(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Former Vice President Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential ambitions came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, bowing out of the race amidst mounting debt and lackluster support.
In his speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s leadership conference, Pence conceded, “This is not my time,” expressing gratitude to his volunteers and supporters. “Let me thank you all for the opportunity of serving as your vice president, it was the greatest honor of my life,” he added.
BREAKING: Mike Pence DROPS OUT of presidential race on stage at RJC, ‘This is not my time’https://t.co/7rfcrudUlL pic.twitter.com/TxAx0bamfZ
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 28, 2023
Pence’s decision follows recent Federal Election Commission filings revealing a crippling campaign debt of $600,000, overshadowing his low cash reserves of $1.2 million. A close ally, acknowledging the severity of the situation, commented, “It’s impossible to pay” without resorting to “debt-retirement fundraisers.”
Despite his valiant efforts, Pence’s failure to qualify for the third Republican debate only added to his struggle. However, an undeterred Pence asserted, “I will tell you, I don’t have the most money in this campaign, but I do have the most experience.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended warm regards, praising Pence’s dedication to conservative values.
“Vice President Mike Pence is a principled man of faith who has worked tirelessly to advance the conservative cause,” DeSantis said on Twitter. “Casey and I appreciate Mike and Karen for their willingness to put themselves forward in this campaign and wish the Pence family well in their next steps.”
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump often subjected Pence to scorching criticism, effectively branding him as a turncoat and “delusional.”
In August, Trump hinted at Pence’s defeat. “WOW, it’s finally happened! Liddle’ Mike Pence, a man who was about to be ousted as Governor Indiana until I came along and made him V.P., has gone to the Dark Side,” Trump said in Truth Social on Aug. 5.
The Twitter sphere erupted with hilarious reactions, with many dubbing Pence a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only) and mocking his failed bid.
🚨Mike Pence has suspended his Presidential campaign
Make no mistake – he has been banished forever from the America First movement for what he did on January 6th
We all watched the 2020 election get stolen and Mike Pence said he would fight back
But instead he backstabbed 74…
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) October 28, 2023
.@RonDeSantis says traitor Mike Pence who certified a stolen election is a “principled man of faith”.
This is why nobody likes you, @RonDeSantis.
Today Mike Pence officially dropped out of the GOP Presidential race. https://t.co/JzEoQKBXHy
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 28, 2023
BREAKING
Another Judas fails.
Pence has suspended his campaign for the Presidency. pic.twitter.com/awJgxeQ3aA
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) October 28, 2023
FAKE Christian and American traitor, Mike Pence, has suspended his presidential campaign. pic.twitter.com/Rp25m64488
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) October 28, 2023
Mike Pence addressing his supporters https://t.co/CGd38ZB7I7 pic.twitter.com/QgL2lqevyY
— Mostly Peaceful Memes (@MostlyPeacefull) October 28, 2023