Mike Pence, the former vice president, seems to be struggling to gain momentum in his bid for the White House. Despite Pence’s relentless efforts to connect with voters in Iowa, his campaign appears to be losing steam.
His appearances at high school football games and local pizza joints have failed to draw significant crowds, indicating a lack of enthusiasm among potential supporters.
Pence’s strategy has been to focus on retail politics, engaging directly with voters in small-town settings. However, this approach has not yielded the desired results.
At a recent event at a pizza restaurant in Red Oak, Iowa, only 13 people showed up to hear him speak. This lackluster turnout is indicative of the uphill battle Pence faces in his quest for the GOP nomination.
Mike Pence had 25 people show up to a campaign event in Sidney, Iowa.
Who agrees that is what you get when you turn your back on Trump?🙋🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/CjYC3V6FiY
— 🔥Desiree🔥 (@DesireeAmerica4) October 22, 2023
The former vice president’s campaign has also been marked by a series of unfortunate events.
For instance, during a high school football game in Atlantic, Iowa, Pence was largely ignored by the crowd, who were more interested in the game than his presence. Despite his attempts to engage with the audience, he was seen as an afterthought rather than a main attraction.
Pence’s polling numbers further underscore his struggle. He currently ranks fifth in the RealClearPolitics polling aggregate, trailing far behind his former boss, Donald Trump. In Iowa, he’s averaging just 2.6 percent among Republican voters, a figure that does not bode well for his chances in the upcoming Iowa caucuses.
Despite these setbacks, Pence remains hopeful.
He continues to express confidence in his campaign and the future of the nation. However, his optimism seems to be at odds with the reality of his campaign’s performance. Pence’s message of hope and renewal is not resonating with the voters he needs to win over.
Mike Pence at a campaign rally at Pizza Ranch in Red Oak, Iowa.
13 in attendance, and I bet it was all people that were just there to eat.
😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/ITDoWOVcvy
— Kephfas (@Kephfas) October 22, 2023
Even if Pence manages to make a splash in Iowa, it’s unclear whether this would translate into broader support. Past winners of the Iowa caucuses have not always gone on to secure their party’s nomination.
Therefore, a victory in Iowa might not be enough to revive Pence’s flagging campaign.
Pence’s faith, which has been a cornerstone of his political identity, may also not be enough to carry him over the finish line. While his religious beliefs resonate with Iowa’s large evangelical GOP base, they may not be sufficient to overcome his current challenges.
At the end of the day, Mike Pence’s presidential aspirations appear to be faltering.
