‘Humbled’ Mike Pence accepts Republican VP nomination

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Indiana Governor Mike Pence accepted the Republican vice presidential nomination at a tumultuous party convention in Cleveland Wednesday, describing his running mate Donald Trump as a “good man.”

“I am deeply humbled by your confidence,” Pence told delegates, still reeling from a night of high drama and political infighting over Trump’s anointment as the party’s White House candidate.

Pence, 57, said he “joined this campaign in a heartbeat” because Republicans chose Trump, a man “who never quits, who never backs down.”

The conservative evangelical Christian and former congressman could serve to steady Trump’s heaving and swaying campaign ship and reassure voters alarmed by Trump’s rhetoric.

Trump picked Pence as his running mate last week after days of unusual and very public deliberations. Those in Trump’s camp who advocated for Pence framed his selection as a step toward party unity, touting his popularity among conservatives, including those who were skeptical of Trump and supported other candidates during the bruising Republican primary battle.

The campaign had hoped Pence’s address would quiet Republican doubts about Trump. Unlike the celebrity businessman, Pence is an experienced politician, favorite of conservatives and ally of party leaders.

“You have nominated a man for president who never quits,” Pence said. “Until now, he’s had to do it all by himself against all odds, but this week, with this united party, he’s got backup.”

He was joined on stage by the New York billionaire after his speech, when the two men hugged awkwardly as Trump leaned in to plant a kiss on his running mate but appeared to miss.

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“I feel much better now,” said Matt Owen, 25, a delegate and firefighter from Pence’s home state of Indiana.