Mike Pence Hints At Bringing 'Fly Swatter' To First GOP Debate After Viral 2020 Incident With Mosquito

Former Vice President Mike Pence humorously suggested carrying a fly swatter to the upcoming GOP debate.

What Happened: Pence, during a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair, made a light-hearted comment about his strategy for the first GOP debate, The Hill reported.

The former vice president was responding to a question from NewsNation's Kellie Meyers about avoiding flies during the debate. The joke was a nod to the 2020 vice presidential debate where a fly landed on Pence’s head, creating a viral moment. The incident was later mocked by President Joe Biden and even parodied on Saturday Night Live.

"Well, I think I'm gonna bring a fly swatter this time," Pence quipped, adding, "You know they had a plexiglass wall at that Vice Presidential debate, but it wasn't tall enough to stop a fly."

Pence, ready to take on his opponents, including former President Donald Trump, expressed confidence in his preparation for the debate. “I think I’ve been preparing for this debate my whole life,” Pence told The Hill,

"I spent a lifetime in the Republican Party and in the conservative movement…I think I'm going to be the most consistent and experienced conservative on that stage."

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Why It Matters: Pence was recently mocked online after he released a video addressing rising energy prices, in which he appeared to be pumping gas into his pickup truck. Observers were quick to point out that Pence did not insert a credit card, select a fuel grade or squeeze the pump handle, leading to widespread ridicule.

He was also heckled by the pro-Trump supporters at the Iowa State Fair, who called him a “traitor.”

Meanwhile, Trump has shown reluctance to sign a GOP loyalty pledge, a requirement for debate participation that casts further uncertainty over his presence. Trump’s decision could potentially impact the dynamics of the GOP race, with his absence potentially shifting the focus towards other potential candidates.

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