Pence tells CPAC, under Trump "America is back"
Vice President Mike Pence addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday where he urged supporters to "show up" in 2018, and promised greater days ahead for the Trump administration.
"Progress is driven by the people who show up, your president and I need you to show up, defend all that we've accomplished and all we have yet to do," he said. The vice president highlighted the administration's wins including confirming Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, overhauling the nation's tax code and demanding more from allied nations for NATO's common defense.
"2017 was most consequential year in history of conservative movement," Pence told the crowd.
Pence received his strongest round of applause and a standing ovation when addressing the North Korean regime.
"The era of strategic patience is over," he said. The crowd booed as Pence referenced the media "fawning" over dictator Kim Jong Un's sister during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
"For those who think I should have stood and cheered for the North Koreans, I say the United Stats of America doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships we stand up to murderous dictatorships," Pence said to loud applause.
His address to the conservative group also came amid heavy pressure for the White House to act on gun laws in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school last week.
He said during Wednesday's listening session with the president, he heard firsthand of the violence experienced during the mass shooting.
Pence said that when the president meets with the nation's governors "we'll make the safety of our nations schools and our students our top national priority."
He added that the administration is working with law enforcement and state and local official to "give them the tools they need to deal with those struggling with dangerous mental illness."
Pence on Billy Graham
"We remember his matchless voice that inspired our nation during some of our darkest times," said Pence of the passing of Rev. Billy Graham.
"I close today with faith, faith in the boundless capacity of the American people, faith in the president and they've elected to represent them at every level," he said.
Pence: "America is back"
Pence urges conservatives to show up in 2018.
"Progress is driven by the people who show up, your president and I need you to show up, defend all that we've accomplished and all we have yet to do," he said.
Pence touches on the growing discord in the country, saying there's "too much division and anger in America."
He urges Americans to try and reconnect. "There will always be more that unites than will ever divide the good and great people of this country."
Pence slams "liberal legacy" of U.S.
Pence slams House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as being "resisters."
"It's up to us to stand up to them and for the American people."
He says the Democrats are mobilized, but urged conservatives, let this be the day that we as a movement decided to deliver another victory for the American people in 2018."
Pence on North Korea
"The era of strategic patience is over," he said of the North Korean regime. The crowd boos as Pence references the media "fawning" over dictator Kim Jong Un's sister during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
He says that the U.S. government has sanctioned Kim's sister for abetting North Korea's human rights atrocities. "For those who think I should have stood and cheered for the North Koreans, I say the U.S. doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships we stand up to murderous dictatorships," Pence says to loud applause.
Pence: "Promises made, promises kept"
Pence highlights the administration's wins including confirming Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, overhauling the nation's tax code and demanding more from allied nations for NATO's common defense.
He said Mr. Trump made history by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
"We've stood with our allies and we've stood up to our enemies and no where is that more true than the fight against radical islamic terrorism," he added.
Pence: "We're gonna build that wall"
Pence touts the administration's efforts in tackling the immigration issue, claiming "illegal crossing has been cut nearly in half."
"And make no mistake about it we're gonna build that wall," Pence added to a cheers of "build that wall!"
Pence on Trump, national anthem
"2017 was most consequential year in history of conservative movement," Pence tells the crowd at CPAC.
"I'm here because I stand with President Trump, I'm here because we stand with the conservative movement, and come to think of it, we always stand for our flag and our national anthem," he added, reigniting the president's ongoing feud over NFL player's kneeling out of protest during the playing of the national anthem.
Pence addresses Florida shooting
Pence addresses the shooting in Parkland, Florida ahead of his formal remarks. He said during Wednesday's listening session with the president, he heard firsthand of the violence experienced during the mass shooting.
He said that when the president meets with the nation's governors "we'll make the safety of our nations schools and our students our top national priority."
Pence said the administration is working with law enforcement and state and local official to "give them the tools they need to deal with those struggling with dangerous mental illness."
Pence takes the stage
The vice president officially takes the stage as the crowd chants "USA!" He thanks his wife Karen for his introduction, "Isn't she something?" he asks.
Karen Pence takes the state
The vice president's wife Karen takes the stage at CPAC to introduce "another side" of her husband to the conservative crowd. Pence said while many dubbed her husband as "Rush Limbaugh on Decaf" she told the crowd some facts that many don't know about, including their Friday night pizza ritual.