In what is sure to cause a riff in Donald Trump’s campaign, Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence has “strongly” endorsed House speaker Paul Ryan in his Wisconsin reelection campaign. Pence’s endorsement comes on the heels of Donald Trump’s lack of endorsement for both Ryan and John McCain after they criticized his feud with the Khan family.
Trump has had a crazy week thus far, what with him ejecting a baby from a rally and his reaction to receiving a Purple Heart. But to Republicans, he’s drawing a clear line by refusing to endorse his supposed allies, no questions asked. He seems to be toying with Ryan and John McCain by not letting them know until the last minute if he’d have their back. Now, Pence endorses Ryan as a great leader and a picturesque member of the Republican party:
“I strongly support Paul Ryan, strongly endorse his reelection. I believe we need Paul Ryan in leadership in the Congress of the United States to rebuild our military, to strengthen our economy and to ensure that we have the kind of leadership in this country that will make America great again.”
It’s been reported that top GOP members have staged an “intervention” for Trump and are trying to right this already rickety ship. And Pence’s ringing endorsement could be a direct result of that. Although, The Washington Post reported Pence did get the (also strong) go ahead from Trump — “He strongly encouraged me to endorse Paul Ryan in next Tuesday’s primary, and I’m pleased to do it” — so this could be some crafty PR to help the campaign, or perhaps (for once) Trump is trying to save some face. However, Trump still isn’t endorsing Ryan, so perhaps he and Pence will just have to disagree.
(Via The Washington Post)