In collaboration with ASU's Center for Free Speech, the Institute of Politics hosted Mike Pence, the 48th vice president of the United States, for a conversation about his background and political perspectives on the Tempe campus on Tuesday.
Former Sen. Jeff Flake, the founding director of the Institute of Politics, facilitated the discussion. Flake also formerly represented Arizona in the House of Representatives and was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye.
The event was part of Dialogues for Democracy, an annual and nonpartisan speaker series.
Pence reflected on his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Flake said Pence didn't always vote with the president of his party.
"It's never comfortable when you tell your friends no," Pence said.
He urged students in the audience to "develop the habits of heart and mind that would make you be a person that would keep your word" and to take time to learn the principles of the Constitution.
"The better you understand it, the more you'll be prepared to defend it," Pence said.
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Pence discussed the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection as well, calling it "one of the darkest days in the history of the U.S. Capitol."
Pence, who served as vice president during President Donald Trump's first administration, said he disagreed with Trump's belief that the 2020 election should be overturned and concluded his constitutional duty was clear. He emphasized that the presidency "belongs to the American people" and that no single official has the authority to choose the president.
Daniel Ghera, a sophomore studying finance who attended the event, said he admires Pence.
"He did a very good thing standing up to Trump in the last election," Ghera said. "Obviously, there wasn't enough evidence that the election was stolen, so he did the right thing."
Pence also spoke on immigration, bringing up his personal background as the grandson of an Irish immigrant as motivation to pursue reform.
"I want to give President Trump and our border security team all the credit in the world for securing our border," Pence said. "We literally have the most secure southern border in the history of the country today."
However, he acknowledged that the system in place is not perfect and that errors in immigration enforcement must still be held accountable.
On the current Iran war, Pence expressed pride in the armed forces. He also praised President Trump's decisions to begin military action in Iran.
"I truly do believe this is a just war," Pence said. "I believe it's a just cause."
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Pence concluded the event by elaborating on his faith and principles. He said he believes in limited government, strong defense, a respect for traditional values and fiscal responsibility.
"I tell people I'm a Christian, a conservative and a Republican in that order," Pence said.
He defined conservatism as preserving "the tradition of civility in public life."
He also said he can disagree with someone without characterizing them as a bad person. As an example, Pence said he and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are friends with a lot of respect for each other despite their political disagreements.
"He's an American who stands by what he believes in, and I respect that," Pence said. "I think the American people long for us to restore a threshold of civility."
Institute of Politics Ambassador Matthew Low, a sophomore studying French and international relations, was also able to attend a meet-and-greet before the forum. Low highlighted the bipartisan appeal of hearing from the former vice president.
"Although I'm not a Republican, I think it was a good opportunity to engage with Mike Pence, who has a lot of leadership experience and certainly plenty to offer in terms of wisdom and public service," Low said.
In an interview after the forum, Flake said Pence had held to his principles and character during his political career.
"(He) realizes that there ought to be civility in politics," Flake said. "You can disagree without hating people, and that's personified by Mike."
Edited by Carsten Oyer, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at swang496@asu.edu.
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Quinn is currently a first-year Barrett student studying Business Data Analytics & Supply Chain Management with a minor in fashion. She is the Professional Development Intern for ASU's DECA Chapter and a part of Phi Alpha Delta in addition to being a politics reporter at the State Press.
