1. Trump and Ryan Met Today and Released Joint Statement Signaling Unity, But With Reservations TRUMP AND RYAN May 12, 2016 | Ben Booker Source: Harper Neidig, “Ryan Fails to Endorse Trump After Meeting,” The Hill, May 12, 2016; Wall Street Journal, “Trump Adviser Says He’s Open to Entitlement Program Changes,” Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2016; Jay Newton-Small, “Speaker Paul Ryan Condemns Donald Trump’s Ban On Muslims,” Time, December 8, 2015; Gregory Krieg, “Donald Trump Stands by Softer Tone on Planned Parenthood,” CNN, March 2, 2016. TakeawayDetails Hillary Clinton is the common enemy The joint statement reiterated the developing mantra amongst Republicans (including Paul Ryan) who have reservations about Trump: he is the better alternative than likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton This is only the first step and reconciliation will take awhile Ryan did not officially endorse Donald Trump after his meeting with him. Their joint statement released shortly after their meeting signals that all the differences between them have yet to be ironed out. Therefore, there will be more meetings and engagements to come before Ryan will fully back Trump as the GOP’s presidential candidate Differences between Trump and Ryan are being downplayed over commitment to broad conservative principles, but there is a lingering question over whether Trump will adhere to them There are real policy differences between Trump and Ryan. Ryan publically criticized Trump’s planned banning of Muslims entering the United States. Trump has said he will not touch entitlement programs, while Ryan has argued it is necessary to reduce the long term deficit. However, both declared these differences marginal and said both will work to advance larger, broader conservative principles. The question becomes though as the Republican Party begins to create their party platform during this summer convention, whether tensions will reemerge if Trump breaks from conservative orthodoxy on entitlements or other issues like Planned Parenthood funding. Main Takeaways From Trump and Ryan Joint Statement

2. Ryan Is Less Hated By General Population, But Has Lower Approval Amongst Republican Voters Than Trump May 12, 2016 | Ben Booker Sources: Craig Gilbert, “Ryan Support Solid at Home, But National Backlash Could Lurk Over Stance On Trump,” Journal Sentinel, May 11, 2016; YouGov, “Most Republicans Think Ryan Should Endorse Trump,” May 10, 2016. TRUMP AND RYAN ■ Favorable ■ Unfavorable Polling Ratings Between Paul Ryan and Donald Trump

3. Ryan Has Overwhelming Support in Home District Compared to Trump Allowing Him to Confront Trump May 12, 2016 | Ben Booker Sources: Craig Gilbert, “Ryan Support Solid at Home, But National Backlash Could Lurk Over Stance On Trump,” Journal Sentinel, May 11, 2016; Remington Research Group, “Wisconsin 1 st Congressional District Republican Primary Election,” May 11, 2016. TRUMP AND RYAN ■ Favorable ■ Unfavorable Polling Ratings Between Paul Ryan and Donald Trump

4. National Pressure Is Mounting For Ryan to Endorse Trump May 12, 2016 | Ben Booker Sources: Craig Gilbert, “Ryan Support Solid at Home, But National Backlash Could Lurk Over Stance On Trump,” Journal Sentinel, May 11, 2016; YouGov, “Most Republicans Think Ryan Should Endorse Trump,” May 10, 2016. TRUMP AND RYAN ■ Favor Endorsement ■ Do Not Favor Endorsement ■ Not Sure ■ Do Not Care Either Way Amount of Republican Primary Voters Who Favor Ryan Endorsing Trump Includes Republican Primary Voters Who Participated or Are Planning to Participate