Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin calls on GOP to unite behind Trump

CLEVELAND, July 21 (UPI) -- Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin addressed the Republican National Convention on Thursday, saying Donald Trump will unify the Grand Old Party and the country around shared values of economic prosperity and the commitment to a strong national defense.

Fallin, who is the first female governor in the state's history, told delegates Trump will rebuild the military and defeat terrorism.

"He believes in peace through strength and will defeat radical Islamic terrorists who seek to destroy our nation," she said.

She also criticized Democrats for creating a feeling of "hopelessness" in millions of Americans due to stagnant wages, too few jobs and a lack of upward mobility.

"We can't [make] that hopelessness ... the new normal. In America, we won't," Fallin said. "We must make America one again and restore the confidence in our nation. And it's no secret Donald Trump is bold, tenacious, courageous and he's an outspoken leader. He knows how to create jobs."

Fallin also called on Republicans to unite under Trump after what, at times, has been a fractious convention in Cleveland.

"As a party we don't agree 100 percent on everything. That's OK, we don't have to. As Ronald Reagan once said, the person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally."