Vice President-elect Mike Pence appeared on Fox News Sunday and responded to the controversy that has erupted after the cast of “Hamilton” read a message directed at the Republican politician following a recent show he attended.
While Donald Trump earlier stated Pence was “harassed” at the show, Pence’s response was more measured. He told Fox News’ Chris Wallace that when he and his family arrived, “We heard a few boos and we heard some cheers, and I nudged my kids and reminded them, ‘That’s what freedom sounds like.'”
Pence said he enjoyed the show, which he called an “incredible production” put on by “incredibly talented people.” He also said he heard the message read to him by cast members.
“I wasn’t offended by what was said, I will leave to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it,” he told Fox News.
The Vice President-elect also said he wanted to address the central message of the statement, which the authors stated was on behalf of “the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights…”
Pence said: “I know this is a very disappointing time for people that did not see their candidate win in this national election. I know this is a very anxious time for some people, and I just want to reassure people that what President-elect Donald Trump said on Election Night, he absolutely meant from the bottom of his heart: He is preparing to be the President of all of the people of the United States of America.”
Pence said Trump is bringing people of diverse views together, and he said he is very confident Trump will be a president for all people.
When asked directly if he wanted or expected an apology from the cast of Hamilton, Pence said: “Well, as I said, I would leave that to others whether that was the appropriate venue for that, but, I will tell you Chris, if you haven’t seen the show, go to see it. It’s a great, great show.”
