Pence returns to his roots at Indiana state fair
After less than a month campaigning as Donald Trump's vice presidential pick, Indiana governor Mike Pence returned to his roots at the Indiana State Fair on Friday.
Donning blue jeans, scoffed up cowboy boots and a "Governor Pence" embroidered shirt-sleeve collared shirt, the Governor lionized Indiana farm values, convened with farmers as he stroked their cows and enthusiastically ordered a grilled cheese on wheat bread that he "highly" recommended reporters try out.
The governor avoided White House chatter, never once uttering the name of the billionaire at the top of the ticket.
As he stood on stage to open the 17-day fair, Pence told Miss Indiana that they had something in common.
"I know what it is to get tapped unexpectedly," he said to her with a little chuckle. That fleeting line was his only reference to the campaign.
Born and raised in Indiana, Pence's life's experience is a stark contrast to that of Donald Trump. The governor claimed that it is important to remember "the ditch from which you are dug" and glorified the influence agriculture has on Indiana's values.
"The greatest contribution of agriculture to the state of Indiana is the values that come from the farm. The values of up early and to bed early. The values of hard work. The values of family. The values of being there for your neighbor in times of need," Pence explained.
When visiting the display of Karen Pence's watercolor paintings, Pence wore his love for his family on his sleeve. Which of his wife's paintings does he like most? The one of a bench. It is a bench that is now in the backyard of the Governor's mansion, but it is a bench that has been with his family throughout the years. It reminds him of his three children.
"One of my favorite pictures is of our kids, all dressed up when they were really small sitting on that bench," Pence said thoughtfully, looking at Karen. For much of the morning, as they walked around the fairgrounds, Pence grasped her hand in a loving way.
Throughout the morning Pence knelt down to address children with a twinkle in his eyes. He was equally as enamored with hand-painted Bison hailing from each of Indiana's 92 counties. He told one of the artists "If I can do anything, just let us know." Then, he and his wife looked at one another as they simultaneously leaned on the backside of a bison - it made for a good photo.
Even when given the opportunity to talk shop, Pence didn't bite.
"Mister Vice President, good luck to you," said one fair-goer to Pence and Karen as they served cups of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream to kids.
"Thank you so much," Pence said. "We are excited for you," the woman continued.
"We are, too," Pence said, offering them ice cream.