In an interview with CNN’s Ana Cabrera, Dole — the 1996 Republican nominee who said he spoke with Trump last week — also suggested Trump apologize to Arizona Sen. John McCain and New Mexico Gov. Susanna Martinez for disparaging comments he’s made about them in the past.
“I have been a Republican all my life,” said Dole, who endorsed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at one point during the 2016 primary fight but has since backed Trump. “The party has done a lot for me. I hope I’ve done a lot for the party along the way. But when Donald Trump clinched the Republican nomination, it was an easy call for me. What’s a lifelong Republican supposed to do, support the opponent? I don’t think so.”
Asked about notable Republicans who haven’t yet supported Trump — including Bush and House Speaker Paul Ryan — Dole said, “Well, they still have time to get on the train. It’s not moving that fast right now.”
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