Mike Pence, who served as vice president under former President Donald Trump, lashed out at his former boss at the annual Gridiron Club Dinner held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
What Happened: Pence called the Jan. 6 Capitol attack a “tragic day,” at the event in which politicians traditionally joke about notable Washington figures, CNN reported. He clarified that this is “one thing I haven’t joked about.”
Pence asserted that Trump was incorrect in claiming that the former vice president in his capacity of overseeing Congress had the power to overturn the 2020 election results.
“President Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election and his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable,” he said.
Also Read: Why Trump's Niece Thinks Ron DeSantis Should Sit Out 2024 Race And Run In 2028 Instead
Pence also refuted claims that the Jan. 6 Capitol invaders were merely tourists, “Tourists don’t injure 140 police officers by sightseeing. Tourists don’t break down doors to get to the Speaker of the House or voice threats against public officials,” the former vice president said.
“Make no mistake about it, what happened that day was a disgrace, and it mocks decency to portray it in any other way,” he said. While praising the media coverage of the Jan. 6 riots, Pence said he was able to certify the election partly due to the media’s real-time coverage of the insurrection at the Capitol.
Why It’s Important: Pence is among the potential challengers in the Republican presidential primary, although he hasn’t confirmed anything officially.
Recent opinion polls show Trump clearly in the lead among current and potential GOP presidential candidates. The former president's support from conservative Republicans and his deep-rooted media ties give him an edge, experts opine.
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