When questioned on Friday if he would describe the events of January 6, 2021, as an “insurrection,” former vice president Mike Pence stumbled.
The embarrassing exchange took place at the Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, where Tucker Carlson, the moderator, questioned the Republican presidential candidates about their stances on the issues that matter to voters.
The former Fox News presenter had a clear command of the room and was unforgiving of those who wanted to continue the GOP’s legacy.
Asa Hutchinson, a former governor of Arkansas, was humiliated by Carlson after he earlier vetoed a bill that would have shielded minors in his state from hormone “therapy” and transgender surgery.
Carlson then questioned Pence about the incursion into the Capitol.
On CNN, the former vice president has waged a campaign in which he has separated himself from the outgoing president Donald Trump while reiterating evasive platitudes and positioning himself as the ideal statesman.
According to polling, it hasn’t yet struck a chord with prospective voters.
Pence had the opportunity to speak about the day’s events that turned Trump — and many of his followers — against him on Friday thanks to Carlson.
“I have to ask you,” Carlson said, “since you were a witness to and in some unintentional way a participant in one of the most widely covered events in American history, Jan. 6: What was that? Do you think that was an insurrection?”
Pence sighed before stopping to thank the organizers of the event.
“Can I just take a moment just to say thank you?” he asked. He also mentioned pro-life protections soon to be signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Eventually, Pence got around to answering Carlson’s very direct question.
Tucker: "Do you think (J6) was an insurrection?"
Pence: "I've never used the word 'insurrection.' It was a riot." pic.twitter.com/RQ2fh7ZxaF
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 14, 2023
“Now, as to that day, let me just say: All I know for sure, having lived through it at the Capitol, is that it was a tragic day,” Pence said.
He added, “I’ve never used the word ‘insurrection,’ Tucker, over the last two years. But it was a riot that took place at the Capitol that day.”
Pence lamented the “tragic loss of life” on Jan. 6 and defended his decision not to send Electoral College votes back to state legislatures amid the contested 2020 election.
Carlson stopped Pence there.
“When you say ‘the tragic loss of life,’ who are you referring to?” he asked.
Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot to death by a Capitol Police officer on January 6, was the lone direct casualty, according to Pence.
Later, after Pence indicated he wanted additional financial aid for Ukraine despite the difficulties facing American communities, Carlson and Pence got into an argument about it.
“You are distressed that the Ukrainians don’t have enough American tanks,” Carlson said. “Every city in the United States has become much worse over the past three years.”
Carlson told Pence to drive around and see for himself. Pence appeared irritated by Carlson’s suggestion as the audience applauded.
Carlson then asked Pence, “Where’s the concern for the United States?”
In a confounding response, Pence said, “It’s not my concern. Tucker, I’ve heard that routine from you before, but that’s not my concern.”
Tucker Carlson just brutalized Mike Pence for prioritizing Ukraine despite a litany of social ills afflicting America:
Tucker: "Where's the concern for the United States?"
Pence: "That's not my concern. Tucker I've heard this routine from you before. That's not my concern." pic.twitter.com/1t3docDEsd
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 14, 2023
The Republican primary began when Trump declared his campaign in November of last year, but it really picked up steam on Friday in Iowa.
Pence failed to seize the opportunity and is certain to withdraw from the race in the near future.
Nobody knows how he will make it through the upcoming debates while completely out of touch with the conservative base.