Pence made the comment as he joined CNN’s Jake Tapper for a town hall promoting his new book, which is also intensifying as speculation mounts about whether he will challenge his former vice president in the GOP presidential race. Pence acknowledged that he may indeed enter the race on CNN and tied his forgiveness of Trump to his own desire for a future political environment with more civility and respect, something Pence has discussed at length in recent interviews. “I have to tell you, the president’s words and tweets that day were reckless,” former Vice President Mike Pence says of Jan. 6. “They put my family and all the people in the Capitol at risk. And I got angry. But…in the Christian faith, forgiveness is not optional” pic.twitter.com/cPoFnk63UO — CNN (@CNN) November 17, 2022 “The president’s words and tweet that day were reckless. They put my family and all the people in the Capitol at risk, and I was angry,” Pence told Tapper at the town hall. “But you know, my Christian faith tells me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger,” Pence continued. “And in the Christian faith, forgiveness is not optional. We literally pray the Lord’s Prayer to forgive those who trespass against us.” Pence continued to detail his conversations with Trump after the attack on Capitol Hill, saying the former president made “the right statements for the country.” “I’m as human as the next guy, and I’m still praying for the president and I’m praying for the grace to forgive him and all those responsible for that tragic day,” Pence told CNN. “But I really think we’re living in a time when the American people should be searching our hearts and having more grace toward one another,” Pence added. “And it seems like our country is more divided now than ever, even the broadcast networks seem to be divided along party lines, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to be on CNN today.” Pence’s appearance on the network comes a day after Trump officially announced his 2024 presidential campaign. Jan. 6 panel responds to Pence over new interview R. Kelly files motions for new trial or overturning conviction During the town hall, Pence reiterated his belief that there will be “better choices” than Trump in the GOP primaries, also saying “I’ll keep you posted” when pressed about his presidential aspirations. He spoke of the achievements of the Trump administration, while expressing regret at how it ended violently on January 6. “In the end, our administration did not end well,” Pence told Tapper.
