- Mike Pence spoke out on Wednesday against Putin “apologists”, and the growing populism within the GOP.
- According to AP reports, he stated that the GOP should not lose its role as the “leader in the free world”.
- Many Republicans support Putin, while others dismiss the war against Ukraine.
Former Vice President Mike Pence warned Republicans about Wednesday’s growing trend of “unprincipled populism” in the GOP. He also warned them about conservative “apologists for Putin” who have defended Russian President Vladimir Putin and dismissed the war he has waged against Ukraine.
During a speech at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington DC-based conservative think tank, Pence spoke on the current state of the Republican Party as it enters “a new era,” appearing to make a reference to the party’s transformation, largely led by Donald Trump, According to the Associated Press.
“Our movement must not abandon the fundamental commitment to security, limited government, liberty, and life. According to The AP, he stated that we cannot allow our movement be led astray with the siren song unprincipled populism. It is not grounded in our oldest traditions or most cherished values. “Let me clarify: This movement and its party must be the movement for a strong nation defense, limited government and traditional moral values.
Pence also attacked the Republicans who have either defended Russia’s war in Ukraine, or dismissed the issue by arguing that the US should not be involved with foreign affairs.
“As Russia continues its unconscionable aggression against Ukraine, I believe conservatives should make it clear to Putin that he must stop and Putin will be punished,” he said. “There cannot be room in the conservative movement to apologise for Putin. Only champions of freedom are allowed to enter this movement.
Although Pence didn’t name any Republicans specifically, many members of the GOP, which includes Trump, expressed hesitance about US involvement in Ukraine and complimented Putin for his approach to Ukraine.
“So, Putin is now saying that ‘It’s independence,’ a large part of Ukraine. I replied, “How smart is that?” He’s going to go in and be peacekeeper. It’s the strongest peace force. Trump told The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, a conservative podcastJust days before Russia invaded Ukraine,
Kevin McCarthy, House Minority leader, stated earlier in the week to Punchbowl News lawmakers may not sign off on more aid to Ukraine if Republicans take back the House in the upcoming midterm elections.
Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar stated in May that the US should be focusing on domestic affairs and that it is not Putin’s fault that the war has been declared a national emergency.
“Ukraine’s not our ally. Gosar stated in a tweet that Russia is not our enemy. We must address our debt, inflation, and immigration problems. Putin is not to blame for any of these problems.
Pence resisted the isolationist stance taken by some Republicans and instead called for continued support of Ukraine.
“We must continue providing Ukraine with the resources they need to defend themselves,” Pence stated. “We must continue to apply economic pressure from the most powerful economy of the world on Russia. We must provide the generous, compassionate, and prayers of America until Russia relents, and until peace can be restored.”
Pence, Trump’s ally, who has distanced itself from Trump since the Jan 6, 2021, riotA lot of people consider him a potential candidate for the 2024 presidency.
