During an event in Simi Valley on September 9, 2026, Mike Pence promoted his new book. The former Vice President used the occasion to reflect on 9/11 and the current state of American conservatism.
The "Siren Song" of Populism vs. Traditional Roots
Mike Pence used his appearance in Simi Valley to issue a warning to the Republican Party regarding its ideological trajectory. Speaking with Melissa Giller, the chief marketing and cultural programming officer for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, Pence argued that the GOP is at a crossroads. He suggested that the party must decide whether to return to its foundational principles or succumb to the "siren song on populism."
The former Vice President specifically targeted the "populist right" for its growing embrace of isolationism, which he believes threatens the United States' global role. This critique comes at a time of significant internal tension within the Republican base, as the party grapples with the influence of non-traditionalist leaders. As the report notes, Pence defined conservatism not as a reaction to current events, but as a deep respect for the Constitution and long-standing institutions that sustain communities.
A 12-Minute Warning at the U.S. Capitol
Reflecting on the historical weight of the Reagan Library, Pence shared a harrowing personal account of the September 11 attacks. He recalled his time as a freshman member of Congress, describing the moment the reality of the terror attacks reached his office in Washington, D.C. According to the report, Pence described being in the Capitol Hill police chief's office when leaders learned that another aircraft was approximately 12 minutes away from striking the U.S. Capitol.
Pence used this memory to illustrate a rare moment of national cohesion that he believes is currently missing from the American political landscape. He noted that in the face of imminent danger, the usual partisan divides between Republicans and Democrats vanished. "In that moment, there were no more Republicans in that room," Pence remarked, emphasizing a period of unity that he hopes can be rediscovered through a focus on shared national values rather than partisan identity.
Defending the Trump-Pence Administration and Border Security
Despite his criticisms of the populist wing of his party, Mike Pence remained a staunch defender of his tenure alongside Donald Trump. during the nearly hour-long conversation, Pence expressed "incredible" pride in the accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration. He specifically highlighted the administration's efforts to secure the country's southern border as a significant success.
As reported by the Los Angeles Daily News,Pence also offered a surprising defense of his former president, suggesting that Donald Trump possesses a capacity for listening that is often overlooked by his critics. "One of the best kept secrets in America may well be that Donald Trump actually listens," Pence stated. this attempt to bridge the gap between his traditionalist views and the Trump era suggests a strategic effort to maintain influence within a party that has moved significantly toward the populist center.
The Unclear Path for the Pence Family in 2028
While Pence focused heavily on the ideological future of the country, his own political future remains a subject of intense speculation. When asked if he might return to the Reagan Presidential Library to host future Republican presidential debates, Pence declined to provide a definitive answer. he noted that he and his wife, Karen, would simply "go wherever we feel the Lord's leading."
This ambiguity leaves several questions unanswered for political observers. It remains unclear whether Pence intends to seek office again or if he is transitioning into a role as a purely ideological elder statesman. Furthermore, the report does not clarify if his critique of the "populist right" is intended as a direct challenge to current party leadership or merely a philosophical distinction for the 2028 election cycle.
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