Indiana Gov. Mike Pence trashed Hillary Clinton during his appearance as Donald Trump’s opening act on Tuesday.
Pence is a top contender to become Trump’s running mate, and his remarks in front of a Hoosier State provided an audition of sorts to appear at the top of the Republican ticket in the fall. Pence offered up several one-liners that seemed to draw on his experience as a former talk radio host, and reminded voters of Clinton’s private email scandal.
“Hillary and her party have been sliding so far to Bernie’s leftist agenda it’s hard to keep track of it,” Pence said, working his way toward a punchline. “The truth of the matter is I just have to tell you from my heart after looking at the direction that their party has gone, farther and farther to the left, to paraphrase the director of the FBI, I think it would be ‘extremely careless’ to elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States.”
In a rare public announcement earlier this month, FBI director James Comey called Clinton’s conduct — regarding her private server and personal email — “extremely careless,” but could not prove gross negligence necessary to proceed with a case against her.
Pence, a former congressman, went on the offensive to “prosecute” Clinton from the stump.
The Indiana governor attended a fundraiser with Trump before appearing with him on the trail on Tuesday night. The duo could become a familiar sight this fall if Trump picks Pence over other leading contenders such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who have also campaigned alongside Trump in recent days.
If Trump picks Pence, it may become public knowledge before the convention. Pence is up for re-election and the last day for gubernatorial candidates to withdraw in Indiana is Friday, July 15.
The GOP convention will begin on Monday, July 18.
