In recent Sunday interviews, Senators Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Mike Rounds from South Dakota kept their cards close to their chest regarding their support for Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.
During his appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Mike Rounds did not directly back Trump. However, he made it clear that he would back whoever becomes the Republican nominee, which many believe will be Trump.
Rounds mentioned that initially, he saw Tim Scott as an ideal presidential candidate. After Scott endorsed Trump, Rounds stated his commitment to support the Republican nominee, emphasizing the importance of choosing between the current economic policies and a return to a more stable economy and global standing.
When pressed by CNN’s Dana Bash for a direct endorsement of Trump, Rounds clarified his position. He stated his support for the Republican nominee, indicating that if Trump were the nominee, he would be the preferable choice.
On the other hand, Bill Cassidy was more reserved about his support for Trump. Cassidy, one of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial post-January 6 Capitol attack, avoided directly answering whether he would vote for Trump.
In his interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Cassidy simply stated his intention to vote for a Republican candidate for the presidency, without specifying any names. Despite being pressed for a clearer stance, Cassidy consistently repeated his intention to support a Republican candidate.
Both senators’ cautious responses highlight the complex dynamics within the Republican Party regarding Donald Trump’s influence and the upcoming presidential election.