Former Vice President Mike Pence urged conservatives to focus on the future in order to win elections.
Pence made his comments on Tuesday, addressing the Young America's Foundation.
He acknowledged differences with former President Donald Trump on their focus on the issuers.
"I don't know that the president and I differ on issues," he said during a question-and-answer session. "But we may differ on focus.
"I truly do believe that elections are about the future, and that it's absolutely essential at a time when so many Americans are hurting, so many families are struggling, that we don't give way to the temptation to look back," Pence said.
During his address to the young conservatives, he said: "In order to win, conservatives need to do more than criticize and complain. We must unite our movement behind a bold, optimistic agenda that offers a clear and compelling choice to the American people."
And he criticized the "ruling elite" for being out of touch with American values.
"The ruling elite here in Washington and all across this country have never been more out of touch with the values of everyday Americans," he said. "But never more intent on imposing their agenda on each and every one of us.
"Now more than ever, conservatives need to be focused on the challenges Americans are facing today and offer a bold, and positive agenda of solutions for the future."
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the sold-out America First Agenda Summit in Washington on Tuesday.
His speech will be televised live on Newsmax at 3 p.m. ET.