After months as a leading voice of the #NeverTrump movement to block the Republican presidential frontrunner, Bill Kristol said “never say never” about him backing presumptive nominee Donald Trump.
When Newsmax TV’s Steve Malzberg asked if Trump could win Kristol over, he replied, “For me, it’s more a matter of character.”
“I don’t know that you can change your character at age 69, and given the things he’s said even very recently about other people, the way he demeans other people,” Kristol said. “But I mean, I guess never say never. On the one hand, I’ll say never Trump, and on the other hand, I’ll say never say never and I’ll leave it ambiguous.”
Kristol later played his remarks off as a joke on Twitter.
The comment was a marked departure from Kristol’s frequent criticism of Trump. The Weekly Standard editor was prominently featured in the National Review’s splashy Never Trump issue and has frequently tweeted his disdain for the real estate mogul and his supporters.
Half-right: #NeverClinton. Other half: #NeverTrump. #WeCanDoBetter https://t.co/H5hi4wdBsZ
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) May 4, 2016
Am I rethinking #NeverTrump after last night’s results? Nope. Here’s my thoughtful and judicious response to New York: Drop Dead!
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) April 20, 2016
Lines from a patriotic poet in the future:
“Listen my children and your heart shall thump
At the noble efforts of Never Trump…”— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) April 19, 2016
Watch Kristol’s remarks via Newsmax TV: