Aired on eve of the Republican national convention, the interview laid bare the gulf between the two conservatives

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The personal and political differences between Republican nominee Donald Trump and his running mate Indiana governor Mike Pence have been put display in the pair’s first joint interview since their ticket was announced.

Described as an “awkward marriage” and “painful trainwreck”, the interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes aired on Sunday, just hours before the Republican national convention is due to open in Cleveland.

Trump took the lead for the majority of the interview, with Pence speaking about 50 times and Trump more than 100. Pence was frequently interrupted by Trump, a theme of the interview that was noted on social media.

JackiSchechner (@JackiSchechner) #Trump says he totally will let #Pence speak and will listen to him. Just not on TV in front of millions of viewers. #60Minutes

At one point, Trump even seemed to suggest that he “didn’t need” Pence to win over Evangelical voters.

One of the more bizarre parts of the interview came when Trump defended Pence’s support for the Iraq war, despite having criticised Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for the same thing.

Asked about their difference of opinion about the war, Trump was dismissive, saying the vote was “a long time ago”.

Trump said Pence was “entitled to make a mistake every once in a while,” but when it came to Clinton: “She’s not.”

Philip Bump (@pbump) Trump, your VP supported the war in Iraq.

"Don't care."

What?

"He's entitled to a mistake."

Clinton isn't?

"No."

https://t.co/IZij3Q9Rf3

Another difficult moment came when interviewer Lesley Stahl asked Pence if he shared Trump’s view that senator John McCain was not a true war hero because he was captured.

Pence started to answer, saying “I have a great deal of respect for John McCain,” before he was asked if thought Trump went too far.

Trump then gave Pence permission to answer yes.

“That one, you could say yes, I mean, you’re not – it’s fine – hey, look, I like John McCain. But we have to take care of our vets,” Trump said.



Stahl also questioned the pair over their differences when it comes to negative campaigning, waterboarding and free trade.

But Pence insisted that the two were a united front, saying he supported Trump’s policy of temporarily banning Muslims from the US.

“It’s obvious to people that our styles are different. But I promise you, our vision is exactly the same,” he said.