Republicans will have ‘better options’ than Trump

() — Former Vice President Mike Pence told a forum on Wednesday night that Republicans “will have a better chance” than former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

Pence told ‘s Jake Tapper that he thinks Americans “want us to go back to the policies of the Trump-Pence administration.”

“The other thing that I have constantly heard is that the American people are looking for new leadership, leadership that unites our country around our highest ideals, leadership that reflects the civility and respect that most Americans hold. each other,” Pence said.

The former vice president did not directly address whether he himself will run for president, but did allude to the possibility.

“I believe that in the days ahead, whatever role my family and I play in the Republican Party, whether as a candidate or simply as part of the cause, I believe that we will have a better chance than my former partner. I think the United States longs to get back to the policies that were working for the American people, but I think it’s time for new leadership,” Pence said.

The former vice president takes part in a forum as questions are raised about his 2024 plans and the direction of the Republican Party after a disappointing showing in last week’s midterm elections.

anchor and chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper moderates the discussion. The forum takes place in New York City in front of a live studio audience and Pence is expected to answer questions.

The forum takes place a day after former President Donald Trump announced his third run for president and just hours after projected Republicans to win the House of Representatives. The event also follows the release Tuesday of Pence’s memoir, “So Help Me God.”

Pence has hinted at his own potential 2024 candidacy, recently telling ABC News that he thinks “we’ll have better options going forward” than Trump. In the same interview, he criticized Trump for being “reckless” with his tweet attacking him on January 6, 2021.

Pence has been coy about his plans for 2024, but has long been viewed as a possible contender for the Republican presidential nomination.