Paul Ryan Sets A High Bar For Donald Trump To Earn His Endorsement

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While Donald Trump noshed on taco salad and poured out “love” for Hispanics on Cinco de Mayo, political wheels rolled elsewhere. Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranked elected U.S. Republican, appeared on CNN to speak with Jake Tapper. Many have speculated that Ryan wouldn’t mind becoming the nominee at an open GOP convention. Yet Ryan continues to insist that, despite all appearances, he’s unequivocally not interested in taking the gig.

Ryan is also not a fan of Trump. On the first Super Tuesday, he urged his party to reject “bigotry” when selecting a candidate. His speech arrived shortly after the KKK endorsed Trump, who went back and forth on whether he disavowed white supremacist groups. Even as the real estate mogul tones down his rhetoric and becomes the presumptive nominee, however, Ryan still can’t bring himself to get behind Trump. And he told Tapper what Trump needs to do to earn his endorsement:

“I’m just not ready to do that at this point. I’m not there right now. And I hope to though, and I want to, but I think what is required is that we unify this party. And I think the bulk of the burden on unifying the party will have to come from our presumptive nominee … “

Ryan went on to concede that Trump’s big accomplishment — gaining a plurality of electorates and riding unbridled toward a majority — has been impressive, but it’s just not enough. So, Trump must unify the party before Ryan will truly consider endorsing him. See, Ted Cruz really did make things harder for Trump by dropping out of the race. Ryan wants Trump to work much harder in the coming weeks and months.

Aaaaand Trump has already fired back with a reply:

“I am not ready to support Speaker Ryan’s agenda. Perhaps in the future we can work together and come to an agreement about what is best for the American people. They have been treated so badly for so long that it is about time for politicians to put them first!”

Shots have been duly fired on both sides. Prepare for more fireworks.

(Via CNN & Talking Points Memo)

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