Political Crossroads: Pence’s Bold Stand at Dartmouth Sparks Debate on Democracy’s Future
As a news reporter on the ground at Dartmouth College, I witnessed a remarkable evening of political discourse that brought both passionate debate inside and protests outside the historic Hanover Inn.
Former Vice President Mike Pence took center stage on Thursday evening, delivering frank insights about the Republican Party’s direction while carefully sidestepping direct mentions of his former running mate. The event, which drew over 500 combined in-person and online attendees, marked a significant moment in Dartmouth’s 2024 election speaker series.
“I’m staying out of it,” Pence declared firmly when asked about endorsing the Republican presidential ticket. His words echoed through the packed room as he added, “I’m concerned about the direction of the Republican Party.” This statement drew murmurs from the crowd of 300+ in-person attendees.
Outside the venue, roughly two dozen protesters made their voices heard. Their chants of “Say it loud, say it clear: Homophobes aren’t welcome here” created a stark contrast to the measured tones inside. Some protesters held signs reading “Fascism is scary” and “Bigots are not welcome,” highlighting the deep divisions in current American political discourse.
The former Vice President shared a powerful personal account of January 6th, revealing that anger, not fear, drove his actions that day. “I was determined to stay at my post and finish the job,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional duties over political pressure.
Professor Russell Muirhead, who helped moderate the discussion, offered unique insight into Pence’s campus visit. “There’s probably nobody in the Republican Party better situated to describe the rise of Trump in a sympathetic way and the challenge and threat to democratic institutions,” he noted. This perspective highlights why Dartmouth chose Pence as a key speaker in their election series.
The event forms part of a broader initiative, including visits from other political figures like Senator John Fetterman and conservative columnist Bill Kristol. These diverse voices contribute to Dartmouth’s effort to bridge political divides and foster meaningful dialogue.
In a surprising moment of bipartisan reflection, Pence spoke warmly about his friendship with the late civil rights activist and Democratic Congressman John Lewis, demonstrating that political differences need not prevent personal connections.
The evening wasn’t without its controversies. Professor Bethany Moreton questioned the wisdom of providing a platform for Pence, given his stance on LGBTQ+ rights. “Universities are places for debating ideas. These are not ideas that are in need of a platform or further debate,” she argued.
Looking ahead to Election Day, Pence’s visit underscores the complex challenges facing American democracy. His willingness to engage with students, spend time answering questions, and take selfies with attendees showed a more personal side of politics often lost in today’s heated political climate.
“We’re going through a season where we’re talking past each other too much in politics, but it will come back around,” Pence reflected optimistically. We’ll see if this prediction comes true, but the evening showed that civil political discourse, despite its challenges, is still achievable.
The speaker series continues with upcoming appearances from civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill and will welcome Anita Hill in February 2024, further enriching the political dialogue at Dartmouth as the nation moves toward another pivotal election.