CLEVELAND — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence used his time in the spotlight at the GOP convention to balance Donald Trump’s larger-than-life personality with a message of humility, right after Texas Sen. Ted Cruz roiled the proceedings with his non-endorsement of Trump.
“I am deeply humbled by your confidence, and on behalf of my family here and gone, I accept your nomination to run and serve as vice president of the United States of America,” Pence said to thunderous applause.
The speech served as Pence’s first impression with many voters, and he used self-deprecating humor to disarm a crowd including many Trump supporters rankled by Cruz’s speech earlier in the evening.
“I’m new to this campaign, and honestly I never thought I’d be standing here. I thought I’d be spending this evening with my friends from the great state of Indiana,” Pence said. “He’s a man known for a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma — and I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket.”
The Hoosier State governor introduced himself by talking about his family — including his son, a U.S. Marine — and his childhood heroes: Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. His message appeared aimed at not only uniting the GOP, but appealing to a broader audience nationwide.
But that did not stop him from training his ire in the direction of presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“People in both parties are restless for change, ready to break free of old patterns in Washington, and Democrats are about to anoint someone who represents everything this country is tired of,” Pence said. “Hillary Clinton wants a better title, and I would too if I were already America’s secretary of the status quo.”
He continued, “The choice couldn’t be more clear. Americans can elect someone who literally personifies the failed establishment in Washington, D.C., or we can choose a leader who will fight every day to ‘Make America Great Again.’ It’s change versus status quo, and my fellow Republicans, when Donald Trump becomes president of the United States of America, the change will be huge!”
Pence’s remarks were met with chants of “We like Mike,” and loud applause. In advance of his speech, his home state’s delegation proudly proclaimed support for Pence as the vice president America needs.
The Indiana governor was at risk of being upstaged by Cruz, who shocked and outraged Trump supporters by withholding an endorsement, although he did congratulate the businessman for winning the nomination. Cruz’s speech drew a response from Newt Gingrich from the podium and criticism from Chris Christie on television.
Cruz’s speech threatened to upend the evening’s proceedings, but Pence still drew rave reviews.
“Mike Pence has been my friend long before he was a congressman or a governor. He is one of the finest men I know anywhere, not just in politics,” said Randy Frye, an Indiana state representative, and member of the Hoosier delegation. “I think Mike Pence is a unifier. Mike Pence is a conservative Christian patriot and some of the folks that may have had objections here, they’re looking for a guy that’s like Mike Pence.”
Matt Owen, another member of the Hoosier delegation, praised the governor and said picking Pence was “probably the best choice that Donald Trump could have made.”
Pence was introduced onstage by House Speaker Paul Ryan, who likewise lauded the governor’s character. After the rancor inspired by Cruz’s appearance earlier in the night, Pence’s speech looked to reset the prevailing narrative. New York congressman Peter King offered a rave review after Pence exited the stage.
“Mike Pence was terrific, absolutely what was needed,” King said. “Mike did everything he had to do.”
Trump’s Alaska campaign chairman Jim Crawford also said he thought Pence performed well under the bright lights.
“His job was to unite the party, and he did that job very well,” Crawford said. “He covered all the bases.”
Much of the discussion surrounding the first three days of the Republican convention dealt with Melania Trump’s speech and whether she plagiarized first lady Michelle Obama. A Trump campaign speechwriter admitted on Wednesday that some of the language was cribbed from Mrs. Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
Donald Trump is preparing to deliver his major speech at the convention on Thursday, bolstered by his running mate’s stirring speech. After Pence finished his speech, Trump joined him onstage and kissed him on the cheek.
Al Weaver contributed reporting.
