PENNSYLVANIA — Over the weekend Donald Trump poured gasoline on the garbage fire that is the PA GOP primary by endorsing New Jersey daytime TV host Mehmet Oz, bringing a new level of chaos to one of the country’s nastiest and most expensive races.
See what they’re saying below:
- New York Magazine, Trump Endorses Oz in Pennsylvania’s Battle of the MAGA Carpetbaggers: “Presumably Trump’s support for Oz will give him a significant if not decisive boost. But a lot depends on how McCormick (and to a lesser extent other candidates) react. If the entire field goes medieval on Oz, it could get interesting….One thing is certain: If the Republican primary does get even more divisive, the beneficiaries will be the two major Democrats running for the Senate.”
- Daily Beast: “Another Trumpworld stalwart, Stephen Miller, stopped all involvement and employment with the McCormick campaign after Trump’s Oz endorsement, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told The Daily Beast after this story was published.”
- Philadelphia Inquirer: “As big a win as this is for Oz, it’s also a significant loss for McCormick…[McCormick] tried to squeeze himself into a MAGA profile. Now the other guy has the Trump seal of approval. Maybe he can pivot, but for a candidate who already faced questions about his authenticity, a new message just weeks before the primary comes with its own risks.”
- Pennsylvania Capital Star, Trump endorses television physician Mehmet Oz in Pa. Senate race: “In a statement, Jack Doyle, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Democrats, said that ‘Trump’s endorsement in the Pennsylvania GOP primary, which is already one of the nastiest and most expensive in the country, is only going to escalate this chaotic Republican-on-Republican brawl.’”
- The Bulwark: “And what did McCormick get for all that humiliation? What did he get for hiring the most deplorable of Trump’s hangers on? For schlepping to Cougarville to beg like a dog? Shunned in politie society, obviously. But also: rejected in humiliating fashion by the man he courted.”
- Philadelphia Inquirer, Donald Trump just endorsed Mehmet Oz in the Pa. Senate race, potentially shaping the GOP primary: “Trump’s endorsement is widely seen as a significant benefit with Republican voters, though some polling suggests it could be a drag in the general election, given the former president’s unpopularity with Democrats and many swing voters.”
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