While Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan might be saying publicly that their recent meeting went well and all of the issues between them have been ironed out, Ryan certainly doesn’t sound very convinced that Trump is the right man to lead the GOP in the general election.
Speaking to Politico as part of their weekly podcast, the Speaker of the House said he wants to see the GOP unify, but he also noted:
“When people go to the polls in November, they are not just picking a person…they’re also picking a path.
“I think this is a ‘we,’ not just one person. I very much believe in a type and style of politics that may not be in vogue today but, I still think, nevertheless, is the right kind of politics.”
Ryan was also asked if he would continue to criticize and call out Trump when he strays too far from a message of inclusion and relies instead on division. Ryan said he would:
“I will. I’ve done that in the past, and I will do that in future if need be, and I hope it’s not necessary.”
And does the Speaker believe that Trump is really a conservative? Ryan refused to answer:
“You should ask him those questions. I’m not the person to be giving you the breakdown of Donald Trump. That’s not my job and responsibility.”
So does Ryan foresee a victory by Trump in November? Once more, Ryan hedged his reply:
“I’m not going to — I’m not a betting man. I think if we get our party unified, and if we do the work we need to do to get ourselves at full strength, and if we offer the country a clear and compelling agenda that is inspiring, that is inclusive, that fixes problems, that is solutions-based and based on good principles, then, yes, I think we can win.”
Translation: Ryan has his doubts. And they are bigger than the mouth on the presumptive nominee of his party.
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