Sen. Jeff Sessions: Republicans Distancing From Trump Are Making A Mistake
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions defended Donald Trump against elected Republicans and party officials that have openly disavowed the GOP nominee since a video emerged showing him making sexist comments and disparaging women.
Sessions told Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT that Republicans should be uniting instead of attempting to isolate their nominee.
"Our party is making a mistake here. It's not just Donald Trump they're sloughing off here. They need to focus on the good people that were in those rallies out there who love their country, who want to see it do better, who believe we're on the wrong track by a three to one margin. They're correct. We are on the wrong track. There are some things we've got to start doing to turn this country around and I believe that the people need to be respected a lot more than they are right now by the establishment of, maybe, both parties."
He said Republican voters chose Trump in the primary and the smart thing to do would be to follow his leadership.
"I think at this point in time, it would be wise and realistic if you want to be a realpolitik tough, smart politician, I think our Republican candidates need to, whatever else they do, whatever they think of Donald Trump, they need to understand that so many good people are concerned about the future of their country and they should reach out to those people and I believe the movement that Donald Trump is leading will help all the Republican candidates if they understand the nature of it and are supportive of the people."
Sessions also expressed his glowing support for Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey, who is in a tough re-election battle, despite his decision not to fully embrace Trump.
"We need Pat Toomey back. He is one of my favorite Senators. You can count on one hand the top Senators in Washington and he'll be on that list in my opinion. He works hard. He's very smart. He's got good values. He's got to run his own race. I don't mind that, but I think some of the people that are not up in tough races can do a better job of listening to where the American people are. But, I believe Pat will do well."