Former Vice President Mike Pence has spoken against attempts to use the 14th Amendment to prevent former President Donald Trump from running in the 2024 Republican primaries.

Pence, who is currently seeking the 2024 Republican nomination, opposes efforts to prevent former Trump from being on the primary ballot, which have sprung up in various states in recent weeks. While there is some momentum within the party to use the constitutional provision against Trump, Pence has a different perspective on the matter, as Fox News report.

14th Amendment controversy swirls

After Trump announced his intention to run for the White House for the third time last November, the conversation around using the 14th Amendment to exclude him from the ballot intensified.

This amendment, particularly Section 3, disqualifies individuals who have taken an oath to the U.S. Constitution and later participated in "insurrection or rebellion" or assisted its enemies from holding office.

The push for invoking this provision has gained traction, especially after Trump faced indictments in Washington, D.C. and Georgia. These charges allege that he tried to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden.

Pence hopes for a debate with Trump

Despite the controversies, Pence remains hopeful about Trump's inclusion in upcoming debates. In a recent interview during his visit to a New Hampshire bakery, he remarked:

Not only do I expect him to be on the ballot, but I hope he’s on the debate stage really soon.

He was specifically referencing the second Republican presidential nomination debate scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Pence wishes for a head-to-head discussion with Trump about the country's future during this debate.

Republican voices in New Hampshire

New Hampshire, known for its significance in the Republican presidential nominating calendar, has witnessed divided opinions on this issue.

While some are skeptical about Trump's eligibility, others, including Republican Governor Chris Sununu, fully expect to see Trump on the state's ballot.

Mike Pence echoed Sununu's sentiment, highlighting his anticipation for the upcoming debate in California.

A strained relationship between Pence and Trump

The once harmonious relationship between Trump and Pence took a drastic turn on Jan. 6, 2021.

On this day, Pence was in the U.S. Capitol, presiding over the session that would certify President Biden's Electoral College victory.

The U.S. Capitol was breached, and Pence, along with many members of Congress, had to evacuate for safety.

Some protestors even called for violent actions against Pence.

By adhering to what he described as his constitutional duties and not succumbing to Trump's desires to overturn the election results, Pence drew the ire of Trump and many of his fervent supporters.

Current standings for the 2024 GOP nomination

Despite the recent indictments and controversies, Trump remains a dominant figure in the race for the GOP 2024 presidential nomination.

His popularity among the party's base is evident.

On the other hand, Pence's support seems to lag significantly.

Current polls place him in the single digits, similar to many other GOP contenders for the presidential nomination.

Conclusion

• Mike Pence opposes the use of the 14th Amendment to bar Trump from the 2024 Republican primaries.
• The debate over the 14th Amendment's applicability to Trump has intensified since his recent indictments.
• Pence looks forward to debating Trump in the upcoming GOP debate in California.
• There is a divide within the Republican party, especially in key states like New Hampshire, about Trump's eligibility.
• The relationship between Pence and Trump deteriorated post-Jan. 6, 2021 events.
• Trump continues to lead the GOP 2024 presidential nomination race, with Pence trailing in polls.