Former VP Mike Pence: Trump and I may never ‘see eye to eye’ on Jan. 6 Capitol attack
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Mike Pence seen sheltering only 100 feet from insurrectionists in video from Capitol riots
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Former Vice President Mike Pence lauded his and former President Donald Trump’s administration in a speech Thursday, but he said the two may never “see eye to eye” about the Jan. 6 insurrection.
To a crowd of Republicans in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Pence called the Capitol riot a “dark day” in American history. The attack saw thousands of pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol and left five people dead.
“President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office,” Pence said. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see eye to eye on that day. But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people for the last four years.”
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Trump insisted Pence had the power to block congressional certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election win in November. Pence repeatedly denied the false claims, saying only lawmakers can decide whether to accept the Electoral College votes won by Biden.
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During the riots, chants to “hang Mike Pence” and “bring out Pence” erupted in the crowd, according to video shown during Trump’s second impeachment trial.
But Pence on Thursday immediately cast blame on Democrats and news media for what he called an outsized scrutiny over the day.
“I will not allow Democrats and their allies in the media to use one tragic day to discredit the aspirations of millions of Americans,” he said.
Thirty-five House Republicans, including Indiana Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, voted in favor of a bipartisan commission to study the insurrection, but Senate Republicans blocked the commission effort last week. Neither Indiana senator voted in favor of the commission.
Contact Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com or 317-503-7514.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former VP Mike Pence: Trump and I may never ‘see eye to eye’ on Jan. 6 Capitol attack