Former Vice President Mike Pence on new book, President Trump’s second term and more

Former Vice President Mike Pence appeared on *Face the Nation* to promote his new book, *What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience*, where he warns the Republican Party risks losing its identity by embracing populist grievances over core conservative values. Pence argued the GOP’s traditional focus on limited government, free markets, and moral values—including the right to life—has been overshadowed by a faction advocating isolationism, big-government policies, and protectionism. He cited Trump’s second term as a mixed record, praising border security, tax cuts, and support for Israel while criticizing credit card price controls, pharmaceutical nationalization, and inconsistent Ukraine policy. Pence also addressed the recent Texas Senate primary, where Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn despite facing scandals, including a 2023 impeachment and a public divorce. When asked if Paxton’s character reflects the party’s values, Pence emphasized that integrity matters but acknowledged the broader shift in Republican politics. His book positions him as a voice urging the party to return to its foundational principles ahead of the 2028 election. The interview highlighted tensions within the GOP between traditional conservatives and the populist right, with Pence framing his book as a call to reclaim the party’s conservative conscience. He contrasted the Trump administration’s achievements—like securing the border and extending tax cuts—with policies he views as straying from conservative ideals, such as tariffs and abortion pill distribution. Pence’s remarks underscore his role as a critic of the party’s current trajectory, even as he remains aligned with its base.