During a campaign event in Sioux City, Iowa, former Vice President Mike Pence reiterated his defense of his actions during the 2020 election certification process. A supporter of former President Donald Trump questioned Pence's decision to certify the electoral votes, suggesting he possessed the constitutional power to reject them and prevent Joe Biden's presidency. The exchange, captured on video and circulated by MSNBC, highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the events of January 6, 2021.
The woman asserted that Pence's adherence to constitutional procedure had led to Biden's presidency and disrupted the positive trajectory of the Trump administration. She questioned whether Pence had second-guessed his decision, arguing he had the right to return the votes to the states.
Pence firmly countered the woman's claim, explaining that the Constitution did not grant him the authority to reject electoral votes. He emphasized that no vice president in American history had ever exercised such power, and he stood by his decision, stating that Trump was "wrong" about his authority then and remained wrong now.
This disagreement over the vice president's role in electoral certification continues to be a point of contention between Pence and Trump, both vying for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Pence has publicly criticized Trump's understanding of constitutional law, while Trump's legal team unsuccessfully challenged the 2020 election results. The January 6th Capitol riot, which interrupted the certification process, further strained their relationship.
Recent polling data indicates Trump holds a significant lead over Pence in the race for the Republican nomination.
