Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy cringed Sunday when NBC host Kristen Welker asked him if he planned to support former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Trump on Tuesday night surpassed the 1,215 delegate threshold required by the Republican National Committee (RNC) with wins in Georgia, Mississippi, Washington and Hawaii to become the 2024 Republican nominee. The nomination was secured. Cassidy declined to say whether he would vote for Trump as the Republican candidate, repeating that he intended to “vote for a Republican for president of the United States.”
“I’d like to ask you about former Vice President Mike Pence,” Welker said. “As you know, he made a lot of headlines this weekend when he came out and said he doesn’t support his former boss, Donald Trump. This has been a big hit with everyone from Mitch McConnell to Chris Sununu to Brian Kemp. , as many Trump critics have announced their support for Donald Trump. I know I’ve been asked this question a lot, but now that he’s a potential candidate, I feel like I have to ask it. No: Senator, do you support Donald Trump?”
“The reason I’m laughing is because this continues a streak of me being asked this and similar questions on Meet the Press. In fact, My staff was divided on how long it would take,” Cassidy responded. “Well, all I can say at this point is that I intend to vote Republican for President of the United States.”
“Well, I need to keep going and ask you to do some follow-ups to get answers out of you, Senator. Again, do you support him?” Welker asked. “teeth-“
“But you have an answer,” Cassidy interrupted.
“Are you ruling that out? I haven’t heard that you’re going to support him,” the NBC host continued.
“Again, um, no, the answer I’m going to answer now, and have consistently given every time I’ve been asked about this on ‘Meet the Press,’ is that I will vote Republican for President of the United States. That’s what we’re going to do,” the senator said.
Former Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News on Friday afternoon that he would not support Trump in the 2024 election. Pence said his own position was “not surprising” because of his “huge differences” with Trump. (Related article: Donald Trump supports Republican gubernatorial candidate, says he is “Martin Luther King on steroids”)
Mr. Welker responded, “You still don’t support him.” “Do you have any plans for this-“
“By the way, I’ve answered this, and I’ve answered this question many times before. I’ve answered this question many times before. Oh, every show has their own He wants to be on the show,” Cassidy said with a laugh. “But anyway, that’s it, that’s my answer.”
“I hear you. This week is a little different because he just became the presumptive nominee,” Welker said. “So you have no plans to support him right now. You’re right, you plan to support and vote for a Republican. Are you going to vote for Donald Trump or write your name?” Do you?” Welker pressed.
“That’s great, Kristen. But I’m going to vote Republican for president of the United States,” Cassidy reiterated.
“No, we’re not going to tell you. Would you rule out voting for Donald Trump? Let me ask you that. Is that unexpected for you?” Welker asked.
“You know, I think you’re kind of beating a dead horse right now,” the senator said. “I’ve stated my answer very clearly. And I’ve answered this in more detail in the past. Oh, so I’m going to stay with what I just said. I’m going to vote Republican.”
Trump has had strained relationships with several Republican politicians, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who once supported failed Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. I have support from home.
