As AFN has reported, sources close to the former vice president have confirmed to Fox News that Mike Pence will launch his 2024 presidential campaign Wednesday, June 7 at an event in Iowa.
In an average of polls compiled by Real Clear Politics, Pence, also a former governor of Indiana, is polling at just under 4% and is in fourth place behind Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley.
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association (AFA) of Indiana, says Pence has an impressive resume.
"There's really not much of a downside for him running," he comments. "His place in history is secure as a vice president, and he's probably thinking it's worth trying. He does have the benefit of good Trump policies that he can align himself with as part of the administration."
And in his view, Pence is more in tune with Republican voters than former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who will also officially launch his presidential bid this week.
"This is a battle among conservatives," says Clark. "Republican primary voters are conservative. They generally support Donald Trump's policies, and Chris Christie hardly ever has."
Christie, who is "on the far left of the party" and Clark says is "out there to be relevant in some sort of way," is only polling at 1%.
"Mike Pence actually has some things to offer, a vision for the future that many Republicans are for," Clark continues. "Not many Republicans are going to support Chris Christie or the governor of Maryland or some virulent anti-Trump, far-Left Republican. They'll go nowhere."
The conservative activist also echoes what Jenna Ellis said in February – that the more Republican candidates who enter the 2024 presidential race, the better it is for Donald Trump.
"It dilutes the anti-Trump vote, and it makes it easier for former President Trump to win the primaries," he reasons.
On that note, Clark thinks Pence is banking on the idea of being an alternative to Trump.
"I guess you could have people who say, 'I don't really like Donald Trump, but I like his policies, so Mike Pence is a good alternative,'" he poses. "However, if you do like Trump policies, as most Republicans do, you have the choice between the top or the second in command, and the guy who was at the top would probably get most of those votes."
Clark concludes that "it's very small needle for Mike to thread," as he also has to fight with Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott for the support of evangelical Christian voters.
