Story highlights One of the toughest questions Pence has gotten on the trail

He was initially taken aback when the young boy asked about Trump

Raleigh, North Carolina (CNN) Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Thursday fielded one of the toughest questions he's faced as Donald Trump's running mate - from 11-year-old Matthew Schricker.

"I've been watching the news lately and I've been noticing lately that you've been kind of softening up on Mr. Trump's policies and words. Is this going to be your role in the administration?" Schricker said at Pence's Raleigh, North Carolina, town hall.

Pence was at first taken aback. "What did you say that I've been doing?" Pence asked, to laughter. Schricker repeated: "You've been kind of softening up his words and policies."

Pence laughed, and then gave a candid response about his running mate's style, and how it differs from his own.

"Sometimes things don't always come out like you mean," Pence said, before also pledging to stand by the GOP nominee.

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