Pence taps loyalists, new guard for VP staff

Trump’s formal announcement capped a frenzied few days in the presidential campaign, as early reports that Trump has settled on Pence threw speculation into overdrive.

Anti-Trump activists aimed to change party rules to unbind delegates and allow them to vote their “conscience”, opening up the nomination fight once more once the convention started.

“This is the primary reason I wanted Mike – other than that he looks very good, other than he’s got an incredible family, and incredible wife”, Trump said.

During a 25-minute buildup to Pence, Trump variously took aim at presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, praised himself, and Pence.

In choosing Pence, Trump also appears to be looking past their numerous policy differences.

“I found the leader who will help us deliver a safe society”, Trump said of his “first choice” for vice president (VP), Pence.

The Hoosier governor is now in the presidential spotlight.

The ad’s tagline said: “Donald Trump”. Echoing the words of Donald Trump, his new boss, he called for call for a ban on Muslims entering the USA for an indefinite period “until we can figure out what is going on”.

Priebus told “Fox News Sunday” that he expects Trump to bring a message of unity to this week’s convention, also working to attract women, young people and minorities into the party.

Trump returned for a round of photos with the Trump and Pence families. In the process, he took the time to explain his long-held belief that Pence’s previous endorsement of his rival, Ted Cruz, “was more of an endorsement for me”.

Pence, along with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, were considered the front runners for the job.

Trump’s campaign has strongly rejected the idea Trump had second thoughts about Pence.

Once his running mate came on, Trump promptly left the stage. “She led Barack Obama – because I don’t think he knew anything; I think he relied on her”, Trump said.

“I accept your invitation to run and serve as vice president of the United States”, Pence said at a press event Friday morning. He introduced himself to the small crowd of invited guests – and, more importantly, viewers at home – describing himself as “a pretty basic guy: a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order”.

Clinton’s campaign is seizing on the suggestion that Donald Trump may have wavered in making his vice presidential pick.