Former Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit to New Hampshire Thursday, telling local Republicans that the party was on the verge of a great national comeback.
Pence delivered a keynote address at the annual Hillsborough County GOP Lincoln-Reagan fundraiser that at times had the feel of a stump speech. He wove together criticism of the Biden Administration, while touting the accomplishments of his and former President Trump’s four years in office.
“Think about it, during our 48 months, the Trump-Pence Administration achieved the lowest unemployment, the highest household incomes, the most energy production, the most pro-American trade deals, the most secure border and the strongest military,” said Pence.
He contrasted that with what he called Biden’s “radical agenda” and warned of “socialist decline and moral decay.”
“After 134 days, where the Biden Administration and Democrats in Washington have been pushing open borders, higher taxes, runaway spending, more government, defunding the police, abandoning the right to life, censoring free speech, cancelling our most cherished liberties, I came here to say enough is enough,” Pence said.
He also spoke about the Jan. 6th insurrection, in which a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop the certification of the November election. Several rioters that day called for Pence to be hanged, and Pence himself had to be ushered to safety. Pence called the day a dark one in the country’s history, but also noted that he and Trump took a different view of the day's events.
“You know, President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office, and I don’t know if we will ever see eye to eye on that day,” Pence said. “But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years.”
Pence also warned that Democrats and the media were using the riot to “discredit the aspirations of millions of Americans.”
Pence also addressed what he called the “myth of systemic racism” and criminal justice reform, saying America is not a racist country.
“Black lives are not endangered by police,” Pence said. “Black lives are saved by police every day.”
Pence was introduced by Gov. Chris Sununu, and the two lavished praise on each other.
Pence praised Sununu for his “extraordinary and compassionate leadership,” and said he was grateful for the governor’s support. Sununu described Pence as a friend whose “heart is in the right place.”
