Chris Graves, Mark Zdechlik

MPR News/90.1 FM

Vice President Mike Pence took the stage at the Minneapolis Convention Center Wednesday morning to promote the federal tax overhaul, praise the American military and whip up support for his boss.

“I bring greetings from the 45th president of the United States of America, Donald Trump,” Pence told a cheering crowd. “Thanks to all the good people of Minnesota for … all you’ve done to stand with our administration.” He said the past year has been a year of “promises made and promises kept.”

Speaking for about half an hour, he praised Minnesota Republicans who had preceded him on the platform, including U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer, Erik Paulsen and Jason Lewis. He thanked Paulsen for helping pass the Trump agenda, “and we couldn’t be more grateful.” He also lauded Lewis and Emmer, noting that Emmer was helping efforts to “protect and explore” precious metals deposits in Minnesota.

Pence denounced the “job-killing” Paris climate accord and promised that the administration would keep up the fight against opioid addiction and for school safety.

“The forgotten men and women of America are forgotten no more,” he declared.

Pence drew an ovation when he repeated the administration’s promise to build a wall on the southern border.

“We also cut out the cornerstone of Obamacare, the individual mandate. It’s gone,” Pence exulted.

As a result of the tax cut, “Thousands of Minnesotans have seen bonuses as high as $2,000. That’s great news for working families. But not everybody thinks that.” He criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as “out of touch with the working people.”

“We need your continued support to move the president’s agenda forward,” Pence told the crowd. “If you’re inclined from time to time to bow the head and bend the knee and pray for America, I urge you to do it. … Pray for America, because America matters, far beyond our shores.”