# What are the political endorsements for ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 7, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042 "2016-08-07T14:48:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/1 "2016-08-07T14:48:43Z")
I read that Mr. Trump has decided to endorse Speaker Ryan, Sen. McCain and a few others after initially deciding not to. As none of these figures are running for President I was wondering what this actually means. It appears to be good thing for Mr. Trump so what does it do for Ryan and McCain ? ---
**Author:** ![snoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@snoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snoe)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/2 "2016-08-07T15:01:21Z")
These people are running for reëlection to their own elected offices this year. Paul Ryan, for instance, is a member of Congress. He’s facing the voters in November. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/3 "2016-08-07T15:05:49Z")
They are part of the game of politics, to get voters to think in terms of their own team instead of critical analysis of the issues. Once upon a time the slow communication and physical distance between the electorate and their representatives gave voters little else to rely on. But in all walks of life people rely on the recommendations of others. ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/4 "2016-08-07T15:28:38Z")
Ah, so Ryan and others put on a happy face and hope the endorsement from Mr. Trump plays well in their districts in November. Thanks for the information. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/5 "2016-08-07T17:21:05Z")
> [@DrumBum](#): > > Ah, so Ryan and others put on a happy face and hope the endorsement from Mr. Trump plays well in their districts in November. Thanks for the information. Rather, I would say it gives the appearance of party unity this year. I’m not sure these guys giving out endorsements really, really, \*truly \*in their heart of hearts likes the other or their ideas. It’s all for show so it doesn’t take up any airtime on the news about how the Republican party is falling apart. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/6 "2016-08-07T17:23:37Z")
Not just in November, but also in primary races against other Republicans in the coming weeks. Trump was initially making a show of flirting with the primary challengers of Ryan, Ayotte, etc. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-political-endorsements-for/762042/7 "2016-08-07T18:11:45Z")
Oh, Trump’s campaign had “boots on the ground” to help Ryan’s challenger, until Manafort or someone said “Not a good idea.” I was really hoping Ryan would’ve come out and say “Mr. Trump, I don’t want your endorsement. It may come back to haunt me in the future.” I would’ve bust a gut.