Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump didn’t need mock debates or other traditional prepping for the big debate Monday because he was born for this moment, according to his running mate.
“He’s been preparing for tonight for his entire life,” Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence said in a CNN interview shortly before Mr. Trump took the stage to face-off with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton at Hofstra University in New York.
“He’s someone who loves his family, loves this country and I think tonight people are going to see that lifetimes of experience and that authenticity come through,” he said.
Mr. Trump readied for the debate by reviewing possible questions going over policy positions with a team of advisors.
The New York billionaire’s low-key preparation for the first presidential debate of 2016 contrasted to Mrs. Clinton, whose mock debates closely simulated the event by starting at 9 p.m., lasting 90 minutes and featuring longtime aide Philippe Reines playing the role of Mr. Trump.
Mr. Pence said Mr. Trump didn’t need much practice.
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“My only advice to him is be yourself,” he said. “I’ve seen him when the klieg lights are off. This is a good man who I believe will make a great president of the United States and going onto the stage tonight is the best opportunity he’s had in the course of this campaign to present himself to the American people and I’m excited about it.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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