CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ Mike Pence roused a few hundred enthusiastic supporters here Monday, showing that whatever doubts he may have had over the weekend about being Donald Trump's running mate were behind him, at least in public.
"As I come before you today, it's been an interesting few days," he said early in his speech, drawing nervous chuckles. "But I got to tell you, I joined this campaign in a heartbeat because you have nominated a man for president who never quits."
Pence called Trump a fighter and a winner who showed on the debate stage that he "embodies the spirit of America."
He also addressed a video that surfaced Friday on which Trump talks about using his fame as a pass to grope women. Pence accepted Trump's apologies _ criticized by detractors as hedged _ as full-throated.
"It takes a big man to know when he's wrong and to admit and have the humility to apologize," Pence said.
Pence then went on to speak about his own faith, his wife and the significance of being born again.
"We all fall short," he said. "I don't condone what was said and I spoke out against it," he said. "But the other part of my faith is, I believe in grace."
He drew loud applause when he gave Trump credit for showing heart and humility at the debate, "and then he fought back."
