Gingrich ‘strongly’ endorses McCain

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) on Thursday threw his support behind Sen. John McCain two days after Donald Trump declined to endorse the Arizona Republican.

{mosads}”I strongly endorse Sen. John McCain,” Gingrich said in a video put out by the McCain campaign, “a genuine American hero, a man who has endured a great deal for his country, and a man who I work with and watch him provide leadership as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.”

McCain, who is in a tough reelection race this year and faces a primary election this month, had issued a lengthy statement on Monday condemning the GOP presidential nominee’s criticism of the parents of a Muslim U.S. soldier who was killed while serving in Iraq. 

“In recent days, Donald Trump disparaged a fallen soldier’s parents. He has suggested that the likes of their son should not be allowed in the United States — to say nothing of entering its service,” the senator, a prisoner during the Vietnam War, said in the statement.

“I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump’s statement. I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers, or candidates.”

The next day Trump, who had considered tapping Gingrich as his running mate, would not offer an endorsement of McCain when asked in an interview with The Washington Post.

In an apparent effort to close the rift between the two camps, Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, met with McCain on Tuesday.

McCain said in a statement Thursday: “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Speaker Gingrich, a long-time friend and leader in the Republican Party. Throughout his career, Newt has been a strong voice for conservative principles. I appreciate his support and I look forward to campaign ahead.”