Attempts to differentiate between pledged “support” and “endorsement” of Trump
With Donald Trump’s nomination all-but secured, vulnerable House Republican John Katko is scrambling to distance himself from the top-of-the-ticket.
On Newsmakers Tuesday night, Katko attempted to differentiate between “support” and “endorse” when asked about his backing for the nominee, Donald Trump.
The dodge resembles a similar talking point from New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, who drew widespread criticism for pledging to “support Trump, but won’t endorse him.”
While Trump’s nomination is not only bad for the country, his candidacy also produces a “down-ballot apocalypse” for John Katko. Don’t take it from us. Here is what Katko himself had to say about Trump earlier this year:
- In an editorial board meeting at the beginning of the year, Katko reportedly “blamed Trump for a lack of substance in the GOP presidential campaign.”
- During the same meeting, Katko said of the nominees (including Trump) “I can’t get excited about any of them” and “I hope we can get to the point soon on the Republican side where we talk about what we really stand for.”
- Earlier this week, Katko said he wouldn’t be attending the Republican National Convention.
“No amount of dodging will save vulnerable House Republican John Katko from the reality that he is on the Trump ticket and plans to vote for Trump this November,” said Bryan Lesswing at the DCCC. “Central New Yorkers should be concerned that Katko has pledged to support Trump, despite widespread criticism of Trump’s reckless rhetoric towards women and minorities, and warnings from national security experts and members of both parties that Trump’s dangerous views make our country less safe.”
Read the transcript below:
Host [2:28]: You are not ready to support any of the three, or anyone else for that matter.
Katko: No – endorsement. Support is a different thing. Whoever the Republican nominee is, I am going to support.
Host: Whoever it is.
Katko: Whoever it is.
[…]
Katko: Nevertheless, whoever the Republican nominee is, I absolutely will support.