During the first Republican debate, Donald Trump made headlines for being the only Republican candidate to refuse pledging not to run as a third party candidate. Still surging in polls, the Republican frontrunner has decied to take such a pledge.
“I will be totally pledging my allegiance to the Republican party and the conservative principles for which it stands,” stated Trump.
Still holding a double didgit lead over the second place Ben Carson, Trump doesn’t appear to be concerned over losing the Republican primary.
Given the lack of support the other candidates have received, the party needs Trump more than Trump needs the party.
The rest of the Republican pack is trailing far behind, with Jeb Bush currently tied with Texas senator Ted Cruz at 8%.
A recent Pew survey puts the party’s favourability among its own members at 68% – the lowest it’s been in more than two years. The need for change was awnsered by Mr. Trump.
“The best way for the Republicans to win is if I win the nomination and go directly against whoever they happen to put up,” read Mr. Trump’s written statement. It’s hard to disagree.