Kaine makes debut as Clinton running mate

Washington

Kaine, the junior Senator from Virginia, on Friday was selected by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as her running mate.

"From Atlantic City to his so-called university, he leaves a trail of broken promises and wrecked lives wherever he goes. We can't afford to let him do the same thing to our country," 58-year-old Kaine told a cheering crowd in Miami, Florida in his maiden speech as Clinton's running mate.

The two would be formally accepting the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week.

"We can't afford to let him do the same thing to our country. And folks, we don't have to – because Hillary Clinton is the direct opposite of Donald Trump," Kaine said with Clinton standing by his side.

The two leaders made a joint first appearance in Miami after Friday's announcement.

"Hillary Clinton, she doesn't insult people, she listens to them. What a novel concept, right? She doesn’t trash our allies, she respects them. And she’ll always have our backs – that is something I am rock-solid sure of," he said.

"I know that because Hillary knows that we’re stronger together; we’re stronger when we work together, when we grow together, when we pull together, when we live in the same neighborhood and worship together and go to school together.  When we're together, we're stronger," Kaine said making a strong pitch for Clinton.

In her speech, Clinton said she and Kaine are in the race to send a positive message and not negative one as was done by Trump during Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

"Donald Trump may think America's in decline, but he's wrong. America's best days are still ahead of us, my friends. And when he says, as he did say, 'I alone can fix it' – he's not only wrong, he's dangerously wrong," said Clinton as she introduced Kaine to the nation.

"We Americans – we solve problems together. And if Donald doesn't understand that, he doesn't understand America. I know that no one does anything all alone, and part of our challenge is to make sure we do work together," she said.

Clinton introduced Kaine as one of the most qualified vice presidential candidates in history. She applauded his lifelong commitment to public service: his work with missionaries in Honduras; as a civil rights lawyer and his leadership as city council member, mayor of Richmond, Governor of Virginia, and US Senator.

"Throughout his career, he has brought people together to deliver for those he represents. And that's why I am so thrilled to announce that my running mate is a man who doesn't just share those values, he lives them," Clinton said.