What You Need to Know About Mike Pence's Speech at the Republican National Convention
Indiana Governor Mike Pence officially accepted the Republican nomination for vice president Wednesday with a rousing speech on the third night of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. After an introduction from Speaker Paul Ryan, Governor Pence took the stage to chants of his name and thanked everyone present at the convention for their warm welcome.
"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," he said.
Governor Pence acknowledged that most people in the room were likely not too familiar with him, and focusing on his background and family, he began his address by talking about his personal life and his career in politics.
"I'm a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order," he said. "I grew up on the front row of the American dream."
Throughout the speech, Governor Pence also explained why he believes Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is what America needs right now, and joked that he and Trump perfectly balance one another out. He sang the praises of his running mate from both a professional and personal perspective, and earned a standing ovation after praising Trump for his children.
"You have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down. A fighter. A winner," he said. "Until now, he's had to do it all by himself, against all odds, but this week, with this united party, he's got backup; and on Nov. 8, I know we will elect Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States of America."
A large part of Governor Pence's speech focused on why he believes Trump is a better candidate than Hillary Clinton and even included a few jabs at President Barack Obama. Referring to Clinton as "secretary of the status quo," Governor Pence told the audience at the Republican National Convention that he believes America can "do better."
"If you want a president who will upend the status quote in Washington D.C.," he said, "we have but one choice, and that man is ready. This team is ready. Our party is ready."
Trump announced Governor Pence as his vice presidential choice during a rally in New York City last week. The presidential nominee joined Governor Pence on stage after his speech, blowing him an air kiss before the two shook hands and the governor's family joined him on stage.
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