GOP VP Pick To Address RNC As Clinton Prepares To Announce Running Mate
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CLEVELAND (CBSMiami) – Day 3 of the Republican National Convention will bring speeches from top Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and of course, the Vice Presidential Nominee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
When Trump touched down at Burke Airport in Cleveland Wednesday, his VP pick was waiting.
"I just want to introduce someone who has become a good friend of mine. Someone who is going to be an unbelievable Vice President of the United States. Gov. Mike Pence," Trump told the crowd of waiting reporters.
"Let's hear it for the next President of the United States Donald Trump. It is such an honor to join this family and to welcome you to Cleveland," Pence said.
Pence will address the convention at the end of Wednesday night's program, five days after Trump announced him as his running mate.
He rehearsed his speech on the massive stage inside the Quicken Loans Arena Wednesday morning.
"Now you have two job creators who understand economies and how economies work and know how to put deals together. Who know how to move the dial in the direction the American people thing helps them," Trump Senior Political Advisor for Florida Karen Giorno said of the Trump-Pence partnership.
But the pick is not without controversy.
First, Trump made it official via tweet.
Then came the issue of Pence's voting record over the war in Iraq, an issue Trump has constantly bashed Hillary Clinton over.
Giorno says that's not a problem.
"I don't expect anyone including Hillary Clinton, who is running for office, the highest office in the land, to pick a running mate who is going to agree with everything 100% that the top of the ticket believes," she said.
Now that the Republicans have their number two lined up, focus turns to the Democrats and who Secretary Clinton will choose to join her on the ticket.
"I think there will be a tremendous amount of excitement around it, unlike the Republicans who almost hung their heads in shame. Donald Trump specifically. The sheepishness with which they rolled out their choice," Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz told CBS 4's Lauren Pastrana.
Clinton will be in Florida Friday and Saturday, with events planned in Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
Her schedule is fueling suspicions that will announce her running mate in Florida.
"What is says about the importance of Florida is that we're so excited that Secretary Clinton is coming down Florida Friday and Saturday making a swing through the state. Looking forward to joining her. It's going to be a very key sign about how important the state of Florida is. We are the biggest of battle ground states. The way Florida goes, so goes the nation," said DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz.
Three speakers at the RNC Wednesday are from the Sunshine State.
Governor Rick Scott says he will address the crowd, as will Attorney General Pam Bondi.
There will be a video message from Sen. Marco Rubio.