The timing is unusual.
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But Trump let bygones be bygones at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he said he holds McCain “in the highest esteem” for his “service to our country in uniform and in public office, ” and pledged his support to the candidate.
The tycoon told The Washington Post in an interview earlier this week that he was “just not quite there yet” when it came to backing the House Speaker – echoing the rhetoric used by Mr Ryan in relation to the party’s presidential nominee. So extending an olive branch to Paul Ryan – the popular Republican representative of the 1st District of Wisconsin – looks like a strategic move for Trump if he wants the support of fellow Republicans hoping for a strong challenger to defeat Hillary Clinton come November.
He also announced support for senators John McCain and Kelly Ayotte, two lawmakers facing tough re-election fights. At the rally, Trump officially endorsed the re-election of Ryan, McCain, and Ayotte, all of whom had, among others in the Republican Party, criticized his behavior with regard to the Khans last week. “We may disagree on a couple of things but mostly we agree”.
We’re not even sure how that works, because we’ve never been asked to contemplate the possibility.
Trump is set to deliver an economic speech on Monday to the prestigious Detroit Economic Club in his effort to step past his spats over the past 10 days with the Muslim-American parents of a slain Army captain and the leaders of a Republican Party he has promised to unite.
Paul Ryan, whose primary for his House seat is next week, has chided Trump for engaging in a flap with the family of a dead Muslim U.S. soldier.
Ryan eventually endorsed Trump in June, writing in an op-ed: “It’s no secret that he and I have our differences”.
“We don’t win at any level with anything and as a unified party, we will lead our country to unity, as well”, he added.
“Well, to be perfectly candid with you, Jake, I’m just not ready to do that at this point”.
Donald Trump tried to mend fences with a few critics within the GOP on Friday.
Mr Trump’s refusal to back Mr Ryan had been seen by many as a final straw.
Like Ryan, state Assembly Speaker Vos said he’s not pulling his endorsement of Trump because he believes Clinton would be worse. Trump has called the payment a ransom, charges dismissed by President Barack Obama and other Democrats.
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Wisconsin Democratic Party spokesman Brandon Weathersby said Friday: “While Donald Trump continues his hateful and offensive rhetoric, Wisconsin’s Republican leaders continue to stand behind him”. Her campaign spokesman said Sunday, “Donald Trump ceded the national conversation on the economy because he was focused on creating the scandal of the hour”.
