Former Vice President Mike Pence has voiced his opinion on the debate over Social Security and Medicare, saying the entitlement programs must be put “on the table in the long-term.” Pence argued that the debt crisis facing the U.S. over the next 25 years is “driven by entitlements” and that “no one in Washington D.C. wants to talk about it.”[0]
The comments come as Pence takes a jab at potential 2024 presidential rival Ron DeSantis, criticizing the Florida governor for his handling of the Disney fight.[1] After Disney put out a statement condemning the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, DeSantis took action to end Disney’s control of the district in which Disney World is situated.[2]
Pence praised the Florida law as a measure to “protect kids and protect parental rights” but expressed concerns about DeSantis’s follow-up actions. “The idea of going after their taxing authority…that was beyond the scope of what I, as a conservative, limited-government Republican would be prepared to do,” he said.[3]
DeSantis recounted the conversation with former Disney CEO Bob Chapek in his new memoir, “The Courage to be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for American Revival”, where Chapek said, “We get pressured all the time. But this time is different. I haven’t seen anything like this before.”[4] Chapek and Disney “ultimately caved to leftist media and activist pressure and pressed the false narrative against the bill,” DeSantis wrote.[5]
In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden took a stand against Republicans who are trying to reduce spending. Members of both political parties are adamant that they will not alter the entitlement programs.[6] Former House Speaker Paul Ryan criticized both Biden and former President Donald Trump for placing cuts to Social Security and Medicare out of bounds.
When queried about a potential presidential run in 2024, Pence responded saying, “I’ll keep you posted.”[7] Donald Trump is aiming to strongly differentiate himself from Ron DeSantis, whom he highlighted in a tweet this week: “Ron DeSanctimonious wants to cut your Social Security and Medicare,” he declared.[8]
0. “The United States is Headed Toward a Debt Crisis: Former VP Mike Pence” CryptoPotato, 22 Feb. 2023, https://cryptopotato.com/the-united-states-is-headed-toward-a-debt-crisis-former-vp-mike-pence/
1. “Pence criticises DeSantis for escalating Disney battle…” Daily Maverick, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-23-pence-criticizes-desantis-for-escalating-disney-battle-ahead-of-2024/
2. “Pence: DeSantis’ Disney Actions Not a ‘Limited-Government’ Response” Newsmax, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mike-pence-ron-desantis-florida/2023/02/22/id/1109756
3. “Mike Pence Defends Disney and Crucifies DeSantis” Disney Dining, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.disneydining.com/mike-pence-defends-disney-and-crucifies-desantis-em1
4. “Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek Reportedly Complained to Florida Governor About Getting Involved in ‘Don’t Say Gay …” WDW News Today, 27 Feb. 2023, https://wdwnt.com/2023/02/former-disney-ceo-bob-chapek-complained-to-florida-governor-about-getting-involved-in-dont-say-gay-controversy/
5. “Former Disney CEO privately complained to DeSantis about ‘pressure’ from woke left amid Florida fight: book” Fox News, 27 Feb. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-disney-ceo-privately-complained-desantis-pressure-woke-left-florida-fight-book
6. “Pence: Social Security, Medicare Reforms Needed for Long Haul” Newsmax, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mike-pence-medicare-social-security/2023/02/22/id/1109720/
7. “Mike Pence might already have put an end to his prospects of winning the presidency. | US.Crime Online” NewsBreak Original, 24 Feb. 2023, https://original.newsbreak.com/@us-crime-online-1609644/2935113965959-mike-pence-might-already-have-put-an-end-to-his-prospects-of-winning-the-presidency
8. “Mike Pence breaks with Trump on Medicare and Social Security” NBC News, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/mike-pence-trump-medicare-social-security-rcna71778
