Mike Pence says he was guided by founding father James Madison and the Bible when he decided to defy Trump and certify the 2020 election

Former Vice President Mike Pence stated that he looked up to James Madison while certifying the results for the 2020 election.
Pence also quoted a Bible verse to emphasize that he had kept his office oath.

Pence stated that "Psalm 15 states that he keeps his oath, even when it hurts,"

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Former Vice President Mike Pence stated that he was inspired by James Madison, the founding father of the Bible, when he decided against former President Donald Trump to certify the results for the 2020 election.

Pence spoke at an Iowa University event for young conservatives on November 1. A question-and-answer session following his speech saw Jared, an audience member, ask Pence to identify the White House counsellor who advised him to "buck President Trump and certify the voters." Jared suggested that Pence had changed his mind and decided not to certify the votes in order to protect his future chances of running.

Pence responded by saying that he had looked at James Madison, the fourth president, on Jan. 6, which was a response that received applause from the audience. Pence also denied that he was told by Trump that it would harm his chances of winning the presidency in future elections.

Pence then quoted a verse from The Bible to refer to the oath of office that he took in defense of the Constitution.

Pence stated that "Psalm 15 states that he keeps his oath, even when it hurts."

Pence also stated that he had written to Congress to express his concern about voting irregularities in several States.

Pence stated that he continues to share these concerns and supports efforts in states to improve voter reliability as has been done in Arizona and Georgia. This despite the fact that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud last year.

"I can understand the disappointment caused by the election. Pence said that you might recall me being on the ballot. But you have to be ready to fulfill your duty. You may find yourself in this position or something similar. Based on the shining faces that I see around here, I have a feeling that you will be men and women who perform your duty at that time.

Pence was criticized by many Trump supporters for breaking with Trump. He presided over the official certification of the 2020 vote count. Pence also tweeted that Pence didn't have the courage to do "what should have been done" when a pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol building.

In June 2017, Pence stated that Trump and he may never see eye to eye on Jan. 6.