Gov. Mike Pence stumps in Gettysburg after debate
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Ronald Reagan will remain his favorite president for the next 33 days.
The GOP vice presidential nominee is hoping his running mate, Donald Trump, will claim that title come November.
In a town hall Thursday morning at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel, Pence said he expects the voters of Pennsylvania to play a major part in determining the outcome of the 2016 election.
"Pennsylvania always looms large in our nation's destiny," Pence said to a crowd of more than 600. "It's especially true this year."
Pence's pitch lavished praise on Trump while touting bastions of the Republican Party, like religion and the military.
"Donald Trump's devotion to the veterans of this country is boundless," Pence said to cheers.
Pence also commented on his Tuesday night debate performance, but not without crediting his running mate.
"Some people think I won that debate," he said wryly. "From where I sat, Donald Trump won that debate."
The vice presidential debate appeared to spark greater interest in Pence and his role in the Trump campaign.
"After his debate performance, I was really excited to hear he was coming to Gettysburg," Hanna Penreck, a Gettysburg College student, said. "I thought he was the perfect choice for Trump."
The Indiana governor commanded the room for the 45-minute duration of his appearance, aside from a fracas near the top of his speech from a pair of protesters.
Clad in bright yellow and red raincoats and sitting in the center of the hotel's presidential ballroom, the hecklers popped out of their seats after Pence said Trump "embodies the spirit of the nation."
The protesters were shouted down with chants of "Trump" from the audience and eventually escorted outside of the room by security.
Brenda Wareheim, who was seated near the men, said she was scared.
"I got so nervous, my heart was pounding," Wareheim said.
She said she observed fists fly and secret service agents refer to the protesters as "ketchup and mustard" because of their colorful wardrobe.
The supporters in attendance were not shy about their opinions and let it show, particularly in their wardrobe. T-shirts with lines like "I am deplorable" and "Liar liar pantsuit on fire," as well as a camouflage hat reading "Hillary for prison," were among the bold garb.
Pence wrapped up the event by taking some questions from the audience, including a few veterans and military families expressing their support.
The final question came from a child named Dwayne, who asked Pence how long it would take him and Trump to "fix everything Obama has done" to the amusement of the crowd.
"Not as long as you might think," Pence responded to the child, whom he said has a "bright future."
The pre-program included speeches from Rep. Scott Perry and Otto Voit, a candidate for state treasurer who boasted he was the "first statewide candidate to endorse Trump."
"Did you know that more people believe in Big Foot than the trustworthiness of Hillary Clinton?" Voit asked the rapturous crowd.
Related: VP nominee Mike Pence to visit Gettysburg
Those in attendance gave the town hall high marks, and Pence appeared to win over those who supported the ticket for the Trump name.
"I think he is a strong, solid leader," said Rebecca Makdad, of Gettysburg.
A retired member of the Navy, Makdad explained she believed the Trump ticket would "have the backs of the military."
The opportunity to witness a campaign come to Gettysburg delighted many locals in attendance.
"I was thankful," Bob Otto, of Gettysburg, said. "I was wondering if I was going to have to go to Harrisburg. It was really nice to have the governor come here."
Makdad praised the visit beyond the convenience in proximity.
"I think Gettysburg is somewhere every candidate should visit because of the historical significance," she said. "Where America was saved should be of prime importance of any national candidate."
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