Trump postpones VP announcement, citing France attacks

WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump abruptly postponed plans to announce his vice presidential pick following a day of rampant speculation, citing the "horrible attack" in Nice, France, that left scores dead.

Trump had planned to hold his first event with his yet-to-be-named running mate this morning in New York.

He announced the change of plans Thursday evening on Twitter.

The stunning announcement raised questions about the status of Trump's selection process.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence had emerged as a late favorite for the job, although Trump said he had not finalized the pick, and advisers cautioned he could change his mind.

"I haven't made my final, final decision," Trump said on Fox News Channel.

He said while his running-mate selection would "absolutely not" be changed by the France attack, he did not feel it was appropriate to hold a news conference in its aftermath.

Dozens of people were killed late Thursday in the French resort city of Nice when a truck drove onto a sidewalk and plowed through a crowd of Bastille Day revelers who'd gathered to watch fireworks.

In addition to Pence, Trump's short list included former House speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to people familiar with the candidate's thinking.

After spending much of Thursday in Indianapolis, Pence flew to New York late in the day, according to a Republican familiar with the process. Indianapolis television station WTHR posted a video showing Pence arriving at a private airport outside New York early Thursday evening.

Trump did not say when he planned to announce his running mate.

He's up against a clock: The Republican convention kicks off in Cleveland on Monday.

Top party officials are already in Cleveland, grappling with a rules fight that increased the odds of nationally televised clashes at the convention.

Talks broke down Thursday between party leaders and recalcitrant conservatives seeking to "unbind" convention delegates and let them back any presidential candidate they'd like.

Conservatives hope that would lead to delegates blocking Trump's nomination.

The convention and vice presidential announcement give Trump back-to-back opportunities to reassure Americans -- as well as leaders within his own party -- he's prepared for the presidency.

Pence, a staunch conservative who served six terms in Congress, is seen as a running mate who would have the backing of GOP leaders and ease some of their concerns about Trump's political inexperience and volatile temperament.

He has influential allies in Trump's inner circle. But some of Trump's children, who have been advising their father closely, are said to favor different candidates.