Mike Pence

In fewer than 40 days, the American people will choose a new president who will set the course of this nation not only for the next four years, but for a generation to come. Between the candidates, the choice could not be more clear.

By electing Donald Trump, the American people have the opportunity to choose a bold leader. In a political world often reserved for talkers, Donald Trump is a doer. I’ve come to know the man who invited me to join him on the Republican ticket as thoughtful, compassionate and steady. Above all, I know he is ready to lead the United States as our next president and commander in chief.

Hillary Clinton’s candidacy embodies the status quo and the failed policies of Washington, D.C. With her we will get more of the same: more taxes, more spending, more regulation and more government.

As Donald Trump and I crisscross the country, it has become clear to me that there is a movement building. This movement reminds me of the one built by a leader whom we now regard as one of our nation’s greatest presidents.

In 1980, Ronald Reagan was regarded by the Washington political establishment as little more than a cowboy or a celebrity who entered politics late in life. He even made some Republicans uneasy. Along the way, people heard his vision of a renewed America. Americans from all walks of life flocked to a man who was so clearly unbound by Washington niceties and political correctness.

Ronald Reagan spoke the truth in 1980 to the American people, just as Donald Trump has in 2016.

USA TODAY's Editorial Board: Trump is 'unfit for the presidency'

Donald Trump is a candidate who speaks honestly and frankly about the challenges we face. I have seen this good man come alongside those whose lives and property were ravaged by floodwaters in Louisiana. I have seen people pack arenas and fairgrounds by the thousands or stand in a driving rainstorm to hear the message of a brighter future.

Donald Trump believes in the greatness of this country and the boundless potential of the American people.

In recent months, Donald Trump has laid out a vision to improve America’s standing at home and abroad. He will rebuild our military, defeat radical Islamic terror and reject the bad deals that jeopardize our security and that of our allies.

At home, Donald Trump will empower the American people to revive our economy. He’ll cut taxes for all Americans and halt onerous new federal regulations. He’ll rewrite our trade deals so they help American workers. He’ll end the war on coal and develop new American sources of energy.

Donald Trump has committed to expanding educational choice for disadvantaged kids. He will repeal Obamacare and make health care more affordable and accessible.

The next president will also set the course and direction of the Supreme Court for decades. To that end, Donald Trump will appoint men and women who will strictly construe the Constitution and not legislate from the bench.

Our opponent stands in every way opposed to the change offered by Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton personifies why the American people have so little confidence in our political leaders. Over three decades in public life, we have grown accustomed to the hallmarks of the Clinton way. Wherever they go, issues of ethics and improprieties are not far behind.

As Hillary Clinton tries to make her case for the highest office in the land, we hear from the FBI of cellphones smashed with hammers, wiped email servers and immunity deals for her closest advisers.

She will raise taxes and put more burdensome regulations on business, ensuring our sluggish economy will remain just that. She has pledged to put coal miners out of business. More U.S. jobs will go overseas.

The American people once again stand at a time for choosing. On one hand, we have a candidate in Hillary Clinton who represents all that is wrong with the status quo in Washington. On the other, Donald Trump has the courage to speak his mind and the boldness to make true his vision of a renewed America.

On Election Day, the choice is clear. To Make America Great Again, we must elect Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States.

Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana is the Republican nominee for vice president.