Vice President Mike Pence told South Carolina conservatives Monday night that another four years for the Trump administration is a far better choice than anything the Democratic Party might offer from its nomination race.
"Have faith in the American people," Pence told about 3,000 people attending a fundraising barbecue in the town of Anderson. "When the American people are given a choice between more freedom and more government, they'll choose freedom every time." Pence spoke at the Faith and Freedom BBQ, an annual fundraiser for US Rep Jeff Duncan, one of the most conservative members of South Carolina's congressional delegation.
Organizers tout the event as the state's largest annual gathering for conservatives, who packed out a civic centre for plates of barbecue, cole slaw and homemade ice cream.
Other speakers Monday included Duncan, Gov. Henry McMaster and US Senator Lindsey Graham, as well as US Rep Jim Jordan of Ohio.
Pence said that South Carolina 55 per cent of its voters backed Trump in 2016 is a beneficiary of military victories and economic successes pledged by Trump during his campaign.
"It's been two and a half years of promises made and promises kept. We're just getting started, South Carolina," Pence said. "With God's help, we will keep America great." Pence visited the state in March to help Graham kick off his reelection bid.
On Monday night, Graham playfully swiped at the president, with whom he said he got off to a "rocky start." "I've come to like the president, admire the president," said Graham, who frequently sparred with Trump when both sought the 2016 nomination but now counts as an ally and frequent golfing partner. "He likes himself, so we've got a lot in common. ... This is a hell of a country, and we're not going to give it over to a bunch of socialists."