CLEVELAND — After hours of buildup, the Donald Trump rally to introduce Mike Pence here Wednesday afternoon lasted a total of 104 seconds.
Trump told the large crowd gathered outside the Great Lakes Science Center that during his last appearance with Pence, many people told him that he “ran too long,” and said this time he would keep it “really short.”
After landing in the Trump helicopter behind the press corral, Trump shook hands with his running mate, who was already waiting for him on the ground. Prior to his arrival, the Trump airplane made a fly-by set to opera music, and his helicopter made an additional three fly-bys.
“I want to just introduce a man who has become friend of mine, someone who is going to make an unbelievable vice president of the Untied States, Governor Mike Pence,” Trump told the hundreds of supporters gathered by the Cleveland waterfront.
Both Trump’s and Pence’s family members flanked the running mates as they spoke. Although the event was extremely short, Secret Service closed off the arena over an hour in advance, and most supporters waited for Trump for over two hours. Attendees were not allowed to leave the secured area to get water.
“It is such an honor to join your family to welcome you to Cleveland,” Pence said in his brief remarks. “We’re excited to hear you address the nation tomorrow night. It’s been exciting to hear from your family. More to come tonight, and I’m convinced what begins in Cleveland will end in the White House!”
Trump then took back the microphone to congratulate his children, Tiffany and Donald Jr. for their speeches Tuesday night, and tell his other children, Eric and Ivanka, that he looked forward to their turns at the podium. The newly named GOP nominee then thanked Pence’s wife, Karen Pence.
The Indiana governor will speak at the GOP convention Wednesday night, after being officially nominated by the delegates on Tuesday.
