Mike Pence named Donald Trump's running mate
According to the United States media reports, 50th Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, was chosen as Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's Vice-Presidential running mate. A news conference which would announce Pence's selection was postponed in the wake of attacks in Nice, France. Candidates in the running with Mike Pence were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Who is Mike Pence?
Michael Richard "Mike" Pence is serving as the 50th Governor of Indiana since 2013. Pence previously represented Indiana's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 and served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference from 2009 to 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party, a conservative and long time supporter of the Tea Party Movement.
The Republican Career of Mike Pence
Serving 6 terms in the Congress starting from 2001, Pence grew to chair the conservative House Republican Study Committee and serve as chairman of the House Republican Conference. Serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee provided Mike Pence with foreign policy and national security experience. Before his time in Congress, Mike Pence hosted a talk-radio show, which he used to express his conservative views.
Democrat turned Republican
Mike Pence was a supporter of the Democrats when he was a teen. In the 1980 elections, he claims to have voted for Jimmy Carter and not Ronald Reagan.
Mike Pence named Donald Trump's running mate
According to the United States media reports, 50th Governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, was chosen as Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's Vice-Presidential running mate. A news conference which would announce Pence's selection was postponed in the wake of attacks in Nice, France. Candidates in the running with Mike Pence were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Why did Donald Trump choose Mike Pence?
With Mike Pence, Donald Trump has chosen a conservative, who will bring Midwestern values to the campaign and who, as a Governor, has a pre-built support-network. Mike Pence has a long government resume and deep conservative political roots, making him a prudent choice. As the Governor, Pence supervised the economic recovery in Indiana and boasted of job growth and unemployment-reduction in the recent recession.
How Trump's choice lies in stark contrast with 'Trumpism'
Donald Trump and his VP candidate have had conflicting views about various issues. While Trump is known for his staunch Islamophobic views, Mike Pence considers a ban on Muslims "offensive and unethical". By promising to oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare, Trump shows himself to be different from Republicans. Mike Pence supported privatising Social Security and adding prescription drug benefits to Medicare.
