David M Jackson

USA TODAY

Mike Pence says he doesn't have to "clean up" after Donald Trump -- it's just that he and the Republican presidential nominee have different styles.

"I couldn't be more honored to be campaigning shoulder-to-shoulder with a man who I believe is going to be the next president of the United States," the Indiana governor told Fox News Sunday.

Pence is often called upon to clarify Trump's more volatile comments, such as his claim that President Obama is a "founder" of the Islamic State and his suggestion that Second Amendment supporters should do something about the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency.

At a recent rally in North Carolina, an 11-year-old boy told Pence he appears to be "softening" Trump, and asked the running mate: "Is this your role?"

After playing that clip, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace asked Pence: "Are you the cleanup crew?"

Said Pence: "Well, look. we have different styles, but as I told that little boy, we have exactly the same convictions."

During a Saturday radio interview, Pence that he will publicly release his tax returns but did not give a specific time for when he’ll disclose the information. A spokesman for the GOP vice presidential candidate told CNN the release would occur before the November election. Pence’s planned release comes as his running mate, Donald Trump, has declined to share his tax returns because of an ongoing IRS audit.