Here are headlines, mid day, about Republican issues. Convention and otherwise. Then details. VP? Signs point to Pence. 2. Rules Committee in Cleveland delayed in “anybody but Trump” movement. 3. New CBS poll has it dead even Trump/Hillary 4. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg apologizes.
All signs now pointing to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as Trump’s Vice President pick. All just circumstantial thus far. His staffer seen flying to New York City. Gingrich and Christie slotted for speaking at the convention next week. No slot for Pence. Pence seen meeting with his Lt. Governor today. Thought being it’s preparation for a transition as Pence leaves his governor role. Newt Gingrich says it’s Pence. Newt says he’ll know for sure this afternoon…Thursday. But, with Trump’s flare for the dramatic and suspense building, nobody knows for certain. Trump loves it. He’ll officially announce 11AM Eastern time Friday. But, actually decide later on Thursday says his son Trump Jr.
A new CBS/New York Times nationwide polls has Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton tied at 40% each. One month ago Hillary was up by 6%. It shows Hillary’s honest and trustworthy listing at 28%. Smallest anyone can remember pre election. Trump has the Independent vote 40% to 28%. Says long time Face the Nation host and 35 year political/newsman pundit Bob Schieffer at CBS…”This poll is devastating for Hillary Clinton. This big a lead with Independents? They’re going to decide the election. She needs the middle.” The FBI report obviously damaging. Will it stay this low is the question.
The Republican rules committee meeting was suspended after a brief start this morning. First blaming it on a broken printer. The “anybody but Trump” people began causing a fuss. Says one of their leaders Curley Hoffman “It’s about allowing the delegates to vote for whoever they want. Says Steve Lonegan ” Trump only received 20% of all Republican voters. The delegates represent all others. It still doesn’t mean Trump won’t get the nomination.” Things are now stalled within the rules committee at this hour. Decent chance their vote won’t come until Friday. The vote will be about unbinding the delegates. The rules committee can do whatever they wish. It’s always been this way pre convention. But, never this critical.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has apologized to Donald Trump. This coming after her outrageously and unusual outspoken remarks calling Trump “An egotistical faker…it’s gone to his head….he is unfit to be President.” The New York Post ran a morning headline “Darth Bader Ginsburg.” She received huge criticism from all sides including the New York Times and Washington Post. A Supreme Court Justice has no business commenting on political issues because that justice may have to future rule on matters involving on what could be the President of the United States. She very well may have to recuse herself on any of such future rulings. Some are questioning her state of mind with age and her long battle with cancer.
In the forwhatitsworth category….reports are Sean Hannity paid the bill for Newt Gingrich’s private flight to Indianapolis to meet with Trump.
Above all else, don’t get lost in this multitude of news stories. The one that truly stands out above everything is the rules committee decision on whether to allow and unbind all delegates to vote “their conscience” on the first ballot nomination for President. The old jazz tune….The “it’s” Where It’s At comes to mind. If you love politics, here it comes America.
www.jacksjargon.com