Mike Pence on January 6th
TL;DR
Mike Pence has consistently condemned the January 6th attack on the Capitol as a lawless and violent event.
Key Points
He stated that those who entered the Capitol illegally on January 6, 2021, were wrong and that the violence that day was a disgrace to the nation.
He upheld his constitutional duty on January 6, 2021, by refusing demands to reject electoral votes, an action he said was dictated by his oath.
He has used social media posts on anniversaries of the event to reflect on the day, often emphasizing the need to defend the Constitution from lawlessness.
Summary
Mike Pence has consistently condemned the January 6th attack on the Capitol, labeling it a day of violence and lawlessness that threatened the constitutional order of the nation. He firmly stated that the protestors who breached the Capitol were wrong to enter and that the events that transpired were a severe affront to the democratic process. His core position centers on his constitutional duty, which he executed by refusing to unilaterally overturn the 2020 election results, a decision he maintained was based strictly on his oath to the Constitution, not political expediency.
He views the events as a dark day in American history, emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld even when facing immense pressure. The former Vice President has repeatedly called for unity and respect for the institutions that underpin the republic, contrasting the actions of the rioters with the peaceful transition of power. His statements often connect the need to defend the Constitution with the necessity of holding those responsible for the day's violence accountable through the legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mike Pence's position is a strong condemnation of the events that took place on January 6th. He views the attack on the Capitol as a lawless and violent day that directly challenged the peaceful transition of power.
The core of Mike Pence's stance—that the election certification process must be followed—has remained consistent since January 6th. He has not changed his belief that the violence was wrong and unconstitutional.
Mike Pence stated that the protestors who stormed the Capitol were wrong and that their actions were a disgrace. He emphasized that while he defended the Constitution on that day, the violence itself was an attack on American democracy.