Trump tips Pence to talk some sense

DONALD Trump yesterday introduced his running mate, Mike Pence, as a “solid” man and a unifying figure among Republicans in their first public appearance on a joint ticket for the White House.

The New York billionaire, set to be crowned Republican presidential candidate in Cleveland next week, insisted the Indiana governor was his first choice, despite media reports that he had considered changing his mind up to the last minute.

“One of the big reasons I chose Mike — one of the reasons — is party unity, I have to be honest. So many people have said party unity because I’m an outsider,” the real estate tycoon said in Manhattan.

After Trump’s more than 20minute speech, which often deviated from the subject of Pence, the two men shared the spotlight for a brief moment.

Trump praised his 57-yearold running mate’s fiscally conservative policies and lauded his own success in Indiana’s Republican primary, which defied predictions from the party establishment.

Pence had served “with distinction” in Congress and as the chairman of the House Republican Conference — in effect party number three — Trump said, adding that he has “the skills of a highly talented executive”.

Pence in turn called Trump “a good man” who “will make a great president”. “I come to this moment deeply humbled but with a grateful heart,” he said. “Grateful to God for his amazing grace.”

He presented his new boss’s outsider status as an asset, saying the real estate tycoon “understands the frustrations and the hopes of the American people like no leader since Ronald Reagan”.

“We’re tired of being told that a little intellectual elite in a far distant capital can plan our lives better for us . . . Donald Trump gets it.”

In foreign policy, Trump would lead from strength, Pence said. “He will rebuild the arsenal of democracy, stand with our allies and hunt down and destroy the enemies of our freedom.”

On finishing, Pence shook hands again with Trump and was kissed by the tycoon’s daughters before the two candidates stood, rather stiffly, side by side. — AFP