Running Mate Mike Pence Sounds Off on Keeping Trump on Message

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence is speaking out about the recent controversies plaguing Donald Trump as well as the Obama administration's suspicious $400 million cash payment to Iran.

Following a campaign event in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Pence spoke with CBN News about the importance of keeping his running mate focused on Hillary Clinton's record and away from other controversies in the weeks ahead.

Some Republicans say Trump needs to work harder limiting his comments to Clinton's record and his plans to bring about change from the Obama years.

"How do you get him on message?" Lane asked.

"Well, look. Donald Trump is a man who has spoken form his heart, from his mind from the very outset of this campaign and he's made a connection with the American people the likes of which I have haven't seen since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence replied.

But Ronald Reagan was also a former actor who stuck to the script and some in the GOP worry that getting Trump to do the same - while still allowing "Trump to be Trump" may be the Republican's biggest challenge in the days ahead.

Pence also criticized the Obama administration's $400 million payment to Iran on the same day four Americans were freed in Tehran.

"I think in doing that they put a price tag on the head of every American and overseas. Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world," he explained. "Giving them currency that they can make available to other terrorist organizations jeopardizes American citizens and jeopardizes our allies."

During the rally, the Republican vice presidential candidate also made a point to acknowledge those who serve in a region of the country where the military and national defense dominate.

"Would those who wore the uniform of The United States of America please stand up and allow us to say thank you one more time for your service to this country?" he asked, prompting many attendees to stand to their feet.

Pence talked to them about the U.S. economy, saying it only grew by 1.2 percent during the last quarter. Under President Barack Obama, the country is experiencing its weakest economic recovery since 1949.

"They say it's the best we can do. Donald Trump and I know this: It's not the best we can do; it's just the best they can do!" he charged.

Pence also criticized Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for the way she handled the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.   

"After four Americans fell, Hillary Clinton said, 'What difference at this point does it make?' As a proud father of a United States Marine, let me say from my heart anyone who said that, anyone who did that should be disqualified from ever serving as commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the United States of America," Pence declared.

With Virginia being a key battleground state, Clinton chose Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., to be her running mate. But Corey Stewart, Trump party chairperson for the state, said Kaine is not going to make a difference.

"Kaine isn't going to do anything for her elsewhere in the country and frankly not here in Virginia. He's seen as a failed governor. Unemployment went way up; we lost tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs when Kaine was governor," Stewart told CBN News.

CBN's Gary Lane also asked about reported Republican Party disunity and his endorsement of House Speaker Paul Ryan.

"As Donald Trump said he's not there yet..." Pence said.

"Is it coming?" Lane pressed.

"I  believe as time goes on  you're going to see these two men come together and work together," Pence responded.