Campaign Manager Says Trump ‘Emotionally Reacted’ When He Canceled Scheduled VP Announcement
Donald Trump on Thursday from his home in Beverly Hills became “irritated” as he saw the news leak that he had decided upon Indiana Governor Mike Pence to be his vice presidential running mate. NBC News reports that “behind the scenes” Trump “was described as surprised and ‘irritated.'”
“It is unclear if Trump was undecided, unconvinced, conflicted by his choice or if he was upset by losing control of events and the story line,” NBC adds. “Some sources opined that Trump was uncomfortable delivering bad news to those who had been loyal advocates. Sources describe frustration at ‘all the leaking in Indiana.'”
In fact, Trump decided on Pence but did not make him an offer until hours after the news had leaked. But Trump also apparently communicated the decision to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the two other top contenders, before making the offer to Pence – an odd decision given Pence, while unlikely, could have changed his mind upon hearing the tremendous outrage and uproar when the news was leaked. It would be awkward to approach, say, Gingrich, and have to say, “Pence turned me down so could you take the job?”
The “communication” to Gingrich and Christie, as NBC reports it, was also odd.
“Trump spoke to Gov. Christie after 4:00pm in what was described as a ‘tense’ conversation where a Pence pick was discussed but a final decision was not communicated.”
“Sources close to Gingrich did not specify what he had been told about the status of the running mate selection and he has not said publicly whether he was fully informed.”
After the leak, and as the severity of the attack in Nice was becoming clear, Trump offered an ugly, self-serving, unstatesmanlike  tweet on the attack:
Minutes later he postponed his scheduled Friday 11 AM announcement of his vice presidential choice:
Friday morning, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort told CNN Trump “emotionally reacted” to the Nice attack news, and decided to cancel his announcement press conference.
Thursday night, Trump managed to attend a Bel Air big money donor fundraiser.
“About 200 donors contributed $2,700 to $449,400 per person to attend. About 60 who donated at least $25,000 or raised at least $27,000 also attended a dinner of pan-seared salmon and fresh fig salad with Trump,” the LA Times reports, adding, “Trump will name his running mate over the weekend,” he told donors.
Minutes ago, Trump announced his choice of Mike Pence to be his vice presidential running mate. And he did it via Twitter.
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