Story highlights "If Trump offers the position and is serious about it ... listen, I would feel compelled to serve the country," Gingrich said

The announcement marks a pivot for Gingrich

Washington (CNN) Newt Gingrich said Thursday that if asked, he would feel "compelled to serve the country" as Donald Trump's running mate.

"If Trump offers the position and is serious about it, which I think he would be after our conversations, listen, I would feel compelled to serve the country," the former House speaker told Fox News' Greta Van Susteren.

The statement was a pivot for Gingrich: less than one week ago at the Aspen Ideas Festival, he called talk that he would be selected "wild speculation," saying that even if he were to be chosen, he would have to have a "very, very long talk" with his wife, Callista, and then "another long talk" with the presumptive Republican nominee.

Gingrich, who campaigned with Trump in Cincinnati Wednesday, also confirmed Thursday that he was being vetted for the position, though he qualified the remark by saying, "I have no idea what that means in terms of Donald Trump. He's the only person that matters."

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