Mike Pence drops out of presidential race
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Pence has never gained traction in a race dominated by former President Donald Trump.
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Mike Pence speaks at the National Review Ideas Summit on March 31, 2023. (AP)
Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his withdrawal from the US presidential campaign on Saturday, stating that it was not "his time".
Pence, the first prominent 2024 contender to halt his campaign, stated at the annual convention of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, "It's become clear to me: this is not my time."
"After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president."
Pence had announced his candidacy in June, and, like most of his opponents for the Republican Party's nomination for President, never gained traction in a race dominated by former President Donald Trump.
Despite scandals, two impeachments, and many criminal indictments, the New York billionaire maintains strong support from the party faithful.
Pence's withdrawal is a watershed moment in the campaign, highlighting how tough it is for even Trump's most devoted sidekick to defeat his former boss in the fight to discover who would confront Democratic President Joe Biden.
When entrusted with reversing the results of the 2020 election that Trump falsely claimed to have won, Pence, an establishment figure, eventually refused to play along, quickly becoming a target for Trump's supporters.
Trump bashes Republican primaries for wasting time over low viewership
Last month, Donald Trump, former US President and 2024 presidential candidate, criticized the Republican Party's primary debates during a speech in South Carolina, labeling them as pointless due to low viewership.
Trump pointed out that the last Republican debate, which marked the start of the 2024 primary season, had the lowest ratings in history.
"They’re wasting a lot of time with these ridiculous debates that nobody is watching," Trump said.
Instead of participating in the debate, Trump chose to be interviewed by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on the latter's X talk show. He also announced his intention to skip the upcoming Republican Party's second primary debate on Wednesday, opting to address current and former United Auto Workers union members.
