Ryan faces a challenge from longshot candidate Paul Nehlen in the August 9 primary.
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Their party in crisis, Republicans’ frustration with Donald Trump reached new heights on Wednesday as GOP leaders inside and outside the presidential nominee’s campaign contemplated new ways to persuade him to moderate his divisive tactics with the election just 96 days away. For example, Ryan pushed for the passing of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) last summer in order to fast-track the passage of trade deals like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP); however, Trump opposes the TPP and has often been critical of trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he says does harm to American workers and manufacturing. The Knotty Tie Company makes and manufactures.
FILE- This June 3, 2016, file photo shows Sen. “I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers or candidates”. “He’s irremediable”, said Republican strategist Rick Tyler, who previously worked for Trump adversary Texas Sen.
Party chairman Reince Priebus is appealing to the NY billionaire’s adult children to help amid new signs of a campaign in trouble. “But here’s the news, I am told senior officials at the party are actively exploring what would happen if Trump dropped out, how to replace him on the ballot”. Those included Trump’s refusal to endorse GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan’s re-election and his continued criticism of the family of a slain USA soldier.
An official with direct knowledge of Priebus’ thinking was granted anonymity to discuss internal strategy after one of the most tumultuous weeks of Trump’s presidential campaign.
The Indiana governor told Fox News it takes time to build relationships in politics and that was exactly what Trump and Ryan were doing. Manafort, speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America”, played down the conflict with Ryan.
He says Trump, “strongly encouraged me to endorse Paul Ryan in next Tuesday’s primary”. Paul Ryan and many more have to remain agile, playing to various constituencies and guarding the Republican brand.
Trump on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that the GOP frustration was hurting his campaign. “Beat Crooked H!” – a reference to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. “That would be bad”, he said during a campaign stop in battleground Florida.
“It’s never been so well united…”
In an interview later Wednesday with Florida’s WPEC-TV, Trump was asked if he was being “baited into battles”. “I’m not there right now”, Ryan replied. “We’re going to focus more on Hillary Clinton”.
Trump tweeted “There is great unity in my campaign, perhaps greater than ever before”, despite VP nominee Mike Pence breaking from Trump’s stance and endorsing Paul Ryan himself. “You have a Kelly Ayotte who doesn’t want to talk about Trump, but I’m beating her in the polls by a lot”.
Trump blamed the media – “so dishonest” – for growing criticism of his recent statements and his unwillingness to accept guidance from senior advisers.
Trump, a reality TV star in his own right, is no seasoned politician. In the past week, Pence has come to Trump’s defense following the candidate’s call for Russian Federation to hack Hillary Clinton’s emails and after his contentious statements about the Khan family.
Yet a source close to the campaign stressed that despite Miller’s statement, there are indeed tensions behind the scenes.
On Tuesday, Trump caused shockwaves when he said he was “not quite there yet” on backing Ryan in an interview with The Washington Post, who faces off against Republican challenger Paul Nehlen next Tuesday.
Gov. Pat McCrory also made an appearance and spoke in favor of a Trump and Pence presidency.
Former Trump adviser Barry Bennett acknowledged signs of poor morale among the campaign staff he maintains contact with, but he also said it would be silly to dismiss Trump’s chances with three months before Election Day. “And he’s only 5 or 6 points behind”, Bennett said.
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Ahead of last month’s Republican Party Convention, the RNC chairman sought to rally the fractured party behind Trump. Clinton raised about $90 million over the same period. Find out via AP’s Election Buzz interactive.
