Donald Trump reversed course yesterday and endorsed House Speaker Paul Ryan for re-election, seeking to end deep divisions within the Republican Party and stem his presidential campaign’s bleeding after several self-inflicted wounds.
Advertisement
“We may disagree on a couple of things – and mostly we agree”, Trump said, reading from “something I wrote down” and amid cheers from the crowd. Trump had told The Washington Post in an interview earlier this week that he was “just not quite there yet” when it came to backing Ryan – language that echoed the words used by Ryan as he weighed whether to endorse the party’s nominee.
Mr Ryan, who was earlier endorsed by Mr Trump’s vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, is viewed by establishment Republicans as a possible presidential candidate in the future.
Trump told the Washington Post earlier this week he likes Ryan, “But these are terrible times for our country”.
“I need a Republican Senate and a House to accomplish all the changes we have to make”, added Trump, who also said “my 80 percent friend is not my 20 percent enemy”, a phrase often attributed to Ronald Reagan. Very important. We’ll work together. “And I just hate the way our veterans have been treated by John and other people”. “I also fully support and endorse Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire”, Mr Trump said.
Ryan reiterated his support for Trump hours before the endorsement, but the Wisconsin Republican noted his support wasn’t a “blank check” and pledged to speak out against the businessman’s divisive positions if necessary.
Trump finally ended the drama in Green Bay Friday night, giving his blessing and endorsement to Ryan. “I don’t like doing this; I don’t want to do this”, Ryan said.
Mr Trump’s refusal to back Mr Ryan had been seen by many as a final straw.
Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he is embarrassed about Donald Trump being the GOP presidential nominee, calling it a “sad day in America”.
Ryan himself has yet to respond to Trump’s endorsement, which his team previously said he had not asked for when Trump refused to endorse him.
Donald Trump has announced his team of economic advisers and it includes numerous people who have been already helping his campaign.
This comes after the Harvard Republican Club stated they will not be endorsing Trump for President.
Ryan faces off against Republican Paul Nehlen in his primary Tuesday.
He also said voters should consider supporting him because of Pence, who appeared with him at both events.
Advertisement
We’re past the point where things like this can be cast as Trump truly changing tack and shifting into general election mode.
