Mike Pence with tears in their eyes make the sad announcement..

Toward the end of his remarks, his message became even more personal.

Instead of asking for support, he asked for understanding.

Instead of seeking influence, he requested prayers.

Instead of focusing on what he was leaving behind, he spoke about the importance of remaining faithful to convictions even when doing so requires letting go of long-held aspirations.

When he finally stepped away from the podium, there was no dramatic conclusion and no triumphant applause.

There was simply a man walking away from a future many had assumed was inevitable.

To some observers, it may have looked like a political retreat.