Party leaders may have their issues with Donald Trump, but Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus says the candidate has benefited the GOP.
During an interview with the Milwaukee radio program “Upfront” Saturday, Priebus argued that Trump’s 2016 run has been a “net positive” for the party, pointing to the interest and eyeballs he has brought with him to the race.
“I think it brings a lot of interest to the Republican field,” Priebus told the Milwaukee television station. “I think it’s a net positive.”
“I think it is a positive for our party,” Priebus said. “When you have 30 million people watching, not to mention the fact that we have 16 other incredible candidates out there I think we are showing America that we are the young, diverse party, offering a whole slew of options for people and that’s a good thing.”
Priebus kept up his kind words for the GOP front-runner Sunday, telling AM970 “The Answer” (New York) that Trump has “always been good” to the party.
“To his credit, he’s done a good job of getting that message out,” Priebus said. “I mean, understanding the electorate. Knowing your audience, channeling your own concerns and frustrations in a way that the audience should best hear it and he’s having a lot of success in bringing that to the table.”
“He’s always been good to our party,” Priebus continued. “He’s always been good to me personally and as chairman of the party he’s been generous to us. He’s a Republican running for president and we’re built to support whoever the nominee should be.”
Despite Priebus’ recent statements praising Trump, the two have butted heads during the campaign. After Trump’s comments about “rapists” coming into the country from Mexico, Priebus reportedly called the real estate magnate and asked for him to tone down his rhetoric on immigration.
Trump’s former campaign hand Roger Stone says that the RNC has a “war room” specifically designed to take out the famed businessman. The RNC has emphatically dismissed the claim.
