EXCLUSIVE: In first Utah interview as GOP VP nominee, Mike Pence talks principles and policy with Sutherland Institute’s Boyd Matheson
SALT LAKE CITY—In his first interview on Utah airwaves since being named as the Republican Party vice presidential nominee, Indiana Governor Mike Pence joined Sutherland Institute president Boyd Matheson in a wide-ranging, 20-minute interview. They discussed topics including immigration, Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump’s challenge in connecting with Utahns, and state versus federal solutions. The interview is set to air at 5 p.m. MDT today when Matheson fills in as a guest host of The Rod Arquette Show on Talk Radio 105.9 KNRS.
Trump is set to deliver what Pence termed as a “historic” immigration speech following a “decisive” trip to visit Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto. Pence told Matheson that he believes voters will hear from both Trump’s heart and mind during tonight’s immigration address.
“You’re going to hear him speak about the compassion of the American people, and I think his outreach to African-Americans in the last few weeks, speaking very boldly about the way liberal policies have failed many in the minority communities in our larger cities now for generations, reaching out to Hispanics and Latinos, I think those are themes you’re going to hear not only tonight but going forward,” Pence said.
“When Donald Trump talks about making America great again,” Pence continued, “it’s becoming increasingly clear to people around the country that we want America and the American dream to be great again for everyone, regardless of race or creed or color, regardless of where they start in life.”
When asked about the apparent disconnect with Utah voters, termed by some as Trump’s “Mormon problem,” Pence described a number of issues he believes are common ground between Trump’s campaign and Utah voters: an emphasis on security, prosperity, honesty and integrity; the naming of Supreme Court justices that will follow in the tradition of Antonin Scalia; a strong national defense; low taxes and low regulation; repeal of Obamacare; and an end to the war on coal.
“Those are all, I think, values that are synonymous with the vast majority of people of this great state and I believe that they are values that are going to continue to resonate as we build support in Utah and all across America.”
Pence’s interview comes a day before he is scheduled to make his first Utah appearance since securing the GOP vice presidential nomination. He is slated to speak about higher education reform on Friday at the Utah Solutions Summit hosted by U.S. Senator Mike Lee at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
After the interview with Pence, Matheson noted, “Utah is playing a pivotal role in this year’s presidential election. Sutherland Institute is committed to pushing for elevated dialogue about principles and policies, and conversations like this help citizens make informed decisions based on the principles that will lift all Americans.”
Sutherland Institute is an advocate for empowering principles, elevated dialogue and enlightened public policy advancing free markets, civil society and federalism.
