Name:   copperline - Subject:   Just watch Paul Ryan Date:   4/27/2016 12:45:31 PM

IMO, it's another example of Republican leaders trying hard to save their brand from Trump.  In this case, I think he is trying to reassure his electorate that there really is a part of the Republican establishment that hasn't lost their minds & is rational enough to be trustworthy.   I think he exaggerates his importance though and will try to reframe the Republican House (that he will try to lead) as capable of governing & guiding the country, but their track record is primarily about obstructing & hanging out House Speakers to dry. They haven't been creating ideas, the House is just full of small-minded zealots..... not thoughtful & balanced leaders.   It's like they think they were elected to office so they could refuse to govern.

Fundamental Tea Party Republicanism seems to be about blind allegiance to this simplistic notion that everything the Government does is wrong, unnecessary, and suffering from too much liberalism.     This is expecially true while that Black Guy is still in the White House and makes Ryan's suggestion that "we have a plan" seem pretty hollow.

None of these prominent figures want Trump to be their nominee, IMO, but seem to be holding their noses while hoping they won't have to go on record as supporting him.   Right now, they are content to stick with the vague "I will support the Republican nominee" because they don't want to encourage a worsening schism in their Party.   It's fascinating to watch this much political drama, that's what makes me think the GOP is heading toward a split.   The center can't hold, The Tea Party defines itself by what/who it opposes (not by a governing philosophy), Trump is leading all those angry white guys down a dark path, and the core Republican leadership cannot rationally support anyone who will pose this much potential disruption to world trade agreements, international security arrangements,  foreign relations, & domestic policy for the simple reason that it will damage the global economy & create profound uncertainty that wil negatively affect the US stock markets.