Not since Olivia Pope and President Fitz has a political relationship been so thorny. But when it comes to Pat Toomey and Donald Trump, things are complicated…
“Relationships are hard, and things between Pat Toomey and Donald Trump are truly complicated. Almost daily, they’re off then on. But considering their compatibility on things like screwing over the middle class and holding extreme views on women’s reproductive rights, we’re confident they’ll work it out.” – Preston Maddock, Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesman
ON: This entire election cycle Toomey said he will support the Republican nominee. When asked directly last September, “Would you be prepared to vote for Donald Trump if he’s your nominee?” Toomey said, “I will be supporting the Republican nominee, whoever that is.”
OFF: Toomey has called Trump “outrageous, disturbing and absolutely ridiculous.”
ON: Toomey supports TPP and voted to permanently normalize trade relations with China. He’s also against stopping chinese currency manipulation, and supported at least seven free trade agreements.
OFF: “‘NAFTA was the worst trade deal in history and China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization has enabled the greatest jobs theft in history,’ Mr. Trump said Tuesday during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania.
“Christopher Borick, professor of political science at Muhlenberg College, said Mr. Trump’s stance on trade puts Mr. Toomey in a ‘very awkward position.’” [Washington Times, 6/28/16]
ON: Toomey says he’s open to campaigning with Trump in Pennsylvania.
OFF: But in the Senate, when faced with questions over his willingness to support a racist and deranged presidential candidate, Toomey employs the escape strategy of ducking into a members-only elevator.
ON: In terms of the Republican National Convention, Toomey said in April: “I probably will go to the convention. I’ve gone to past conventions; I don’t think the voters will be surprised that I attended the Republican convention.”
OFF: Then Toomey changed his mind in May: “He will likely not attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July, opting instead to campaign for re-election to his Senate seat. “
BACK ON: And he had regrets in June: “U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, who is running for a second term in one of the most closely watched races in the nation, is still thinking it over.”
OVER: Finally, in a radio yesterday he called it off: “No I’m not going to be attending,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of stops to make in Pennsylvania.”