Trump postpones VP announcement, citing France attacks

[webfact]

Trump postpones VP announcement, citing France attacks
By JULIE PACE and JILL COLVIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump abruptly postponed plans to announce his vice presidential pick following a day of rampant speculation, citing the "horrible attack" in Nice, France, that left scores dead.

Trump had planned to hold his first event with his yet-to-be-named running mate Friday morning in New York. He announced the change of plans Thursday evening on Twitter.

The stunning announcement raised questions about the status of Trump's selection process. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence had emerged as a late favorite for the job, though Trump said he had not finalized the pick and advisers cautioned he could change his mind.

"I haven't made my final, final decision," Trump said on Fox News Channel. He said that while his running mate selection would "absolutely not" be changed by the France attack, he did not feel it was appropriate to hold a news conference in its aftermath.

Dozens of people were killed late Thursday in the French resort city of Nice when a truck drove onto a sidewalk and plowed through a crowd of Bastille Day revelers who'd gathered to watch fireworks.

In addition to Pence, Trump's shortlist included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to people familiar with the candidate's thinking.

After spending much of Thursday in Indianapolis, Pence flew to New York late in the day, according to a Republican familiar with the process. Indianapolis television station WTHR posted a video showing Pence arriving at a private airport outside New York early Thursday evening.

Trump did not say when he planned to announce his running mate. He's up against a clock: The Republican convention kicks off in Cleveland Monday.

Top party officials are already in Cleveland, grappling with a rules fight that increased the odds of nationally televised clashes at the convention. Talks broke down Thursday between party leaders and recalcitrant conservatives seeking to "unbind" convention delegates and let them back any presidential candidate they'd like.

Conservatives hope that would lead to delegates blocking Trump's nomination.

The convention and vice presidential announcement give Trump back-to-back opportunities to reassure Americans — as well as leaders within his own party — that he's prepared for the presidency.

Pence, a staunch conservative who served six terms in Congress, is seen as a running mate who would have the backing of GOP leaders and ease some of their concerns about Trump's political inexperience and volatile temperament.

He has influential allies in Trump's inner circle. But some of Trump's children, who have been closely advising their father, are said to favor different candidates.

Campaign chair Paul Manafort was among those urging caution in assuming any decision Thursday, saying on Twitter that Trump's choice "will be made in the near future."

As the day began, it appeared the decision would come quickly. Gingrich, the fiery Republican who helped define the political battles of the 1990s, told The Associated Press that Trump was supposed to let him know something in the afternoon. But by early evening, Gingrich told the AP he had heard nothing from Trump or others in the campaign.

Other Republicans with knowledge of the process said there had been no calls to Pence or Christie, either.

The top contenders have been vetted by a top Washington lawyer and all have spent time with Trump in recent days. But the final decision rests with the candidate, who is known for making decisions more on instinct than other factors — and for sometimes changing his mind.

Trump was in California Thursday for several fundraisers. His schedule put him at a distance from many of his closest advisers, including Manafort and his three oldest children.

Pence is running for re-election, but Indiana law prevents him from seeking two offices at once. He faces a Friday deadline to withdraw from the governor's race.

The paperwork has been drawn up for him to take that step, according to a Republican, who insisted on anonymity because that person was not authorized to publicly discuss the plans. However, those documents have not been filed.

Christie, in New Jersey, said in an interview with MSNBC, "No matter what phone call (Trump) makes to me today, I will take a deep breath and prepare for tomorrow." That interview came hours before David Samson, whom Christie appointed to chair the powerful Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, pleaded guilty to scheming to get United Airlines to run direct flights between New Jersey and South Carolina, where he has a vacation home.

Gingrich was the most visible of the contenders. As speculation about his future swirled, he calmly answered questions about the selection process on Facebook Live, saying he had told Trump the choice was between having "two pirates on the ticket or a pirate and a relatively stable, more normal person."

Beyond their political backgrounds, the finalists bring different strengths to the ticket.

Pence, 57, has deep ties to evangelical Christians and other conservatives, particularly after signing a law last year that critics said would have allowed businesses to deny service to gay people for religious reasons. But the move alienated some moderates in the party.

Trump took notice of Pence during the Indiana primary, noting that the governor had high praise for him despite endorsing one of his rivals.

Gingrich, 73, is something of a rabble-rouser who has spent decades in Washington. He has been a steadfast Trump defender for months and has become a trusted adviser to the businessman.

So, too, has Christie. The New Jersey governor quickly endorsed Trump after ending his own presidential bid, stunning many of his supporters.

A former U.S. attorney, Christie, 53, is widely seen as one of his party's most talented politicians and has proven himself an effective "attack dog" on the trail. He has also taken on the important role of heading Trump's transition planning.

___

AP writers Brian Slodysko in Indianapolis, Alan Fram in Cleveland and Erica Werner in Washington contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-07-15

[Alive]

Trump is ridiculous with this. My guess is he is trying to find someone who won't quit his campaign before November 8.

[Berty100]

Trump is ridiculous with this. My guess is he is trying to find someone who won't quit his campaign before November 8.

The person you have in mind didn't quit, he was fired.

[ehs818]

This is really a non story. Another delay from The Don. Big Deal. How about him releasing some tax returns!

[neverdie]

This is really a non story. Another delay from The Don. Big Deal. How about him releasing some tax returns!

It's a pity we can't get him to extend this postponement for say........Ever and ever.

Trump is a dangerous Douchebag, the world has heard enou from this moron.

[tifino]

Trumpy's just making the public aware,

as a reminder that these latest attacks abroard,

are the latest edition from the incumbent's smoking gun library of distraction tactics

[fvw53]

Donald Trump is a master of the TV media : he knew all attention would go to the horrific attack in France and he would not be able - as usual - to attract the attention he wanted.

Edited July 15, 2016 by fvw53

[Jingthing]

It's already an anti-climax. Boring old right wing anti-gay Christian fundamentalist Pence is his pick. A major YAWNER!

[elgordo38]

Save it Donald the press has already told us. Love the lineup of speakers at the GOP convention. Family and sports stars. What a charade.

[stevenl]

Donald Trump is a master of the TV media : he knew all attention would go to the horrific attack in France and he would not be able - as usual - to attract the attention he wanted.

Yes, that is the only reason. An announcement now would not get the attention he wants.

[Jingthing]

Donald Trump is a master of the TV media : he knew all attention would go to the horrific attack in France and he would not be able - as usual - to attract the attention he wanted.

Yes, that is the only reason. An announcement now would not get the attention he wants.

He must be pissed though. The element of surprise is completely gone, that is, unless he doesn't pick pence.

[keemapoot]

Donald Trump is a master of the TV media : he knew all attention would go to the horrific attack in France and he would not be able - as usual - to attract the attention he wanted.

Yes, that is the only reason. An announcement now would not get the attention he wants.

He must be pissed though. The element of surprise is completely gone, that is, unless he doesn't pick pence.

I think it's partly that he wouldn't get the attention, and I think it's partly that some of his new handlers have collared him and told him to just be quiet this time and not to shoot off his mouth about this being another Islamist attack and to say "See! I told you so."

[Jingthing]

Donald Trump is a master of the TV media : he knew all attention would go to the horrific attack in France and he would not be able - as usual - to attract the attention he wanted.

Yes, that is the only reason. An announcement now would not get the attention he wants.

He must be pissed though. The element of surprise is completely gone, that is, unless he doesn't pick pence.

I think it's partly that he wouldn't get the attention, and I think it's partly that some of his new handlers have collared him and told him to just be quiet this time and not to shoot off his mouth about this being another Islamist attack and to say "See! I told you so."

Don't be so sure. Gingrich, his close buddy, is now calling on every American Muslim to be quizzed on whether they believe in Sharia law, and if so, be booted out of country. That's the trump movement for you. As fascist as that is, it's an absurd idea. If people know they're going to be booted, like they're going to answer the questions honestly!

[keemapoot]

Yes, that is the only reason. An announcement now would not get the attention he wants.

He must be pissed though. The element of surprise is completely gone, that is, unless he doesn't pick pence.

I think it's partly that he wouldn't get the attention, and I think it's partly that some of his new handlers have collared him and told him to just be quiet this time and not to shoot off his mouth about this being another Islamist attack and to say "See! I told you so."

Don't be so sure. Gingrich, his close buddy, is now calling on every American Muslim to be quizzed on whether they believe in Sharia law, and if so, be booted out of country. That's the trump movement for you. As fascist as that is, it's an absurd idea. If people know they're going to be booted, like they're going to answer the questions honestly!

Now that Trump has not chosen Gingrich for VP, do you think he might be named Chief of Staff? It sounds like he will have a central place in the administration. I'm sure he's looking for one last hurrah before he retires to the lakes region of New Hampshire.

[dunroaming]

The Times today named Pence. Said that Trump called hime to offer him the job and he accepted.

[Jingthing]

Yes, we know. It's obviously pence.

[ilostmypassword]

Apparently, Gingrich beieves the game isn't over. Here's a link to his Hail Mary pass:

http://www.vox.com/2016/7/14/12196482/newt-gingrich-muslims-sharia

[Jingthing]

It ain't over till the normally American overweight orange haired man baby whines!

[boomerangutang]

Maybe Pence has some dirty laundry in his closet, as Trump and Aisles and other right wingers have.

Trump is proving again he can't be trusted. He announced a decision. He reneges. Memo to Trump: the presidency involves a lot of tough decisions, and it's predicated on being dependable. Trump is a wimp at tough decisions (look at how he says, "I would love to release my tax statements, but I'm not able to right now" ) and he's very undependable.

[Pinot]

He's treating his vp pick like an apprentice audition.

Who cares?

[keemapoot]

He's treating his vp pick like an apprentice audition.

Who cares?

More like an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies starring Trump as Jed Clampett bringing home his new friend Mr. Drysdale to meet Elly May, Jethro and the clan for approval.

[Jingthing]

It's not like he has a great amount of choice. All the remotely DECENT republicans wouldn't touch being his losing VP pick with a trump foot pole.

Trump’s Apparent VP Pick Is Boring, Incoherent, and Inept

But at least Mike Pence has no political future.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/07/mike_pence_trump_s_apparent_vp_pick_is_boring_incoherent_and_politically.html

It will be amusing to watch this Hoosier DUFFUS fall apart in debate against whatever democrat that Clinton picks, as they're bound to much sharper than pence.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Jingthing

[Andaman Al]

Hey all you Trump lovers! YOU want to put the future of the USA in THEIR hands

He has influential allies in Trump's inner circle. But some of Trump's children, who have been closely advising their father, are said to favor different candidates.

HRC and Trump are both crooks but at least with HRC I doubt she will be phoning Chelsea saying "what do you think I should do now honey'? It is toooo funny.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Andaman Al

[Ulysses G.]

It's already an anti-climax. Boring old right wing anti-gay Christian fundamentalist Pence is his pick. A major YAWNER!

I agree. I was hoping for Newt, At least he has ideas and is interesting to listen to.

[Publicus]

It's already an anti-climax. Boring old right wing anti-gay Christian fundamentalist Pence is his pick. A major YAWNER!

I agree. I was hoping for Newt, At least he has ideas and is interesting to listen to.

Amusing it is that Republicans think Gingrich is an intellectual

Here anyway is Pence being demolished for being dumbfounded as George Stephanopoulos grilled the governor on the disastrous Indiana Religious Freedom law last year...

https://www.youtube.com/embed

The three debates in the fall between Clinton and Trump and the one single debate of the vp candidates are gonna be a laff riot.

[Basil B]

Probably postponed it for the same reason Jeremy Corbyn still has not been able to fill many shadow cabinet positions, no one wants to be his running mate...

Edited July 15, 2016 by Basil B

[Ulysses G.]

Amusing it is that Republicans think Gingrich is an intellectual

It is more amusing that you think he is not.

Gingrich received a B.A. degree in history then went on to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D. in European history. He taught history and geography at University. He has written 27 books. He founded and chaired several policy think tanks. He also spent many years in national politics. The man is far from stupid.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Ulysses G.

[stevenl]

He has tweeted it will be Pence