David Jackson, and Maureen Groppe

USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Donald Trump said Saturday that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will be "my partner" in a fight to change the United States by rebuilding the manufacturing sector at home and fighting terrorism from abroad.

"We are in a rigged, rigged system," Trump said in unveiling his new running mate during a Saturday morning event in New York City.

Pence — who spoke after nearly 30 minutes of Trump talking more about himself than his new running mate — described himself as he frequently does, as "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican -— in that order."

In thanking Trump for his appointment, the Indiana governor described the New York businessman as a "builder," a "fighter," and a "patriotic American" who will bring "no-nonsense leadership" to Washington, D.C.

Hitting another major theme of the campaign, Pence drew a standing ovation from Trump supporters when he declared that the main reason he accepted the offer is “because Hillary Clinton can never become president of the United States.”

The formal introduction came a day after the Republican candidate had planned to make it. The real estate mogul had postponed the event after the terrorist attack in the French city of Nice, and amid reports that he was wavering on the Pence pick.

Pushing back on those reports, Trump said Saturday Pence was "my first choice" for the running mate slot.

Contrasting his new running mate with his Democratic election opponent, Trump said Pence is "a man of honor," while "Hillary Clinton is the embodiment of corruption."

There appeared to be as many Trump supporters as journalists in attendance at the announcemetn, as the businessman's backers filled five rows of seats in a Hilton ballroom that was not expanded to its full size.

The Trump-ites reacted most enthusiastically to Pence's denunciation of Clinton.

“That totally resonated with me,” said Scott Fintz, a “born and bred” New Yorker and newly registered Republican who added that Pence would not have been his choice.

“I’m not a fan of the evangelical side,” Fintz said, though he added that he understands how Pence rounds out the anti-Clinton ticket.

“To prevent the alternative?" he said. "Totally understandable."

Trump picked Pence in part because of the governor's popularity with religious conservatives. In introducing him, the nominee-in-waiting made sure to speak at length about changing a federal law that bars churches from engaging in political activity.

In praising Pence's record, Trump also said that "one of the big reasons I chose Mike is party unity, I have to be honest."

Trump introduced Pence two days before the start of the Republican convention in Cleveland. Saying that "we're going to have an incredible convention," the candidate also taunted "Never Trump" opponents who failed to change the voting rules in a bid to somehow derail his nomination.

"They got crushed," Trump said.

Trump makes it official: Mike Pence is his running mate

After the joint appearance with Trump at the New York Hilton Midtown, Pence flew back for a "welcome home rally" in Zionsville, Ind. — an event Trump is not scheduled to attend.

Pence 'very excited' to be Trump's No. 2 on GOP ticket

In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, Pence downplayed or reversed past differences he has had with Trump.

The Indiana governor, who had criticized the businessman for his proposed temporary ban on Muslim entry into the United States, told Fox News "I am very supportive of Donald Trump's call to temporarily suspend immigration from countries where terrorists (have) influence."

And on trade, Pence said that while he supports free trade, he agrees with Trump that current agreements should be revisited.

"When we elect one of the best negotiators in the world as president of the United States, I'm open to renegotiating these trade agreements," Pence said.

Analysis: For Trump, Pence pick is all about conservatives

In his remarks introducing Pence, Trump noted that the governor actually endorsed Ted Cruz during the Indiana primary. But Trump, whose win in Indiana forced Cruz from the race and virtually clinched the Republican nomination, noted that Pence also had nice things to say about him at the time, calling it "the greatest non-endorsement in history."

Trump also discussed the Nice attack, criticizing the Obama administration and Clinton over their foreign policy, and vowing to protect the United States from terrorism through "strength." He described himself and Pence as the "law and order" candidates.

Republicans who have criticized Trump on various issues praised his selection of Pence.

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who has refused to endorse Trump, tweeted that "Mike Pence is a good man," and "he will add value to the ticket."

Republicans praise Pence as Trump running mate

Democrats mocked the selection, saying Pence's efforts to block abortion rights and promote the interests of the wealthy will turn off moderate voters. The campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton denounced Trump as "the most extreme VP pick in a generation."

Trump and Pence meet the press after a somewhat chaotic selection process that played out in recent days.

The candidate and his aides reacted angrily over news leaks Thursday about Pence's selection. In the meantime, Trump heard last-minute pleas from backers of the other two vice presidential finalists, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House speaker Newt Gingrich.

As late as Thursday — even as Pence sat in a New York hotel, having flown in from Indiana — Trump told Fox News that he had not yet made his "final, final decision."

Late Friday morning, however, Trump confirmed his choice on Twitter: “I am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presidential running mate," he tweeted. Trump's campaign denied he had ever wavered on Pence.

Reporters on Saturday chuckled at one of the pre-event musical selections: The Rolling Stones' “You Can’t Always Get What You Want."

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More coverage of the Republican presidential ticket:

Clinton campaign: Pence 'most extreme' VP pick in generation

Pence pick brings abortion debate to the forefront

Trump-Pence logo raises eyebrows on Twitter

3 times Mike Pence distanced himself from Donald Trump