Vice President Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceGeorge Clooney calls Trump ‘a charismatic carnival barker’Esquire names Jake Tapper ‘The King of Truth’ in 2020Trump attacks Thune: ‘He will be primaried in 2022’ MORE is in the top class of 2024 GOP contenders as the Trump era nears its end.
The firm expectation across the Republican Party is that Pence will be a candidate in 2024, unless Trump runs again.
A Pence candidacy would have clear assets. Pence has given loyal service to Trump throughout the last four years, even as his personal demeanor is many miles removed from the presidents.
Theoretically, that would enable Pence to hold onto the Trump base while also having a more expansive appeal. Pences boosters believe that he could do better with the white, college-educated suburban voters who broke away from Trump, with electorally decisive effects, in Novembers election.
But there are plenty of GOP doubters when it comes to Pences chances of prevailing, too.
The skeptics question each pillar of the pro-Pence argument. 
They are dubious about his chance of bringing Trump voters to his side in a Republican primary, especially if other candidates are competing for that same swathe of voters.
Pences chances of holding MAGA Country against more colorful figures like Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzGeorge Clooney calls Trump ‘a charismatic carnival barker’Barr leaves behind conflicting legacy at DOJSen.-elect Tuberville suggests he’ll back effort on challenge Electoral College voteMORE (R-Texas) or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisOusted Florida health scientist asks state to return gear seized in raidFlorida’s DeSantis to prioritize seniors for next vaccine dosesRepublican club’s indoor holiday party in Queens goes viral for conga lineMORE (R), are middling at best, they say. 
Conversely, while Pences deep roots in the evangelical movement are an advantage in a Republican primary, his socially conservative strain of Christianity could limit his appeal to moderate voters.
It is questionable whether college-educated suburbanites will rally to a man with a deeply conservative view of LGBT issues and who famously refuses to dine alone with any woman other than his wife.
More broadly, there is the question of whether Pence really has the charisma and pizazz to mount a successful presidential bid of his own. 
He won six terms as an Indiana congressman and served one term as the states governor. But his performance in that one statewide election, in 2012, was hardly spectacular. He won his race by three points on the same day GOP presidential nominee Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyBipartisan, bicameral group urges Trump to sign COVID-19 relief packageTrump’s pardons expose another gap in US legal systemRelief bill’s passage sets off scramble to declare victory, assign blameMORE carried Indiana by almost nine points.
Its going to be a jammed field and he hasnt really wow-ed anyone. He hasnt really distinguished himself, said one GOP strategist who requested anonymity to candidly discuss Pences chances.
Casting doubt on Pences ability to recreate Trumps coalition of support, this strategist added: Hes not a populist. He was put on the ticket because he is a Christian conservative thats where his lane is. But Ted Cruz came fairly close to winning from there last time, and hes not to be discounted. So Pence has to prove that he can outmaneuver Ted at his own game, which is not easy to do.
Pences White House ambitions are muted because of the complexities of the current moment.
Trump continues to falsely insist that he won this years election. 
Pence, in turn, has sought to provide support for his boss, while not getting too deeply into the specifics of what should be done.
At a conference of the young conservative group Turning Point USA on Tuesday, Pence insisted that the election contest continues and that the Trump team would keep fighting until every legal vote is counted. Were going to keep fighting until every illegal vote is thrown out. 
Despite such public proclamations of support, however, Axios reported on Tuesday that Trump had grown displeased with several people in his inner circle including Pence, whom the president reportedly felt was not fighting hard enough for him.
All of that makes it impossible for Pence to position himself explicitly for 2024.
Many Republicans say it is important not to underestimate Pences chances, all the same.
It all depends on whether Donald TrumpDonald TrumpPowell says White House aides won’t let her help TrumpJudge throws out GOP lawsuit to close Georgia ballot drop boxes after business hoursBipartisan, bicameral group urges Trump to sign COVID-19 relief packageMORE runs, but obviously [Pence] has the support of social conservatives and fiscal conservatives plus being the vice-president to Donald Trump for four years is a real bonus, said GOP strategist Ford OConnell. He is a very strong candidate.
Matt Mackowiak, a county GOP chairman in Texas, said that he believed Pence was going to be a major factor in 2024. He has a national profile, and he is going to be able to raise money. He may be able to hold much of the Trump base while reaching out more broadly.
There are other complications for Pence, however. He was the administrations lead figure on the coronavirus task force. The White House response to the pandemic has been widely criticized and, even though most of the blame has accrued to Trump, Pences involvement could be a liability.
The GOP strategist who wanted to remain anonymous also pointed out that loyalty to Trump is only likely to get any 2024 candidate so far, given that other figures who serve or served in the administration are also widely expected to run. 
Secretary of State Mike PompeoMike PompeoPompeo’s wife tested positive for COVID-19: reportPompeo: US to establish diplomatic post in contested Western SaharaTrump administration advances bomb sale to SaudisMORE and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki HaleyNimrata (Nikki) HaleyPat Robertson says Trump lives in ‘alternate reality’ and Biden will be presidentLara Trump leading Republicans in 2022 North Carolina Senate pollThe Memo: Trump casts long shadow over 2024MORE are two of the names most often mentioned.
I do think Pence is going to run, but the race is going to have Haley, its going to have Pompeo, the strategist said. 
It would be like the Bush presidency ending and Condoleezza Rice, Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld all running.
The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.