Mike Pence: New times require new leadership

Former US Vice President Mike Pence released his 2024 campaign video , emphasizing the need for leadership change to solve the country's problems.

"Today, the Republican Party and our country need a leader who can bring out the best in each person, as President Lincoln said," former US Vice President Mike Pence, 64, said in a video announcing his candidacy released today.

Pence said it would be "easy to just stand by and watch," but that's not how he grew up. "That's why today, before God and my loving family, I'm announcing my candidacy for president of the United States," he said.

Mike Pence announces run for US president — Former US Vice President Mike Pence announced his candidacy for the 2024 election. Video: *Twitter/Mike Pence*

He mentioned a series of problems facing the US such as inflation, immigration and the risk of recession. Mike Pence also listed Russia and China as America's rivals. He criticized President Biden for making America "weak at home and abroad" as the video mixed images of the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

"America's timeless values are under attack like never before. We are better than this, we can turn this around. Changing times require changing leadership," he said, expressing his belief that "together, we can turn this country around, the best days of the greatest nation on Earth are still ahead."

The video features President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, with no mention of Trump or image of him.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence rides a motorbike to an event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3. Photo: AFP — Former US Vice President Mike Pence rides a motorbike to an event in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3. Photo: *AFP*

Pence's decision to run for the White House makes him the first US vice president in modern history to run against his former boss. Former US President Donald Trump has announced his re-election bid in 2024.

Pence's campaign is focusing on Iowa, the first state to vote in the Republican presidential primary.

Mike Pence served for decades in the US House of Representatives and four years as governor of Indiana before serving as vice president under former President Trump. Mr. Pence has long been considered one of the voices of the Republican Party.

When he enters the race for the White House, Mr. Pence will face many challenges in the Republican primary selection round with a series of formidable opponents. The rift with former President Donald Trump after the Capitol Hill riot in January 2021 may also cause many people to turn their backs on him.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll of Republican candidates in May, Pence won 5% of the vote while Trump's support was 44%.

Ngoc Anh (According to Hill )

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