Former Vice President Mike Pence (R-IN) called for more civility in American politics during a speech on Wednesday.
His remarks come amid a period of intense national polarization, suggesting that the perceived divide between citizens is an exaggeration fueled by political rhetoric rather than the reality of the American public.
Speaking at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan, Pence said that his experiences traveling across the country have shaped his view of the electorate. He said that he is convinced Americans are less divided than the current political climate suggests [1].
"We need more civility in American politics," Pence said [2].
Pence said that the discourse surrounding national governance often obscures common ground. He said that a shift toward greater civility would improve public discourse and better reflect the actual sentiments of the people [1].
During the event, Pence also touched upon his relationship with his former running mate. When asked about his last communication with Donald Trump, Pence said, "It's been a while" [3].
“"We need more civility in American politics."”
Pence's emphasis on civility and the perceived gap between political rhetoric and public sentiment reflects an effort to position himself as a unifying figure within the Republican party. By distancing himself from the volatility of current political narratives, he is attempting to appeal to a broader, more moderate segment of the electorate that is fatigued by partisan conflict.
