Pence

Donald Trump formally announced on July 6, 2016, that his choice for running mate is Indiana Governor Michael Richard Pence. Originally Trump informed the public that the announcement would be made on July 15. However, the next day Trump decided to postpone his announcement, he stated it was out of respect for the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice, France. Even with this pronouncement, it was leaked that Pence was Trump’s choice for his running mate.

During the July 16 press conference, Trump compared the governor to Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee stated that the GOP is the “law-and-order party, and they will bring law-and-order back to the country.” He indicated that Pence has had a successful record as governor in spite of Obama and the policies set in place that impede employment and the well-being of American citizens.

Trump began the conference reading from prepared notes. However, once he mentioned Clinton, his attention was redirected and there was a departure from his notes as he referred to his opponent “Crooked Hillary.” He listed what he claims were her illegal activities. At one point, Trump said that Clinton’s great achievement was getting away with murder.

According to NBC News, the selection for Trump’s running mate was a confusing process. Sources in the GOP indicated that as late as Thursday night Trump was still undecided about who he would make his “first choice” for the position. The rumors were that he was still deciding between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Newt Gingrich, and Pence.

Written by Cathy Milne

Sources:

NBC News: Donald Trump announces Mike Pence as Republican running mate
NBC News: What Trump’s Chaotic VP Process Says About His Campaign

Image Courtesy of House GOP’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License