Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin declared that House Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) “political career is over” for not endorsing Donald Trump right away.
Ryan told CNN last week that he’s “just not ready” to endorse Trump. He’s opposed Trump’s proposed Muslim ban and any mass deportation of illegal immigrants.
The speaker also called on the presumptive GOP nominee to unify “all wings of the Republican Party and the conservative movement” and conduct a campaign that lets Americans “have something that they’re proud to support and proud to be a part of.”
Palin told CNN on Sunday that Ryan “is soon to be Cantored, as in Eric Cantor.”
“His political career is over, but for a miracle, because he has so disrespected the will of the people. And, yes, as the leader of the GOP, the convention certainly, he is to remain neutral. And for him to already come out and say who he will not support was not a wise decision of his,” she added.
Ryan’s stance, she maintained, “kind of screws his chances for the 2020 presidential bid that he’s gunning for.”
“If the GOP were to win now, that wouldn’t bode well for his chances in 2020, and that’s what he’s shooting for. So, lot of people, with their never Trump or not right now Trump mantra going on, they have their different reasons. I think that one is Paul Ryan’s reason.”
Ryan is being challenged in Wisconsin’s Aug. 9 primary by businessman Paul Nehlen, who is senior vice president of a water filtration company and has been a resident of the state since 2014. Nehlen endorsed Trump last week, earning Palin’s backing afterward.
“I will do whatever I can for Paul Nehlen. This man is a hardworking guy, so in touch with the people. Paul Ryan and his ilk, their problem is they have become so disconnected from the people whom they are elected to represent, as evidenced by Paul Ryan’s refusal to support the GOP front-runner that we just said he’s our man,” Palin said.
Palin added that concerns over Trump’s controversial comments and tone are “superficial, talking about tone and certain verbiage that is chosen over what perhaps Paul Ryan or somebody would have chosen to articulate — who cares?”
Asked if she was willing to be vetted to be Trump’s running mate, Palin replied she’s “pretty much as vetted as anybody in the country could be vetted already.”
“I think there are so many other great people out there in America who can serve in this position. I think, if someone wanted to choose me, they already know who I am, what I stand for. They wouldn’t be in for any surprises,” she added.
“I want to help and not hurt. And I am such a realist that I realize there are a whole lot of people out there who would say anybody but Palin. I don’t want to be a burden on the ticket, and I recognize that, in many, many eyes, I would be that burden. So, you know, I just — I just want the guy to win. I want America to win, and I don’t know if I would be the person that would be able to help him win.”
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