Following leaked reports that revealed Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, Donald Trump held an event on Saturday to officially introduce the Indiana governor as his vice presidential pick, a choice Trump said would help bring “party unity” to his campaign.
“I found the leader who will help us deliver a safe society and a prosperous society for all Americans,” Trump said, speaking from the Hilton Midtown in New York City. “Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was my first choice. I’ve admired the work he’s done, especially in Indiana.”
“He is going to fight for you,” he continued. “He is a solid, solid person.”
Before Pence arrived on stage, Trump spent most of the introduction discussing himself and attacking Hillary Clinton. At times, it appeared as though he almost forgot the purpose of the event was to unveil Pence as his running mate.
The presumptive Republican nominee reportedly had last minute reservations about the decision to put Pence on the ticket, and was furious the governor’s name surfaced in the media before he made a formal announcement. Trump, however, denied reports he had hesitated:
Look forward to introducing Governor Mike Pence (who has done a spectacular job in the great State of Indiana). My first choice from start!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2016
“Donald Trump is a good man and he will make a great president of the United States,” Pence said on Saturday in his speech accepting Trump’s offer. “Hillary Clinton must never become our president.”
