Republican presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence engaged in a contentious interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson during the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa on Friday. The discussion touched upon topics such as the conflict in Ukraine, Pence’s views on the January 6 Capitol riot, and his perspective on the 2020 presidential election.
As Pence spoke about the possibility of NATO countries providing fighter jets to Ukraine, Carlson interrupted him, challenging the former vice president’s priorities. Carlson expressed his concern over the deteriorating state of cities in the United States, citing factors like economic decline, increased crime rates, and public disorder. He questioned Pence’s focus on Ukraine’s military needs when he believed there were pressing issues within the United States.
I’m sorry, Mr. Vice President, have you, I know you’re running for president, you are distressed that the Ukrainians don’t have enough American tanks,” Carlson said. “Every city in the United States has become much worse over the past three years. Drive around. There’s not one city that’s gotten better in the United States. And it’s visible.”
“Our economy has degraded, the suicide rate has jumped, public filth and disorder and crime have exponentially increased,” Carlson continued. “And yet your concern is that the Ukrainians, a country most people can’t find on a map, who’ve received tens of billions of U.S. tax dollars, don’t have enough tanks.”
“I think it’s a fair question to ask, like, where’s the concern for the United States in that?” Carlson asked.
Pence responded, “Well, it’s not my concern.”
Pence continued by emphasizing that his primary concern lay with the United States and the challenges it currently faces. He noted that his decision to run for president was driven by his belief that the country is in significant trouble and criticized President Joe Biden for weakening America both domestically and internationally. Pence outlined his vision for restoring law and order in American cities, securing the border, revitalizing the economy, and appointing conservative judges who uphold the sanctity of life and protect constitutional liberties.
The former vice president reiterated his belief that the United States has the capacity to lead on both domestic and foreign policy matters. He aimed to address the pressing issues affecting the American people and outlined a platform centered on restoring American values and safeguarding the nation’s interests.
Pence’s interview with Carlson showcased the tensions within the Republican Party as various candidates jockey for prominence ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The exchange highlighted a divergence in priorities, with Carlson emphasizing the internal challenges faced by the United States, while Pence stressed the importance of leadership on both domestic and global fronts.
As the campaign season intensifies, it remains to be seen how these divisions will shape the party’s platform and influence the broader political landscape leading up to the election.
.@TuckerCarlson: “Every city in America has become worse over the past few years… Your concern is that Ukraine doesn’t have enough tanks… Where’s the concern for America in that?” @Mike_Pence: “That’s not my concern.”
Zombie Republicans like Mike Pence place the needs and… pic.twitter.com/p4PxiOdcQx
— Kari Lake War Room (@KariLakeWarRoom) July 14, 2023
