Trump’s open path to nomination causes agony for some in GOP

Donald Trump’s last Republican foe, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, ended his quixotic presidential campaign Wednesday, cementing Trump’s remarkable triumph as his party’s presumptive nominee and launching him toward a likely fall battle with Hillary Clinton. Some Republican leaders began reluctantly rallying around Trump, but others agonized over their party’s future.

 

The billionaire businessman vowed to unite the splintered GOP, even as he was bitingly dismissive of members who have been critical of his campaign.

 

“Those people can go away and maybe come back in eight years after we served two terms,” he said on NBC’s “Today” Show. “Honestly, there are some people I really don’t want.”

 

Trump’s challenge in uniting Republicans was abundantly clear Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a frosty statement saying he had committed to backing the GOP nominee and noting Trump’s “obligation” to bring the party together. And in a remarkable move, the last two Republicans to occupy the Oval Office – President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush – made clear they would not be helping Trump win the White House.

 

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