During his 2024 presidential campaign, former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a defining speech on September 6, 2023, at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. In this address, he outlined a stark ideological divide within the Republican Party—traditional conservatism versus rising populism—and urged voters to choose principled conservative leadership over reactionary politics.
The Conservative Vision: Small Government, Fiscal Responsibility, and Moral Leadership
Pence reaffirmed his commitment to the foundational conservative principles that have long defined the Republican Party:
- Limited Government: The government should play a minimal role in people’s lives, allowing free markets and individual liberty to thrive.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Commitment to balanced budgets, reducing federal debt, and limiting government spending.
- Strong National Defense: Ensuring a powerful military to maintain global stability and project American strength abroad.
- Traditional Moral Values: Upholding religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and family values as key tenets of governance.
Throughout his campaign, Pence positioned himself as the candidate who would uphold Reagan-era conservatism, which focused on economic growth, national security, and a moral framework for governance.
Populism: A Threat to Conservative Principles?
Pence warned that certain populist movements within the Republican Party were steering the party away from its historical commitment to constitutional conservatism. He identified key concerns:
- Government Overreach: Some populist leaders propose expanding government power, contradicting conservative principles of limited government.
- Economic Protectionism: Calls for tariffs and economic nationalism could undermine free markets and hurt American businesses.
- Isolationist Foreign Policy: Opposing global engagement and pulling back U.S. leadership from international affairs would embolden adversaries.
- Moral Relativism: Pence argued that populist figures were willing to sacrifice core moral values for political expediency.
In his speech, Pence stated:
“The Republican Party must be the party of conservatism, not populism unmoored to timeless American principles. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by the politics of personality and grievance, we will lose our way.”
The Choice for Republican Voters in 2024
Pence framed the 2024 Republican primary as a choice between two visions:
- A principled conservative movement focused on limited government, economic freedom, and moral leadership.
- A populist reactionary approach driven by grievance politics, protectionism, and nationalism.
He urged Republican voters to reject political opportunism and instead support a consistent conservative agenda that would restore America’s economic and moral foundation.
Pence’s Call to Action
Pence closed his speech with a direct appeal to voters to rally behind his campaign in defense of traditional Republican values:
- Commit to constitutional conservatism rather than reactionary populism.
- Defend America’s role as a global leader rather than retreating into isolationism.
- Prioritize moral and fiscal responsibility over short-term political gains.
Mike Pence’s 2024 campaign distinguished itself by championing principled conservatism over populist nationalism. While his campaign ultimately did not lead to a Republican nomination, his message underscored a broader ideological battle within the party—one that continues to shape the future of Republican politics.
Disclaimer: This article provides an independent analysis of Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign proposals. It serves as an informational and historical reference only. The content does not reflect current U.S. government policies, nor does it imply any endorsement or affiliation in 2025 or beyond. Any discussion of past administrations is solely within the context of the 2024 election cycle. This website operates as an independent news platform and is not affiliated with Mike Pence, any political party, or any government entity.