In posts on May 6 and 8, I gave you my view of the Paul Ryan-Donald Trump meeting, predicting much ado about nothing, while talking heads hyped it for all it’s worth.
Some wanted Ryan to step down from his chairmanship of the RNC Convention, something he said he would be willing to do if Trump so requested. Others went so far as to say Ryan should be replaced as speaker. How ludicrous!
The media generally hasn’t reported on the work Ryan has been doing as head of Ways and Means since the Romney-Ryan ticket loss in 2012; likewise, his work as speaker to prepare those seeking reelection in the fall. Having followed Ryan’s behind the scenes effort, I took what I consider a knowledgeable approach, writing, “I’ll say what others are not. Trump needs Ryan.”
Two days later, I was happy to read Fred Barnes’ op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal, “Trump Needs Ryan More Than He Knows.” Reminding readers that Ryan is the leader of a large bloc of Republicans that is assertive, influential and intellectually important, “Mr. Trump would be wise to take Mr. Ryan’s concerns seriously.”
I recognize that there’s a gulf between the two on policy. Ryan is a solid, principled conservative, while Trump is a populist supported by angry Republicans, independents and discouraged Democrats. Polls tell us that many Republican voters no longer align themselves as conservative.
I do, however, and am reminded of an op-ed I wrote for a Texas weekly on July 25, 2013, “Time for conservatives to stand on principles.” I plan to vote for Trump, though I am not convinced he stands for party principles. Ryan and other GOP leaders have their work cut out for them to convince Trump of what’s needed to turn the economy around, while they concede he has caught the fancy of millions of primary voters expecting him to follow through on his promises.
While yesterday’s Ryan-Trump meeting was just 45-minutes long, the two emerged with positive remarks. And Trump has agreed to additional meetings with House members.
“This could be the beginning of a useful, if not beautiful, relationship,” wrote Daniel Henninger, of the Wall Street Journal. Let’s hope so.
(If you would like a free subscription to kramerontheright, simply scroll to the bottom of the column at right.)
