“He Will Throw You Under the Bus” – The Vicious Tug of War Between Trump and Pence Heats Up

Gabriel RomanNov 1, 2023

Minute Read

In a surprising turn of events that has rippled through the ranks of the Republican Party, former Vice President Mike Pence has decided to step back from the 2024 presidential race. This announcement has set off a chain of reactions from within the GOP. Many eyes have turned towards Donald Trump, the party’s frontrunner.

The Trump-Pence Saga Begins

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After bowing out of the GOP race, Mike Pence faced an unexpected twist. Donald Trump, at a public gathering, suggested that Pence should endorse him for the upcoming election. “I don’t know about Mike Pence. He should endorse me,” Trump asserted. This was despite the clear rift that had formed following months of tension between them.

Trump’s Capitol Controversy

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During the chaos of January 6th, Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of his vice president. He tweeted that Pence lacked the “courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our Constitution.” The aftermath of this clash continued to echo in their fractured relationship. This made it a significant moment in the saga between the former president and his vice president.

Trump’s Bold Statements

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Facing an astonishing 91 felony charges, Trump stood firm. He declared, “I had a great, successful presidency and he was vice president.” His confidence remained unshaken as he reflected on his choice of Pence for vice president and the loyalty he expected yet found lacking. Trump compared it to Larry Elder, who endorsed him after withdrawing from the race.

Cohen’s Revelation About Trump

Michael Cohen publicly reflected on his time with Trump. “My weakness can be characterized as a blind loyalty to Donald Trump,” he admitted in 2018. However, he cautioned others, saying, “Loyalty for Donald only goes one way and he will use you. He will throw you under the bus.” This gave an insight into the complex dynamic of Trump’s relationships with his close associates.

Pence Drops Out

Mike Pence made his departure from the presidential race official, saying, “It’s become clear to me it’s not my time.” His announcement was a call to the American public to press forward. He continued, “To the American people, I say: this is not my time but it is still your time,” redirecting the spotlight from his campaign to the nation’s future.

Ron DeSantis Salutes Pence’s Decision

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Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida extended warm remarks toward Mike Pence. Recognizing Pence’s commitment, DeSantis noted, “Vice President Mike Pence is a principled man of faith who has worked tirelessly to advance the conservative cause.” Despite the heated atmosphere of the campaign trails, these words were a graceful nod to the integrity and effort of his fellow Republicans.

Trump Questions Pence’s Loyalty

Former President Trump did not hesitate to question Pence’s integrity. On Truth Social, he expressed his astonishment at Pence’s recent decisions, saying, “Liddle’ Mike Pence… has gone to the dark side.” Trump did not shy away from challenging Pence’s honesty, accusing him of being “delusional” and calling into question his loyalty.

Pence Stands by the Constitution on CNN

Pence clarified his stance during an interview with Dana Bash on CNN. Facing the nation, he responded to Trump’s claims by saying, “President Trump was wrong then and he is wrong now.” Emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution over the demands of any one person, including a president, Pence stated, “I had no right to overturn the election… I kept my oath and always will.”

Pence’s Reflection on Trump’s Legal Woes

Pence also remarked on the indictments facing Donald Trump. With a firm tone, Pence noted, “Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder: anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States.” His comment underlined his view on the legal controversies shadowing his former running mate.

Trump Calls Out Pennsylvania’s Voting Move

In response to Pennsylvania’s implementation of automatic voter registration, Trump voiced his anger. He said, “This is a totally unconstitutional act and must be met harshly by Republican leadership in Washington and Pennsylvania.” Trump’s criticisms were aimed at the changes he believed could affect the election process.

Trump’s Rallying Cry to GOP Leaders

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Trump then called for the Republican National Committee (RNC) to redirect its efforts. Pointing to the Pennsylvania voting system changes as a battleground issue, Trump demanded the RNC to prioritize this over debates. He clarified his view, expressing his considerable lead in the political race by dismissing his contenders with nicknames.

Trump’s Commanding Advantage

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The tide appears to be in Donald Trump’s favor as he sails with a commanding lead against his GOP rivals. This lead has grown so significant that one GOP fundraiser openly spoke about the uselessness of supporting the opposition. Essentially, he suggested it was a waste of funds to support them.

The Budget Shutdown Divide

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With the budget deadline looming, Trump has taken a hard stance. He pushed for a shutdown to tackle key issues like border control and what he refers to as the “weaponization of justice.” In opposition to this, House Speaker Mike Johnson is steering efforts to advance spending legislation to prevent a government freeze.

McConnell’s Historical View on Shutdowns

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke about the consequences of past shutdowns. He warned that they traditionally result in Republican defeat. In a direct challenge to McConnell’s stance, Trump’s response was critical. He called him the “weakest, dumbest, and most conflicted ‘leader’” in Senate history.

Trump’s Call to the RNC

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Donald Trump’s influence over the Republican National Committee is clear. One user suggested that while Mike Pence may shy away from public endorsement, there’s an expectation that “Pence will not give endorsement but will promise to vote for the orange-faced turd.” This reflects the complex personal dynamics at play within the party.

Pence’s Delicate Position

Another user said, “Now is when Pence should testify at the Jan 6th trial,” stressing the ongoing tension. There is also an appreciation for Pence’s avoidance of illegal activities, with one user noting, “I like that Trump sees it as unforgivable for not committing an illegal act. Yet Pence is not facing any charges for steering clear of the whole scheme.”

Shutdown Talks in the Air

Amid the government shutdown talks, some GOP members criticize Pence’s lack of clear positioning. One user suggested, “Pence is too scared of Trump’s goon supporters.” On the contrary, others hope for a decisive move from Pence, suggesting, “I hope Pence endorses Haley… and quickly.” There is a clear desire for a shift in support within the party.

The Battle of Loyalty vs. Spine

One user said, “By ‘disloyal,’ Trump means that to be in his cult and win his approval, you have to 100% believe and repeat every bizarre thing he says.” Others disagreed, with one user saying, “The only person Mike Pence could make look better or worse here is himself.” This captures the tension between the demand for unwavering loyalty to Trump and the possibility of independent action.