How will Mike Pence's new affordability agenda shape national economic policies without him launching a 2028 presidential campaign?

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Mike Pence’s affordability agenda is most likely to shape national economic policy indirectly, through legislation, think-tank advocacy and elite policy debates, rather than through a presidential campaign. Through Advancing American Freedom, Pence is putting forward a detailed cost-of-living framework focused on housing, energy, food and healthcare. The proposals emphasize reducing regulation, expanding domestic production, increasing competition and changing zoning, permitting and land-use rules. That gives lawmakers, congressional staff and candidates a ready-made policy menu at a time when affordability is a central economic concern. Its clearest influence could come in Congress and in statehouses. The group’s housing ideas, including streamlining approvals and tying some federal housing support to zoning reform, could feed into housing legislation. Its energy proposals, such as expanded oil and gas leasing and opposition to fracking bans, could inform federal and state production policy. Its criticism of tariffs as a driver of consumer prices may also shape debate over trade policy, even if it does not immediately change administration policy. Pence’s decision not to run in 2028 may actually sharpen that role. Without campaign pressures, he can operate as a policy entrepreneur and coalition builder, using speeches, media appearances and his book to promote a more traditional limited-government economic message. His standing as a former vice president gives the agenda vi…

Mike Pence Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run, Citing Think Tank and Family

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Mike Pence Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run, Citing Think Tank and Family

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