LANSING, Mich. (AP) – The Latest on 2016 presidential sweepstakes following primaries and caucuses Tuesday in Michigan, Mississippi, Idaho and Hawaii:
6:56 a.m.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says there’s a need for the party to unite around him, but argues that it isn’t yet time for him to dial back his aggressive campaign style.
Celebrating victories Tuesday night in Michigan, Mississippi and Hawaii, the billionaire real estate declares Wednesday that “I am a uniter.”
But he also says he was the victim of “vicious” campaign ads on behalf of his rivals last week and that “I didn’t set the tone of negativity” in the race. Trump says he merely “fought back” and says he has to still run hard. He tells CNN’s “New Day” show Wednesday that “I have to finish off the project.” Trump adds that he expects Thursday night’s GOP debate in Florida to be “a nicer, softer, lighter” event in the wake of his latest triumphs. Trump also revealed that he’s had a “very conciliatory” conversation with House Speaker Paul Ryan.