Ryan and Trump Work to Get On Same Page

Playbook: “It’s no secret that Trump and Ryan haven’t exactly gotten along, but they’re inching closer together now. They spoke by phone twice immediately after the election, and the lunch today will be another sign that they’re readying to work together. Ryan, frankly, can use Trump’s help as he readies for an internal election for House speaker. Ryan has to run in a closed-party election next week, and again on the House floor in January. If the incoming president is seen as being supportive of Ryan’s speakership, it’s far less likely anyone will run against him. Ryan’s allies already feel like Trump is — and should be — on board. Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy know how to move things on the Hill — a useful tool, since Donald Trump has never been elected to anything. Ever. And he’s president of the United States.”

“Trump has a lot of big plans. A wall with Mexico. Repealing Obamacare. Tax reform. Regulatory reform. Most of this stuff is going to take legislation, and 218 votes in the House of Representatives. It’s probably smart for Trump and Pence to get on the same page with Ryan on their priorities.”