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Newt Gingrich said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Wednesday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has narrowed down his shortlist of possible running mates to two people: himself and Indiana governor Mike Pence.
“He clearly, I think, is down to two,” said the former Speaker of the House.
He praised Pence as “a great personal friend” and “a very good governor,” capable of acting as a “stabilizing force” for Republicans still wary about the party’s nominee.
“I think he would be a very stabilizing force,” said Gingrich. “I think a lot of people who are a little jittery about Donald Trump would feel reassured talking with Pence.”
“My strength is totally different: I'm an outsider," he added. “I’m oriented towards moving the great base of the party, communicating big ideas, being on television."
Gingrich went on to say that Trump will have to choose between “two really good, but really different choices.”
“I think Trump’s got to decide, does he want a second person who’s really as effective on television, or does he want somebody who’s really good at reaching out on a personal basis to a lot of people who frankly Trump may not be able to reach on his own?” he asked.
The rhetorical question Gingrich posed has cause to fuel speculation that Trump is favoring Pence as his vice presidential pick.
Both Pence and Gingrich met with Trump on Wednesday, just days ahead of the Republican National Convention.
Gingrich said that he and Trump had “a great conversation.”
“We covered a lot of territory,” he said. “He has very big plans for America and really does want to make America great again for all Americans.”
Trump posted on Twitter Wednesday night that he plans to announce his running mate on Friday.
Watch Newt Gingrich's interview on "Hannity" below.