Pence to Trump: 'Be yourself' at Sunday's debate

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- After a strong performance in Tuesday's vice presidential debate, Gov. Mike Pence offered some words of advice to Republican nominee Donald Trump ahead of Sunday's second debate: "Be yourself."

Pence, speaking to Fox News on Thursday, said Trump's authenticity is his best attribute, so he should use it to his advantage when he and Hillary Clinton are on stage again.

"I'd encourage Donald Trump to do what he did in his first debate and that is be himself. Speak from his mind and speak from his heart and I know he's going to do that," Pence said. "He will be ready for this coming Sunday night."

The second presidential debate will have a town hall format, with questions coming both from the moderators -- CNN's Anderson Cooper and ABC's Martha Raddatz -- but also from undecided voters in the audience. The format has proven to be an engaging one, giving the candidates the time and space to interact with voters.

Pence harkened back to Trump's performance in an NBC town hall event in August, during which his performance was praised.

"He really does a great job, particularly in a town hall setting. I think the reason why you see these enormous crowds rallying around Donald Trump, enormous crowds yesterday out west, is because he's made a real connection with everyday Americans," Pence said. "And so my advice for him for Sunday night is what it was before the last debate, and that is go out, be yourself and share that vision for how we're going to make America great again. He will have a great night."