Vice President Mike Pence Michael (Mike) Richard PenceGOP short of votes on Trump's controversial Fed pick Pence seeks to boost Daines in critical Montana Senate race The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump's rally risk | Biden ramps up legal team | Biden hits Trump over climate policy MORE said late Saturday that he supports the freedom of the press, adding that everyone has to "do better."

In a speech at the Gridiron Club, Pence said he has been a longtime advocate for a free and independent press.

"But these days, and I say this with the deepest respect, it seems like in the, in seems like in this short news cycle in which we live that too often stories will make page one and drive news with, with just too little respect to the people who are affected or involved," Pence said during the event.

"So let me just say to you as, not as your vice president, but just as a neighbor ... I think we’ve all just got to do better."

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Pence said the focus should be on what unites Americans.

"Our commitment to truth ... You know we saw the unity around our highest ideals and higher belief on Tuesday night," he said, referring to President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress.

"It was a special night. And a courageous woman and her heroic husband brought a divided nation together as the president paid tribute to Navy Seal Ryan Owens, who lost his life in the line of duty."

Pence cited the moment during the president's speech last week when he honored the widow of Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens. He said when Carryn Owens stood up, "all of our divisions melted away."

"In that moment, there were no Republicans, there were no Democrats on that floor — there were just Americans," he said.

"So in these divided times, I think we oughta try and do as much as we can. Actions, words and deeds that emulate Carryn and her courageous family. Take every opportunity that we have to stand up, to stand together," he continued.