MIAMI (AP) – In his own unorthodox way, Donald Trump is unmistakably evolving into a general election candidate.
The over-the-top billionaire is talking about flexibility in his hardline immigration policies. He’s pledging to moderate his bullying tone, acknowledging that women in particular may be turned off by his brash brand of politics. And he’s working to assume the mantle of GOP standard-bearer, calling for party unity and promising to help fellow Republicans win their own elections in November.
“It’s very, very important as a Republican that our senators and congressmen get re-elected,” Trump said Tuesday during a late-night news conference at one of his Florida resorts.
To be sure, Trump is still very much doing things his way. His pledge to help other candidates came just before a lengthy promotion of his brand, all while flanked by tables of Trump wine – as well as bottled water and a display of raw steaks, which he no longer sells. His calls for party unity are still bracketed by jabs at rivals “Little Marco” Rubio and “Lying Ted” Cruz.
But there are clear indications Trump is confident he’ll emerge from the turbulent primaries as the GOP nominee – and that he knows he has work to do to broaden his appeal with general election voters and his own party’s leaders.