Jim Rosica
Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence says he “believe(s) in redemption” and thought Donald Trump “express(ed) genuine contrition and remorse” over his taped lewd remarks about women.
Pence, the governor of Indiana, spoke with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle on Monday morning.
Last week, a tape from 2005 leaked in which GOP presidential nominee Trump can be heard bragging about how his fame allowed him to “do anything” to women.
During Sunday’s debate, however, Trump denied he had kissed and groped women without their consent, dismissing his comments as “locker room talk.”
Pence said he was offended by the comments but added he “was proud of (Trump) having shown humility” in his apologies.
“My faith teaches two things: No. 1 is that we try to live up to a godly standard in our life, and we speak truth when people don’t reflect that,” said Pence, according to a transcript. “But secondly, the other part of my faith is grace.
“I believe in redemption; I believe in second chances,” Pence said. “And I think Donald Trump, in expressing genuine contrition and remorse, apologizing not only to his family but to the American people for the words that he has used, I think — and saying that he was truly embarrassed about all of it on national television last night merits grace.”
The running mate said he “believe(s) in redemption and I believe the American people believe in grace and that’s a centerpiece of my faith.”
Pence also suggested the furor over Trump’s remarks were driven by the press.
“I understand the media’s focus on this, (but) this is just not where the American people are focused,” he told Ruhle, later explaining, “What people are talking about is their lives, their futures, the opportunities for their children and their grandchildren’s safety and security …”
“Nobody is perfect,” added Pence, who has described himself as an “evangelical Catholic.”
“I can think of one person who was perfect in human history. Beyond that, none of us are.”
The interview can be seen here.
The Associated Press contributed to this post, reprinted with permission.
