The trajectory of a potential 2024 Presidential run for former Vice President Mike Pence seems to have taken a downturn. According to a CNN report, he made this announcement while serving as a speaker at the yearly assembly of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas.
Prior to obtaining the role of Vice President, Pence had established a commendable career as a U.S. Congressman and the Governor of Indiana. In a tactical move, he kickstarted his campaign activities in Iowa in early June, signifying the weight he placed on this significant early voting state, instead of his home state, Indiana.
Pence embarked on an ambitious plan of journeying through all of Iowa’s 99 counties, where he made a concerted effort to engage in personal conversations in smaller groups.
However, despite these efforts, his striving journey toward the Republican Presidential nomination encountered serious setbacks. As suggested by the latest data released from federal election records, the financial status of Pence’s campaign significantly deteriorated over time.
An analysis of Pence’s campaign finances by NBC News revealed that, during the third quarter, the campaign’s liabilities escalated while their income remained relatively modest.
Specifically, his campaign raised around $3.3 million for the period but noted a considerable increase in debt. As of now, the campaign reportedly possesses $1.2 million in cash, while simultaneously battling with debts amounting to $620,000, based on the recent public financial reports of the campaign.
These figures cast some shadows on Pence’s campaign, indicating a campaign under severe financial hardship. Moreover, his campaign is operating on a financially disparate level compared to his competitors. This disturbing financial picture casts serious doubts over Pence’s ability to persist or even advance in the Republican primary battles.
Historically, the accumulation of debt is commonly seen as a sign of a failing Presidential campaign, dangling on the edge of discontinuation. Looking back to the prior Republican Presidential primary season can offer a somewhat disheartening comparison.
Around the same period in the 2015 cycle, the campaign of then-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker faced similar financial issues. Records showed they had approximately $1 million in cash with a debt income of $161,000 by the third quarter’s end, prompting Walker to withdraw from the race shortly after.
Reports from the period after Walker bowed out of the 2016 race showed a concerning trend for his campaign. During the last quarter of 2015, Walker’s campaign had reported that it had accrued $1.2 million in debt, an amount that he spent the next year raising funds to cover.
This provides a cautionary tale for Pence, suggesting that his campaign could be heading down the same troubled path if the financial situation does not improve.
When compared with the financial status of his competitors, the contributions made to Pence’s campaign seem less than competitive.
For instance, the campaign of the Former South Carolina Governor and Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, reported a healthy $9.1 million cash balance at the third quarter’s conclusion. Likewise, Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, revealed his campaign had a robust $5 million in the bank at this stage.
It’s also noteworthy to mention Sen. Tim Scott from South Carolina, known for his dedicated service in the Senate over several years, which led to him entering the race backed by a well-funded federal campaign account. Even though his spending has been relatively high, the stalwart support he enjoys gives him a significant financial boost.
Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign also stands out in the race. According to reports, this campaign confirmed the availability of an impressive near $36 million budget designated for the 2024 primary.
However, it’s important to remember these figures are based on campaign announcements and may not be entirely accurate until official documents are filed with the Federal Election Commission. This filing was required to be completed by last Sunday.
In the midst of these financial challenges, Pence’s campaign has dealt with several social hurdles as well. Right before the U.S. Capitol assault on January 6, 2021, Pence made a record of certain discussions with former President Trump. These ‘contemporaneous notes’ gained significant attention when they were unveiled in the indictment by Special Counsel Jack Smith in August.
According to the indictment documents, these notes are used as evidence against Trump, who stands accused of four federal offenses related to his conduct and allegations following the 2020 Presidential Election. These charges include the declared unfounded claims about a rigged voting process. Pence’s notes, until then not revealed to the public, are now instrumental in the case against Trump.
Significantly, Trump is contending charges of conspiring to defraud the United States, hindering an official investigation, attempting to obstruct an investigation, and conspiring against rights. As these legal proceedings unfold simultaneously with the tense political climate of the subsequent Presidential season, the ramifications for Pence’s campaign and the broader political landscape remain to be seen.
In the holistic view, Pence’s campaign has had its share of victories and setbacks, from the launch of his campaign to the present. While he may have gathered some initial steam due to his past performance as Vice President, his campaign has faced substantial challenges recently, both financially and socially.
With lukewarm financial support and increasing scrutiny over his past engagement with former President Trump, Pence’s push for the Presidential nomination appears to be in a somewhat complicated state. As these troubling issues in Pence’s campaign are on display, the narrative for the political battlefield leading to 2024 continues to evolve.
Regardless of the direction that the political winds will take, the path of Pence’s campaign will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the election dynamics and the political theatre ahead. While the complications of his campaign remain in view, it is clear that Pence’s journey to the White House won’t be a smooth sail ensuring that the 2024 political landscape for the Republican nomination remains more unpredictable and captivating.
Mike Pence Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race appeared first on Real News Now.
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