
In the video – which did not mention Mr Trump and did not feature the former president – Mr Pence said that “different times require different leadership”. But Mr Pence singled out President Biden, saying the current occupant of the White House and the far left had “weakened America both internally and externally”.
"We can bring this country back. We can protect our nation and protect our borders. We can revive our economy and put our country back on the path to a balanced budget, protect our freedoms and give America a new start in life," Pence said.
The video was released after Pence filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on June 5. On June 7, Pence is expected to officially launch his campaign in Iowa, one of the first states to hold the Republican primary in 2024 and considered by his team to be crucial to winning the party's nomination. Pence will also participate in a CNN town hall event in Iowa on the evening of June 7.
Earlier in the day, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced his 2024 presidential campaign. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is expected to also announce his entry into the race on the same day. Both are Republican candidates.
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