Transcript: Former Vice President Mike Pence on “Face the Nation,” Aug. 6, 2023

The next is a transcript of an interview with former Vice President Mike Pence that can air on “Face the Nation” on Aug. 6, 2023.

MAJOR GARRETT: Mr. Vice President, you have been in New Hampshire not too long ago, as you have been going to an occasion, some Trump supporters got here to you and known as you a traitor, stated you have been a sellout, stated you did not uphold the Structure. To what diploma does that rattle you?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE: You already know, I do know in my coronary heart of hearts, that on January 6, I did my responsibility, saved my oath to the Structure of america. And the factor that I am inspired about, Main, is as we journey, not solely right here in New Hampshire, however across the nation, is an increasing number of Individuals are recognizing that we saved our oath that day. And I believe with this week’s information I’ve had- I’ve had so many individuals come as much as me and simply categorical their appreciation for the stand that we took, by God’s grace, to do our responsibility to see to the peaceable switch of energy. And I am inspired by that, I need to let you know. Look, President Trump was mistaken. He was mistaken then. He is mistaken now. I had no proper to overturn the election. And an increasing number of Individuals are coming as much as me on daily basis and recognizing that, and- and individually, I am operating for president partly as a result of, frankly, President Trump requested me to place him over the Structure that day, however I selected the Structure and I at all times will.

MAJOR GARRETT: So I wish to ask you about characterizations which were made by those that converse on behalf of the president’s authorized workforce. They’ve stated this week that every one they requested of you, that’s to say the president, was to delay the proceedings to permit states to conduct an audit. Is {that a} truthful illustration of what you have been requested to do, Mr. Vice President?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  Main, that is not what occurred. And, you realize, as I wrote about in my ebook, as I’ve spoken about very brazenly, and- and albeit, as is recounted in points of the pleadings that have been filed this week. From-from someday in the course of December, the president started to be informed that I had some authority to reject or return votes again to the states. I had no such authority. No vp in American historical past had ever asserted that authority and nobody ever ought to. Your viewers can go to Article II of the Structure and see that it’s extremely clear. It says that the vp, as president of the Senate, ought to preside over the Home and Senate in a joint session, and that the Electoral School votes shall be opened and shall be counted. There was no discretion ever given to the vp in historical past, nor ought to there ever be. I had no proper to overturn the election and Kamala Harris could have no proper to overturn the election once we beat them in 2024. However look, I- I- I stand by the info as they occurred. I imply, it ebbed and flowed between completely different authorized theories, however on the finish of the day, I do know we did our responsibility. I do know we saved our oath. However I- I really do imagine that, you realize, nobody who ever places himself over the Structure ought to ever be president of america. I imply, our Structure is extra vital than anybody man and our nation is extra vital than anybody man’s profession. And, you realize, I am operating as a result of, not simply I saved religion with the Structure on daily basis for these 4 years, but additionally as a result of this nation is in a whole lot of hassle. And admittedly, I do know the media is preoccupied with this concern and just about every thing having to do with my former operating mate, however as I journey round New Hampshire, as I used to be in Iowa over the past week, individuals are struggling on this financial system. They’re apprehensive in regards to the world turning into extra harmful by the day. They’re seeing power costs spike. And we’re gonna concentrate on these points even whereas making the case that, that we saved our phrase, we saved our oath and by God’s grace, we did our responsibility on that fateful day.

MAJOR GARRETT: To the purpose you simply made, Mr. Vice President, some Republicans have lamented that up to now, this main dialog inside the Republican Social gathering, is content material free, coverage free due to all of the distractions round it. Do you agree?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I believe it’s- it’s- it is one of many unlucky points of- of this week’s information across the president is now this is- this simply ensures that- that many within the media and within the public debate are going to spend extra time speaking in regards to the president and his authorized challenges than speaking about what the American individuals are going through. I- I- I gotta let you know, I gave a speech final week, on the Indiana State Honest outlining my plan to deal with inflation. We got here out with a really first plan to do this. Within the coming week, we’re gonna lay out our plan to unleash American power and obtain American power independence, but it surely’s- it is simply another reason why I am satisfied that not solely do we want new management within the White Home, however we want new management within the Republican Social gathering and I’ve simply decided, my spouse and I are to journey all throughout New Hampshire, all throughout Iowa, all of the early states and inform our story and concentrate on these points the American individuals are centered on and I am very assured, extra on daily basis that the American individuals are going to rally round a regular bearer that’s centered on the problems they’re coping with, reasonably than re-litigating the previous or specializing in the most recent controversy within the media.

MAJOR GARRETT: It’s a matter of public curiosity, although, Mr. Vice President, if this case involves trial, would you be a witness towards the president?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I’ll- I’ll let you know, you realize, I did not need something to do with the January 6 committee. That was a partisan committee on Capitol Hill, Main. And it appeared to me to be simply politics, from the very begin, significantly when- when Nancy Pelosi dismissed, you realize, members of Congress that Speaker McCarthy wished on the committee. And admittedly, you realize, I used to be one of many first individuals to denounce that indictment in Manhattan and to denounce the raid on the president’s residence, however on this case, we have stood firmly for the rule of regulation. You already know, I- I took a stand, we challenged in courtroom the scope of any testimony that I might present, as a result of as president of the Senate, the Structure offers me with the protections which can be afforded to members of Congress. We- we received that on the decrease courtroom degree and, and in the end, we responded to a subpoena, and I’ve no plans to testify, however individuals might be assured we’ll- we’ll obey the regulation. We’ll reply to the decision of the regulation, if it comes and we’ll simply inform the reality. Look, I have been telling this story over the past two years. However I need to let you know over the past week, evidently an increasing number of Individuals have been coming as much as me and simply expressing a phrase of appreciation, for what by God’s grace that we did that day. You already know, I took that oath in January of 2021. To- excuse me, January 2017- to help and defend the Structure of america. I made that promise to the American individuals and to Almighty God, and by His grace, and with their help, we saved that oath each single day, together with by that day and- and we’ll proceed to inform that story in all places we go.

MAJOR GARRETT: To be clear, Mr. Vice President, you don’t regard this indictment because the political persecution of the previous president?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I have been very involved about politicization on the Justice Division for years, Main. Look, I- I lived by the Russia hoax. I imply, I needed to cope with the Mueller investigation. I incurred greater than $500,000 in authorized charges responding to that investigation. I- I watched the Democrats impeach the president for a telephone name. After which, after which I’ve simply been- I have been deeply troubled to see the double commonplace between, you realize, the way in which that the Justice Division has gone after the president, responded even in- with different Republicans and pro-life Individuals and the way in which they appear to be- to take no real interest in attending to the underside of allegations of corruption round President Biden’s household. So I’ve deep concern about that. However look, I do not wish to prejudge this indictment. I do not know whether or not the federal government has the proof past an affordable doubt to help this case. The president is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but- however my concern about politicization on the Justice Division is the rationale why I inform individuals in all places I’m going, if I am- if I am the following president of america, we will clear home on the Justice Division. We will appoint women and men on the highest ranges in- in- within the Justice Division on this nation that can restore the arrogance of the American individuals in equal remedy below the regulation. 

MAJOR GARRETT: Mr. Vice President, inform me about these notes that the particular prosecutor referred to within the indictment? Have been these all of the notes you took on your entire conversations with the previous president at the moment? Have been you a notice taker all through your time as vp? Did you hand them off to workers? Have been these stuff you saved your self? Inform me in regards to the note- the notice course of?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I can let you know, Main, I’ve some limitations of what I can speak about relative to the grand jury, however, there was once in a while, significantly at vital moments, I had a follow of scribbling a notice or two on my calendar simply to memorialize it and keep in mind it and I did that on this case. I usually did not make a follow of taking notes in conferences over the 4 yr time frame, however given the momentous occasions that have been unfolding, I- I- I did take just a few notes to remind myself of what had been stated. And you realize, from very early on, the very first time the president raised the difficulty with me, that I- that he was being informed that I had the suitable to overturn the election, to reject or return votes, I informed him, I knew I had no such authority. Look, I am a scholar of American historical past. I knew the founders of this nation would by no means have given anybody individual the suitable to decide on what Electoral School votes to just accept and which of them to reject. I used to be very in keeping with the president about that and my recollections all mirror that, however you realize, at- on the finish of the day, the president continued to carry to that view, however I knew what my responsibility was. And as I stated, by God’s grace, we did our responsibility on that fateful day.

MAJOR GARRETT: Mr. Vice President, what do you imagine the president’s frame of mind was about whether or not he received or misplaced the 2020 election?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: You already know, I actually cannot say, I- I- I do not know what was in his thoughts. And it appeared to me by all that time frame the- the president was intent as all of us have been in attending to the underside of voting irregularities that had taken place. There have been roughly a half a dozen states that had modified the principles within the title of COVID. And admittedly, modified them in ways in which may gain advantage Democrat candidates, however in additional than 60 lawsuits, all of which I supported and in evaluations at state ranges, there was by no means any proof of widespread fraud that will have modified the result of the election in any of these states. And on the finish of the day, there was a chance to listen to objections to these adjustments on the ground of the Congress, however along with the lack of life, the assault on cops, the vandalism of the Capitol, one of many losses on January 6 was that debate, which might have occurred on the ground of the Congress earlier than the American individuals glided by the boards. And so, you realize, I actually do not know on the finish of the day, what the president believed in regards to the election, however for me, individually, I knew that our responsibility was clear. That below the Structure of america my job was to preside over a joint session of Congress, open and rely the electoral votes, and we did our responsibility.

MAJOR GARRETT: Did you ever hear the president say “I misplaced” or did you ever participate in a gathering the place it was clear from different phrases that he spoke that he knew he had misplaced and was getting ready to go away the White Home?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  I keep in mind one event earlier than Christmas, the place the president requested me what- what- what he thought we must do. We have been simply the 2 of us within the Oval Workplace, Main. And I- I keep in mind, I checked out him and I stated, look, let all of the lawsuits play out, let the Congress do their work to think about objections, however I stated on the finish of the day, if the election goes the opposite approach, I stated we must take a bow, we must journey across the nation. And I keep in mind, I keep in mind, the president is standing in entrance of his desk, listening very intently to me, and I will always remember the way in which he simply sort of pointed at me as if to- as if to say, that is value desirous about. However I do not know what was in his thoughts on the time. And individually, it was at all times about simply us going by the method. I imply, look, the peaceable switch of energy is likely one of the nice traditions within the lifetime of this nation, the place there are points associated to elections, we have now courts to evaluate them. We now have procedures in states to evaluate them and in the end, the Congress can hear objections. We have been working by that course of. And I used to be decided to play my half to see it by.

MAJOR GARRETT: Would you ever vote once more for Donald Trump?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Look, I do not suppose I will must. I’ve to let you know in all places I’m going–

MAJOR GARRETT: –That wasn’t the query, Mr. Vice President, would you ever vote for Donald Trump once more?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Yeah. Yeah, I do know what your query is, however let me be very clear, I am operating for president as a result of I do not suppose anybody who ever places himself over the Structure ought to ever be president or ought to ever be president once more. This nation is in a whole lot of hassle. And we have got to get again to fundamentals, we have got to get again to preserving religion of the Structure, we have got to get again to the insurance policies that can make our financial system robust, that’ll safe our border, that’ll help our navy, that’ll defend our liberties and our values which can be below a gentle assault by the Biden administration. And we will work our hearts out to earn the suitable to be that commonplace bearer. And in all places I’m going, the encouragement we obtain, I am extra satisfied than ever  that- that Republicans should not solely going to- going to provide us an amazing victory within the fall of 2024, however we’re gonna have new management within the Republican Social gathering. And I am gonna work my coronary heart out to ensure it is me.

MAJOR GARRETT: Will the phrase “you are too trustworthy” be a referendum on this marketing campaign?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I- you’d have to go away that to others, however the American individuals can at all times rely on me being trustworthy about the place we’re. I used to be in a barn this weekend in New Hampshire, and I checked out all of them and I stated, I am the man speaking in regards to the nationwide debt. We now have the most important nationwide debt for the reason that finish of World Conflict II, it is the dimensions of our financial system. And we have got–

MAJOR GARRETT: –Mr. Vice President–

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: The American individuals lengthy for management that can converse plainly and truthfully with them in regards to the challenges going through the nation and the way we carry America again. And I promise to be simply that candidate.

MAJOR GARRETT: However you realize what I am driving at, Mr. Vice President. That is what President Trump stated to you. You are too trustworthy. If nobody goes to make it a referendum on his health for workplace, apart from you, how is it going to grow to be a referendum?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, effectively, let me say, I have been known as worse, Main, so I am by no means offended by individuals calling me an trustworthy man. And I at all times aspire to that and aspire to that in my religion, as effectively, however look, I believe there’s a lot, loads of room, operating room on this main marketing campaign. I gotta let you know, the individuals which can be displaying up at our city halls, displaying up at lounge conferences, I believe individuals are prepared for a change. And I, look, that is, this election goes to be a referendum on Joe Biden. This election must be a referendum on the failed insurance policies of the Biden administration which have weakened America at residence and overseas. And I am assured that Republican main voters right here within the first within the nation main state are gonna give us a regular bearer that can focus this election on the failed insurance policies of Joe Biden and the Democrats in Washington. They usually’re gonna carry us to a historic victory in 2024.

MAJOR GARRETT:  Earlier this week, Mr. Vice President, the previous president stated he felt sorry for you. Would you like his pity?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I’d let you know, I- I do not need something besides a listening ear from each American. And I- I simply must let you know, Main, as I’ve traveled across the nation the final two years, the American individuals have come alongside me at airports and at grocery shops time and again to provide me a phrase of thanks and encouragement. So I- you realize, I do not know who the previous president is speaking to however this can be a nation that loves the Structure. This can be a nation that is aware of we will do higher than the failed insurance policies of the Biden administration. I believe that is why so many individuals are going to our web site, MikePence2024.com. They’re making a contribution, actually greater than 1,000 individuals a day over the past week, that is going to make it doable for us to be on that debate stage. It is as a result of they see in us the expertise and the confirmed conservative management that may carry this nation again.

MAJOR GARRETT:  Have you ever certified for the controversy, Mr. Vice President with 40,000 distinctive donors?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, we’re getting actual shut, Main, I will let you know, I encourage individuals to go to that web site. We clearly already qualify simply by the polling numbers, however I believe the American individuals wish to see probably the most skilled and confirmed conservative on that stage. And admittedly, you realize, I am wanting ahead to the controversy, not simply with my former operating mate, however with others on this get together who’re strolling away from America’s historic dedication as chief of the free world, strolling away from a dedication of fiscal duty and development and even strolling away from our dedication to the suitable to life. You already know, I am a- I am an previous Reagan conservative from approach again and I simply, I promise you that, once we’re on that stage, we will take the case for that broad, mainstream conservative agenda that is led our get together to victory and our nation to nice prosperity and safety in years previous and can once more within the years forward. 

MAJOR GARRETT: Earlier than I allow you to go, Mr. Vice President, as I perceive it, that is an honor system course of with the 40,000 donors. Nobody on the Republican Nationwide Committee checks this proof. Is that proper?

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, we might be totally ready to have them take a look at our listing. You already know, we, as I stated, we have had individuals going to our web site, and folks have been donating–

 MAJOR GARRETT: –However no person does, although. However no person does, although.

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Yeah, yeah, we haven’t- we’ve not been handing out kickbacks or present playing cards or soccer tickets. Persons are just- individuals are supporting us at MikePence2024.com as a result of they imagine in our dedication. They imagine in our- our- our dedication to the broad conservative agenda and we might be more than pleased to have individuals check out that listing, however I am assured we’ll qualify, Main, and I am wanting ahead to being in Milwaukee.

MAJOR GARRETT: One final thing, do you imagine the previous president can obtain a good trial within the District of Columbia? 

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Properly, I- I- I’d hope so, however I- I do not wish to prejudge the indictment or prejudge whether or not, whether or not the federal government could make their case. Look, the president’s entitled to a presumption of innocence and I- I’ve each confidence that- that he’ll make his case in courtroom, however on the finish of the day- on the finish of the day, I am gonna keep centered on the place the American individuals are centered, however I- I am additionally I am by no means gonna waver in making it clear to folks that regardless of the consequence of this indictment and no matter it is, you realize, wherever it goes, I do know I did my responsibility that day and I believe- I believe an increasing number of Individuals on daily basis are recognizing that- that we saved our oath to the Structure and if I’ve the good privilege of being president of america, they know that I at all times will.

MAJOR GARRETT: Former Vice President Mike Pence, thanks for becoming a member of us.

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Thanks, Main.