He sounded at instances like a pre-Trump Republican.
Mr. Pence invoked former President Ronald Reagan, expressed qualms about spending and made the case for a muscular international coverage that emphasised American management on the planet.
All through the night time, he typically gave the impression of a Republican candidate from the pre-Trump period.
“It’s additionally disappointing to me that Donald Trump’s place on entitlement reform is an identical to Joe Biden’s,” Mr. Pence stated as he mentioned the social security internet.
He chided each Mr. Trump — and, extra obliquely, Mr. DeSantis — for his or her postures towards Ukraine.
“When Vladimir Putin rolled into Ukraine, the previous president referred to as him a genius,” Mr. Pence stated. “I do know the distinction between a genius and a battle felony.”
Swiping at Mr. DeSantis, he stated at one other level, “I do know that some on this debate have referred to as the battle in Ukraine a territorial dispute. It’s not.” Mr. DeSantis, who did use that phrase, has since sought to make clear that description, additionally calling Mr. Putin a battle felony.
And regardless of his personal involvement within the First Step Act, a bipartisan felony justice overhaul throughout the Trump administration, Mr. Pence sounded tough-on-crime notes. “I frankly suppose we have to take a step again from the method of the First Step Act,” he stated.
Because the occasion wound down, Mr. Pence was pressed repeatedly on how he squared casting Mr. Trump as a risk to the Structure together with his promise to help the Republican nominee. Mr. Pence didn’t reply instantly, insisting, “I don’t suppose Donald Trump’s going to be the nominee.”