This is why Paul Ryan waited so long to dump Trump

(Image credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

last updated 11 October 2016

If Donald Trump's performance at the second presidential debate Sunday night had gone differently, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) might not have announced Monday that he was done helping the Republican presidential candidate. Politico reported Tuesday that Ryan decided to "wait a little longer" than some Republican leaders were comfortable with to give Trump "a final opportunity to show genuine contrition and to demonstrate that he was serious about trying to appeal to independent voters crucial to the battle for the House, not just his die-hard fans."

Ryan stopped short of walking back his endorsement of Trump on Monday, but Politico reported that option isn't entirely off the table:

In fact, Ryan has personally been on the edge of pulling the plug but has held out because his decision is about more than just his personal feelings: It's about saving his massive 60-seat majority. The Wisconsin Republican is in an excruciating spot: He feels torn between his own conscience and his obligations as the top Republican in the country, according to multiple sources in leadership familiar with the internal discussions. [Politico]

As for Ryan's announcement Monday that he would be shifting his focus entirely from Trump to down-ballot races, Politico reported it went over well with most Republicans. Though there was "some dissent," Ryan reportedly "spent much of Monday on the phone fielding calls from Republicans, with much positive feedback."