• Mike Pence expressed appreciation for speaking with Donald Trump at Jimmy Carter's funeral.
• Pence acknowledged his wife's cold demeanor towards Trump, attributing it to their long-standing marriage.
• The handshake at the funeral was seen as a potential sign of moving past past political tensions.
• Pence has criticized Trump previously for raising safety concerns during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.

Former Vice President Mike Pence recently discussed his sentiments surrounding a brief interaction with Donald Trump during the state funeral of Jimmy Carter. In a podcast with Christianity Today, Pence described the moment as one he "welcomed" and appreciated. The encounter, marked by a handshake and a brief exchange of greetings—“Congratulations, Mr. President,” to which Trump replied, “Thanks, Mike”—was notable as it was their first public appearance together since the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021, when a mob attacked the Capitol following Trump's insistence that the election had been stolen. Pence stated, “The opportunity to speak to the president yesterday is something that I appreciated, I welcomed.” He highlighted that many viewed their interaction as a glimmer of hope for reconciliation after their strained relationship.

Pence also addressed the apparent coldness of his wife, Karen Pence, towards Trump, emphasizing their 44-year marriage and mutual respect. “You’d have to ask my wife about her posture," he remarked, pointing out that while Karen did not shake hands with Trump, she did greet other political figures at the event, including former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura. Karen's avoidance of Trump was visible as she did not engage with him during the gathering, a stark contrast to Pence's encounter. Trump, while acknowledging the interaction, remarked on how it appeared very friendly in a viral clip shared online.

Despite their handshake, the complex dynamics between Pence and Trump linger, especially following Pence's 2022 memoir, where he criticized Trump for endangering his safety during the Capitol riots. The former Vice President had previously indicated a desire for accountability concerning Trump's actions during that period. As both men navigate their political futures, the implications of their relationship continue to resonate in the broader political landscape.

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