Paul Ryan is still not giving his blessing to Trump even though their meeting ended with many, many nonsense words and empty phrases. Ryan has also led the development of a plan that serves as an alternate platform. So legislative candidates in tough districts can have the option of not being visited by Trump Force One, and instead bring in Ryan for the “see, we can be almost reasonable” tour.
But what about House candidates who do want to support Team Orange? They get their own alternative speaker.
John Boehner is back.
The former House speaker will spend late July and all of August on a cross-country bus trip raising money and campaigning for House Republicans, according to multiple sources familiar with his plans.
If you’re wondering who gets to service the House’s extreme right contingent, that falls in Ryan’s sales district. Because Boehner isn’t done burning his bridges to those regions.
Boehner reiterated his distaste for Cruz last week in Las Vegas, while referring to the House Freedom Caucus, the group of conservatives that threatened to remove him as speaker — as "knuckleheads."
Which makes it tempting to wonder if Boehner’s working for other candidates isn’t all just one last chance to scorn the people who scorned him.
Instead, Boehner will provide benedictions for candidates who have already taken a gold-painted seat on the Trump train.
Boehner, who has had a good relationship with Donald Trump, also had encouraging words for the presumptive GOP nominee. "Anyone who thinks Donald Trump can't win, just watch," Boehner said at the Las Vegas event.
Boehner will act as a surrogate for his fellow Tangerine-American, while Ryan provides what distance they can find for the top slot on their own ticket.
Another example of Republican unity.