GOP leadership and reporters break out laughing over concerns about Trump

When everyone finally settles down, Pence finally gives a punt of an answer about how much he and his running mate respect Ryan and how there are always differences in a party.

This answer is patently ridiculous. It is unheard of that the Speaker would not vigorously support his or her party’s nominee.

But Pence is let away with his absurd spin—and no further scrutiny is given to this alarming divide within the Republican establishment. Or the concerns about Trump precipitating it.

It is yet another moment of clarity about the role of the press, who did not act as pursuers of truth but as wanna-be pals of the politicians they’re meant to hold to account.

This, as they say, is why we can’t have nice things.