“I’m Mike Pence, I’m from Indiana, and it’s my high honor to run and serve as the next vice president of America,” he said.
Those who could get into the small viewing room greeted Pence with cheers — and the energy level didn’t drop for the rest of the event.
A security guard on the scene said event organizers did not anticipate crowds of this size and the space allotted at the Hilton was not big enough for all attendees, so many people were turned away.
In his speech, Pence praised his running mate, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, as the man America needs as its next president.
“You have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down: he is a fighter, he is a winner, he embodies the spirit of this country,” he said.
Pence said Trump is strong, freedom-loving, optimistic and willing to serve the American people.
Aaron Aiken, a 20-year-old who attended the event, said the Trump campaign’s spirit of freedom and strength — which was emphasized throughout Pence’s appearance — is a reason he supports Trump.
“He’s straight to the point — I think that’s what makes a strong leader, and I think that that’s what America needs right now is a strong leader,” Aiken said.