Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
newsdesk@dailyreporter.co.ke
When Indiana Gov. Mike Pence ‘s plane touched down in New York Thursday, his naming as Donald Trump ‘s vice presidential pick appeared locked up.
However, NBC News reports that Trump, the Republican presidential flag bearer continued to deliberate late into the evening, waffling over his running mate selection up until midnight and asking aides if he could change his pick.
According to CNBC, word of Trump’s indecision adds credence to claims that Trump’s inner circle was divided over the VP appointment, with reports circulating that top aide Paul Manafort was in favor of Pence while influential son-in-law Jared Kushner was in favor of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich . New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was also among the finalists on the shortlist.
Around 7 p.m. Thursday, Trump tweeted out that he had canceled his news conference regarding his vice presidential pick, saying it was in light of the deadly truck attack in Nice, France.
Trump made it official Friday, naming Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his pick for vice president.
The Republican presumptive nominee made the announcement on Twitter, and Pence was quick to respond in saying he was “honored” to join Trump’s campaign as his running mate.
After going back and forth between various candidates, and then delaying a previously scheduled announcement for Friday morning in Manhattan, Trump finally filled out his ticket just three days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Cleveland.
While New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were also in the running for Trump’s number two pick, reports circled Thursday that the New York tycoon had settled on Pence.
Pence had flown into New York on a private plane Thursday, and Trump appeared all but certain to make the announcement at an event Friday morning. However, he delayed it after Thursday’s deadly attack in Nice, France.
The timing of the announcement may have been forced by factors beyond Trump’s control. Friday at noon was the deadline for Pence to officially file for a gubernatorial re-election bid.
Pence represents a relatively safe pick for Trump, and brings years of legislative and executive experience. Along with his current record presiding over an economic recovery in Indiana, Pence brings a number of conservative and establishment bona fides, including his time in House leadership while he was a member of Congress.
Pence has on occasion publicly disagreed with Trump, especially on such issues as Muslim entry into the country and trade, and he endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz in Indiana’s Republican primary. But in recent days, he has offered praise for Trump and even campaigned with him this week.
