Donald Trump is now the eventual GOP nominee and President Obama is not thrilled. At a press conference Friday afternoon, Obama said Trump’s record needs to be "examined" and that the elections should not be treated as a “reality show.” Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton’s scandals are getting juicier as she struggles to secure the Democratic nomination.
Republican Primary
To Endorse or Not to Endorse:
You’ve Got My Vote
Trump picked up a few surprise – and at times reluctant – endorsements this week, including one from Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who called the businessman a “cancer on conservatism” this past July. Sen. John McCain indicated he will support the Republican nominee, but admitted having Trump at the top of the ticket could hurt the senator’s reelection chances in Arizona. Also onboard the Trump train are Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.
Absolutely Not
Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, will not be attending this summer’s convention, nor will he vote for Trump this November. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released a statement Friday insisting he cannot in good conscience support Trump in November. He’s not a “reliable conservative,” the senator told CNN’s Dana Bash.
No Comment
Several Republicans, while not outright refusing Trump an endorsement, indicated this week that they are hesitant to support the bombastic presumptive GOP nominee. House Speaker Paul Ryan told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Thursday that he is “not ready” to support Trump. The businessman responded in kind, telling Ryan he’s “not ready” to support his agenda. The two will meet next week to try and reach some sort of understanding before the July convention. Meanwhile, the Bush family has no plans to lend him their support. It’s quite a statement for George Bush Sr. to make, especially, considering he has endorsed every Republican nominee for the past five elections.
VP Rumors: Ben Carson suggested this week that Trump could consider a Democrat or an independent as his VP. Trump rejected that idea on “Fox and Friends,” however, insisting he is going to pick a “great Republican.”
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) was mentioned again on Friday as a potential running mate. He would be an ideal choice, noted the “Fox and Friends” anchors, considering he has the favor of Louisiana delegates. Trump noted that he likes Rubio and is looking at him as a potential running mate.
Democratic Primary
Hillary Clinton: Clinton was not a happy camper this week as her email scandal again dominated headlines. After a Romanian hacker was extradited to the U.S., he told the media he easily hacked her private server when she was secretary of state. If true, his bombshell confirms that Clinton put U.S. national security at risk during her tenure in the State Department. In what may also be bad news for Clinton, current and former members of her staff have been called before the FBI as it begins formal interviews into the scandal.
In addition to her email fallout, Clinton has been struggling to put away her Democratic opponent Bernie Sanders. On the campaign trail this week, she said Sanders should take a hint and drop out, because the delegate count offers him no path to the nomination. Even though Sanders is still in the fight, Clinton is trying to look toward the general election. Reports suggest Clinton may be trying to siphon Republican voters in November. Her team has been reaching out to Republicans who have vowed to never vote for Trump. For those who are pulling the lever for the controversial businessman, reports indicate they are doing so to deny Hillary the White House.
Bernie Sanders: Sanders won the Indiana primary this week and showed no signs of slowing down or ending his campaign, despite being urged to do so by both Clinton and the media. He told CNN this week he will continue his “uphill” battle against the establishment candidate. On Friday, he again accused the DNC of being biased toward Clinton.
Primary Schedule
Saturday, May 7 - Democratic caucus in Guam