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In Audition For VP Slot, Pence Praises Trump At Indiana Rally

WESTFIELD, Ind. (CBS) -- Gov. Mike Pence, in what many political observers viewed as a live audition for a spot on Donald Trump's presidential ticket, rallied a pro-Trump crowd in Indiana on Tuesday night, comparing Trump to Ronald Reagan as a man who understands America's "boundless potential."

"Donald Trump knows that the boundless potential of the American people awaits and we can make America Great Again," Pence told a crowd is Westfield, just north of Indianapolis. Pence said Trump connected with voters much like Reagan did in the 1980s.

Pence's introduction came as CBS News reported that Trump will make his vice presidential pick public on Friday.

CNN today reported that Pence and House Speaker Newt Gingrich are the top two finalists for the post.

Pence also went on the attack, saying the electing Hillary Clinton would be a huge mistake for the nation.

"Hillary Clinton must never become president of the United States of America," Pence said.

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Campaign supporters await the arrival of Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Grant Park Event Center in Westfield, Indiana. (Credit: TASOS KATOPODIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Pence himself faces a noon deadline on Friday.

That's when he would have withdraw from the governor's race, should he be selected as Trump's running mate.

During his remarks, Trump dropped this coy quip: "I don't know if he's going to be your governor or your vice president — who the hell knows?"

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