Multiple media outlets reported Thursday that Trump had chosen Pence.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump tweeted that he has selected Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate.
Trump had originally planned to announce his running mate at an event Friday, but Trump postponed his announcement citing the deadly terror attacks in Nice, France.
The announcement comes a day after news leaked out that the governor was the businessman’s choice of running mate. “News conference tomorrow at 11.00 am”.
A source close to the campaign said Trump appeared to be leaning toward Pence but could easily change his mind.
The ugly scene unfolded at the billionaire’s offices in midtown Manhattan, shortly after Trump revealed that his Vice-Presidential pick would be Governor Mike Pence of Indiana. Trump told Fox News on Thursday night that he had not made a “final, final decision” yet.
Seen as disciplined and relatively discreet, the Christian conservative Pence was apparently the favorite of Trump’s children, who exercise much influence as the political neophyte campaigns for president. “But he hasn’t announced it yet”.
Pence brings religious conservatives into the fold and also knows his way around Washington, having served as congressman. Trump’s campaign has signaled strongly to Republicans in Washington that he will pick Pence as his running mate, though Republicans caution the party’s mercurial presidential candidate may still backtrack.
He signed the initial legislation in 2015, prompting backlash from business leaders and others who said it would allow businesses to deny services to gays and lesbians.
Pence was on a short list that reportedly also included New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
In a brief interview with The Associated Press, Mr Gingrich said he had still not been told by Trump that he would not be the choice. “This new Trump-Pence ticket stands in dramatic contrast to Hillary Clinton’s vision of our future – one where we are stronger together, where unity prevails over division and the economy works for all Americans, not just those at the top”.
Trump ended up announcing the pick anyway.
The Republican National Convention kicks off on Monday, July 18 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Gov. Pence would have the backing of Republican leaders and ease some of their concerns about Trump’s political inexperience and volatile temperament.
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Pence also hails from the mid-west, which Trump’s team has identified as perhaps the key battleground in his quest for the White House. But he could help unify Republicans left divided by Trump’s campaign to win the party presidential nomination for the November 8 election.
