Political outsider Trump introducing insider Mike Pence

The 2010 decision has become a rallying cry for those seeking to limit the influence of money in politics. Only briefly in that time did he acknowledge the goal of the event, the crisp haircut awaiting his introduction stage right: “Mike Pence was my first choice”, he insisted.

Pence touted Trump’s pledges to repeal Obamacare, revive the coal industry and toughen the nation’s immigration policy. Pence did so while suggesting Hillary Clinton’s policy proposals would weaken the nation’s economy and its security.

“As governor, Pence personally spearheaded an anti-LGBT law that legalized discrimination against the LGBT community, alienated businesses, caused boycotts, lost investments and embarrassed Hoosiers- a law he was later forced to revise”. He did return for a brief photo-op at the end. Pence opposes raising the federal minimum wage and signed a law allowing skilled workers in IN to be paid less. Trump is not scheduled to join him.

However, Pence tweeted disapproval in 2015 for plans to ban Muslims from entering the United States, an idea Trump has advocated. Two Republicans with knowledge of the process said he felt boxed in by advisers and other Republicans who preferred Pence over the two other finalists, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. He’s been critical of Trump’s proposed temporary ban on foreign Muslims entering the US, calling the idea “offensive and unconstitutional”.

The presumptive Republican nominee spoke for almost a half-hour Saturday as he introduced his pick for vice president, calling Pence onto the stage at the end.

Trump also jabbed lightly at Pence for not endorsing him during the Indiana Republican primary contest.

“When we elect one of the best negotiators in the world as president of the United States, I’m open to renegotiating these trade agreements”, Pence said.

He brags that they’ve been “crushed”.

Contrasting his new running mate with his Democratic election opponent, Trump said Pence is “a man of honor”, while “Hillary Clinton is the embodiment of corruption”.

So, too, did the actual announcement event on Saturday, at which Trump meandered for almost a half hour on a variety of topics – including an update on the construction of his new hotel in Washington – before finally calling Pence to the stage, only to then immediately walk away.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump Saturday introduced Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.

Trump’s decision to select Pence was seen as a move to unify the Republican Party, which remains deeply divided in the wake of the NY real estate mogul’s primary victory. He said he would champion “law and order” in the wake of this week’s terror attack in France.

He says of the new Republican ticket, “we are the law and order candidates”.

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.

“It was the single greatest non endorsement I’ve ever had”, Trump said. “Always divisive. Not so decisive”. Campaign chairman Paul Manafort says Trump “never waffled” once he made his decision.

On his 2000 campaign website, he wrote “Congress should support the reauthorisation of the [HIV funding] Ryan White Care Act only after completion of an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organisations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviours that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus”.

The Indiana governor also suggested he would loosen up on his past backing of USA trade deals, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Trump and Pence will appear at a midtown Manhattan hotel on Saturday morning.

Trump described meeting with Pence’s family, including his wife and daughter, as part of the motivation for selecting him as a running mate.

Pence is a favorite among Evangelical voters and the Republican Party’s conservative base.

There was little hoopla – and no questions, though Trump on Thursday had billed the event as a news conference.

Delegates from those states will have prime seats to watch billionaire businessman Donald Trump accept the GOP’s nomination for president. A steady conservative with extensive governing experience, Pence may also serve to reassure Republicans who are skeptical about Trump’s conservative bona fides.

The joint appearance was meant to catapult the party toward a successful and unified Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Cleveland on Monday.

Clinton’s team was already painting Pence’s conservative social viewpoints as out of step with the mainstream.