Donald Trump took credit for his running mate’s performance in Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate during a rally in Nevada, claiming Mike Pence’s success proved Trump has good taste in people.
“Mike Pence did an incredible job and I’m getting a lot of credit, because that’s really my first so-called choice, that’s really my first hire, and I tell you, he’s a good one,” said Trump, a rally on Wednesday in Henderson, Nevada.
Last night during the first and only vice-presidential debate against Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, Trump’s VP pick stayed calm and confident while Kaine interrupted constantly and appeared nervous.
“He was phenomenal – he was cool, he was smart – he was meant to be doing what he’s doing, and we are very very proud of Governor Mike Pence. Thank you, Mike Pence,” said Trump on Wednesday.
Media coverage and polling declared Pence the clear winner last night. Republicans came out declaring the debate made them wish Pence was the nominee rather than Trump.
It was a contrast to last Monday’s presidential debate when Hillary Clinton emerged the victor in the polls, following Donald Trump’s under-prepared performance. Trump has since claimed that microphone issues had affected him, and that online polls declared him the winner – despite reports claiming those numbers were rigged by Trump supporters.
But Trump made sure to claim last night’s win as his own; part of his narrative of being a successful businessman who knows how to make deals.
“I’d argue that Mike had the single most decisive victory in the history of vice president debates, and last night Americans also got to look firsthand at my judgment – you need judgment for people, for deals,” Trump continued.
“Well, Mike laid out big and bold solutions for America – his opponent only talked about small and petty distractions,” said Trump in Nevada.
But during the debate, Kaine mostly focused on things that Trump had said or done. Kaine questioned Trump’s behavior, such as saying women should be punished for getting abortions (a statement he later backtracked), that Vladimir Putin was a better leader than President Obama or his plans to build a wall between Mexico and the United States.
