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"Donald, We Can't Win."

6/7/2016

Paul Manafort

"Donald, we getting killed. We need to back off."

Donald Trump

"Paul, I never back off. Our team needs to understand that this judge is out to get me. He, Judge Curiel, is against the Mexican wall and he's against me. Turn up the heat."

Barry Bennett

"Mr. Trump, we can't win this. Newt called me and made a suggestion."

Trump

"Go ahead, Barry."

Bennett

"Newt suggests that we insist that Trump deserves a fair trial. He adds that 'While my comments regarding Judge Curiel have been misconstrued, my point is that we deserve a fair trial and I'm very concerned about our ability to receive justice.'"

Manafort

"Donald, that sounds great. Let's get back to showing the real Hillary Clinton."

Trump

"Corey?" "Michael?"

Corey Lewandowski

"Mr. Trump, we've made our point. Let's declare victory, put out a release along the lines of Newt's suggestion and say that we will no longer address the central issue, which is the need for justice in this case."

Michael Glassner

"Agreed. There is no more upside. It's distracting. Our team is off track. Let's get back to Hillary's email, which the public is still very confused about."

Trump

"OK. Done. Issue the release and make it clear that we demand justice and that we will no longer address this subject. Thanks everybody."

Hillary Clinton: "Our Trump Strategy - This is What We've Been Waiting For"

6/2/2016

(I'm a back bencher as HRC and her team discuss strategy - beating Trump)

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

"Joel, I've considered your suggestions. I've been waiting for the right time. This is the right time."

JOEL BENENSON

"Madam Secretary, today the door was opened. We need to charge through."

CLINTON

"Joel, let's get specific. Review the specifics."

BENENSON

"Madam Secretary, at every rally, we bring to the podium a person who was cheated by Trump University. The person will say how much they invested, and what they received - which is nothing. And this is the start that we build the speech on."

ROBBY MOOK

"In other words, I'm John Smith of Trenton, NJ and I paid $15,000 in tuition to Trump University. I wasted my money. It wasn't a school. I didn't get any credentials. I didn't even get a real estate license. And I want Donald Trump to give my money back"

JOHN PODESTA

"Great. Hillary, that resonates. I can feel a movement starting. At each rally, the audience waits for the speaker and together, the audience calls out "And I want Donald Trump to give me my money back."

JIM MARGOLIS

"Madam Secretary, it could become the rallying cry of the election. I believe the media would run with it. I could see massive banners behind you with the slogan. And you could work in "Donald, do the right thing, give them their money back" into the stump speech."

DAVID BINDER

"I tested a version of that. It polls well. Right up there with the casino bankruptcy. At two separate focus groups, they suggested that Trump's nickname be 'BK' as in bankruptcy and BK Trump for a nickname. Also, the focus group said anything that shows Trump taking away jobs - BK, fake university - is very powerful."

CLINTON

"OK. Let me be clear. I'm putting my foot on Trump's throat. I'm pressing Trump university, I'm pressing BK and I'm closing with "Donald, I'm going to add jobs - and you take them away."

"Great. I love it. What's next?"

MOOK

"Debate Prep - One hour in the main conference room. We're all set up."

CLINTON

"Perfect. Tape it. I want to perfect our new attack"

PODESTA

"The code name is heel. As is - heel to the throat. You are putting your foot on his throat and we're not letting up."

Donald Trump Asks: "Condoleeza Rice is a Member at Augusta?

5/31/2016

(I'm a back bencher at a Trump staff meeting)

Paul Mannafort

"Donald, I've got the VP list. And Rubio will meet us at our rally at the Sacramento Jet Center."

Donald Trump

"Good. Have you heard of any problems with our Supreme Court list?"

Mannafort

"Donald, it's been 100% positive."

Sam Clovis

"We have had zero pushback. That includes the tea party. Jenny Beth Martin called me to say they were pleasantly surprised by the list."

Trump

"And so the Tea Party is endorsing us?"

Clovis

"No sir. However we took a big step forward."

Trump

"Paul, tell me about Condoleeza Rice."

Mannafort

"Dr. Rice is brilliant. She did a great job for Bush 43. Her name has come up as a 3rd party candidate. She was for Jeb and was his running-mate-to-be. She is a founder with Stephen Hadley at RiceHadley, an international consulting company. She is a fellow at the Hoover Institute. And most of all she loves teaching at Stanford, where she is the Denning Professor. It's a hell of a resume"

"and one more thing; she is a member at Augusta"

Trump

"Augusta Country Club? The Masters? There are only a few ladies."

Mannafort

"And she was the first, along with Darla Moore, who was the wife of Richard Rainwater."

Trump

'I want to meet Condoleeza."

Clovis

"Done. We've met several times through my work with C and M."

Trump

"What do you think, Paul?"

Manafort

"Pros: Brilliant. Knows Washington. Expert on International. Minority and Female and won't appear that we are pandering. Will take a lot of selling. Jonathan Levin could help."

"Cons: Not as strong as other candidates with Congressional relationships. Unproven with domestic policies. Carries around the Bush legacy like an anchor."

Trump

"Thanks. I want to meet with her during the California trips."

That's all for now.

Sean Hannity: "In 35 Years, Supporting Trump as Our Nominee is the Hardest Thing I've Ever Had to Do"

5/24/2016

(I'm a backbencher - sitting against the back wall as Sean Hannity talks to his boss)

Sean Hannity

"I don't know if I can do this. Trump is not a Conservative. He's not a Republican. He's #17 of the 17 candidates. Seriously, I would have taken any of the others. And there were such good candidates, Ted Cruz. Marco Rubio, Carly. Hell, I would have supported Ben. But not Trump."

Roger Ailes

"Sean, let me make a suggestion. Will you listen to my suggestion?"

Sean Hannity

"Sure Roger, tell me how you're going to get a Conservative to head the ticket."

Roger Ailes

"First of all, I don't want to fight with you. I'm 76 years old. I have x number of fights left in me and I'll need most of them for O'Reilly."

(Both laugh)

"Second. We lost. We did everything possible and we lost. Elections like this come along once every one-hundred years."

"Third. You and I will disagree but I think that Donald can win and that things will turn out just fine. I say that because Donald will hate the day to day work. If he takes Rubio as his VP, and that's my guess today, I could change it tomorrow, then Rubio handles the day to day work. Rubio is the acting president. Hell, Trump won't move to DC. And he will absolutely not get involved in the details.

Sean Hannity

"OK, what do we do."

Roger Ailes

"I'm not asking you to support Trump. I'm asking you to take all the time to show America why Clinton is the wrong choice. And if pressed, tell the truth; Trump was not my first choice however he was elected by the people and he is a far better choice than Clinton."

"Don't get into Trump's policies, mistakes, shortcomings. He's all we got. And I've known him for 30 years and I can work with him. OK?"

Sean Hannity

"Yeah. That's about as far as I can go."

Roger Ailes

"OK. Get to work on Bill's old flames, his screwup's in office, his near impeachment. And you've got Bengazi, email and a complete lack of any achievement as a senator or as Madam Secretary. There's plenty there for you. Thanks Sean"

"Madam Secretary, You Must Practice Every Day for Your 1st Debate Against Trump."

5/23/2016

Hillary Clinton:

"I appreciate the suggestion, however I will not be practicing every day for the debate. It's not until September. A lot could change before then. Let's get voters and raise money."

Roy Spence:

"Madam Secretary, you do need this. On September 26, I project a TV audience of 48 million. The biggest Republican debate was 24 million. That was the first Trump debate. You and Trump will double it. Nothing will more influence the voters. Nothing will raise more money. And we need the first 3 minutes to be our best three minutes.."

Hillary Clinton:

"Thanks Roy. But let's discuss it again after the election."

John Podesta:

"Madam Secretary, it was my idea. Trump has 14 years of experience on TV. It got him the nomination. He's counting on it to get him the election. We must prepare for the debate now. It is the highest priority."

Hillary Clinton:

"John, I've done hundreds of debates. You are getting carried away. Let's wrap this up and revisit after the convention."

John Podesta:

"Robby, please open the door."

(Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Chuck Schumer and Mike Bloomberg enter)

Chuck Schumer:

"Madame Secretary, I"ll go first. We agree, together, that the debate will define the election."

Mike Bloomberg:

"Hillary, Trump is the master. Don't underestimate him. We need to start preparations now."

Chelsea Clinton:

"Mom, we need to do this to win."

Hillary Clinton:

"Well then, it seems that we're going to have daily debate prep. OK, create a plan and then...

Bill Clinton:

"Hillary, here you go." (He hands her a three ring binder).

Hillary Clinton:

"It seems we are prepared. Joel, Jim - you are onboard?"

Joel Benenson:

"Madam Secretary, that binder was 4 weeks in the making. And Jim is onboard."

John Podesta:

"Madam Secretary, we are prepared. Very prepared. And we'll start tomorrow at 1:00 for one hour and will dedicate one hour every day except Sunday. Thank you, Madam Secretary."

Hillary Clinton:

"You're welcome. Thank you to everyone. One more question; who plays Trump"

(Everyone smiles)

Chelsea Clinton:

"Mom, it will usually be Taran Killam. But we will have others as well depending on the subject."

Hillary Clinton:

"Taran Killam agreed to do this?"

Chelsea Clinton:

"In a second. He said he was honored to be asked. And he said that he is voting for you."

Hillary Clinton:

"OK, thanks everyone. I do appreciate it. I'm in. What's next?

Robby Monk:

"Madam Secretary, that would be a speech on a secure video line to the 11 DPL's. I also have 4 of the 8 undecided DPL's. It starts in 45 minutes in the main conference room."

Hillary Clinton:

"Thanks Robby. I'll meet you there. Thanks everyone. Now if you would give me this room for a meeting with my family."

Reince Priebus Meets with the Billionaire Republican Party Donors

5/13/2016

(I'm seated at the back wall in the well-appointed home of Charles Koch at 740 Park Ave)

Charles Koch:
"Reince, we could not be more disappointed. We lost the conservative momentum. We may have lost the Republican Party."

Woody Johnson:
"Reince, you gave us 5 possibilities going into the primaries and this was not one of them."

Ken Langone:

"And once again, you asked us to contribute, and we did, and once again we've got nothing to show for it. I'm mad as hell"

Reince waits until he is sure they are finished.

Reince Priebus:
"We had the best, the most experienced, the smartest advisors of any campaign in Republican party history. You approved each one. And no one, and I'm telling you no one, saw this coming. You and I met many times and you planned, and I planned, on Trump either falling behind and quitting or making a mistake that cost him the candidacy. And we agreed that he did make several mistakes that should have ended it."

Priebus stops and looks down.

Charles Koch:

"What does your friend Paul Ryan say."

Reince Priebus:

"Paul says that we have two options. Pick one. He's picking Trump. And that's what I'm doing and that's what the Party is doing. And we need your financial help - at the same level as if your candidate won."

Ken Langone:

"I'm not giving a cent to Trump."

Reince Priebus:

"I'm asking you to drive Richard Burr, who is even in the polls. Pat Toomey is up 1 point over McGinty. Rob Portman is down 1% and Florida is tight. If we lose the Senate, we lose the Supreme Court for 30 Years. We must have your support."

Charles Koch:

"I'll think about it. We'll all think about it. In the meantime, get close to Trump and give us regular updates. That's a must."

Reince Priebus:

"Of Course. You will know what I know"

Charles Koch:

"Ok, if you will give us the room, we have other issues to discuss."

And Priebus jumped up and sprinted to the door.

"Dad, What Happened in the Meeting With Paul Ryan."

5/12/2016

(I'm sitting at the back of Donald Trump's office at 7:30 am on the day after his meeting with Paul Ryan)

Donald Trump, Jr.

"Dad, Got 5 minutes for a fast update on two projects?"

Donald Trump:

"Sure Donnie, c'mon in"

Donald Trump, Jr.

"But first, can you summarize your meeting with Paul Ryan?"

Donald Trump

"Sure. First, I thanked him and Congress for doing nothing over the past 16 years. If they had accomplished anything, he would be talking to one of the other 17, not me."

"Second, I told him that Congress was at 11% approval rate. So they need me a hell of a lot more than I need them. "

"Last, I said that the voters don't care about conservatism. They don't really care about idea's. They want action."

"And I leaned forward and said, 'Paul, I'm going to get things done. With you or without you. And if anyone wants to block me, I'll go to the American people and name the people blocking better trade deals, or blocking tax reform, or blocking a stronger military, or blocking me from keeping US companies in America. If you think 25,000 people coming to rallies is something, wait until 25,000 people are in your doorway."

"And then I asked if he had any questions. He said that he didn't."

"Now, how about your projects."

"From now on cut the Karl Rove column out of Thursday's Wall Street Journal."

5/10/2016

(7:05 am: I am in Donald Trump's office in Trump Tower, seated in a chair against the back wall)

Trump:

"Rhonda, I finished up my reading and let me ask something. Do you read Karl Rove's column?"

Graff:

"Mr. Trump, I did read it. It's in Thursday's Wall Street Journal, on the right hand inside opinion page."

Trump:

"And what do you think of it?"

Graff:

"I see it as a humor column. I laughed in the summer when he made fun of us. Then I laughed when he dismissed us. And I laughed when he wrote that we couldn't win. And it was funny when we said we won't hold up.

And now I laugh when he says what we need to do to win the general. He does not have a clue."

Trump: (to Manafort)

"Paul, now do you see what I mean when i say I've got a great staff?"

Manafort:

"Donald, she nailed it."

Trump:

"OK, Rhonda, please cut his column out of the newspaper and throw it away. If I see it, I won't have to respond to it. And I won't waste my time."

Manafort:

"Donald, he just wrote a book about the 1896 election. Perhaps he's mixed up."

Trump: (laughing)

"That's it. He's confused and thinks it's 1896."

"I'm telling you, everyone want's to tell me what to do, how to win."

"Paul Ryan is a good guy and means well. He may have great ideas, but, hell, he just passed a bad budget. And I can't see a thing he's done as Speaker. If I've learned anything from 10 million voters, it is that they want action, not ideas."

Manafort:

"We're not changing a thing. And Ryan worries me because he lost the last election."

Trump:

"Paul, I like our idea of televising our meetings from the oval office. I like it more and more.
And when Paul Ryan or Mitch McConnell starts talking ideas and won't take my program
for a vote in the Senate or House, here's what I'll do."

"Mr. Speaker, please turn and look into the camera and tell the American people that you won't put
our program up for a vote. And then I'll look into the camera and tell them why you're wrong."

"Paul, the system is broken. I loved the 60 minutes story about Congressman spending 5 hours
a day in a call center calling donors."

Manafort:

"And the chart showing the dollar amount for each person."

Trump:

"And Paul Ryan is concerned about conservatism - and his people spend more time in a call center than they do in the House."

"No, the donors are out, the lobbyists are out. It's a new day."

"And let's make a highlight show each day. Show it at 9:00 eastern. And let the American
people see that I'm doing what I said i would do, and let them see their elected officials
either getting on board or getting in the way."

"Paul, I can't wait."

Rubio: "I Really Want the Job

5/4/2016

(I"m in the back of the room as Rhonda Graff announces Marco Rubio.)

Marco Rubio, tan and trim, looks the picture of confidence.

Rubio

"Mr; Trump, how are you? Great to be here. Congratulations!"

Strong hand shake

Trump

"Marco, thank you very much. Great to have you here. Now I hope our arrangements were not too difficult."

Rubio

"I felt like I was in a spy movie. The hoodie and sun glasses idea really worked. People on the street took one look and looked away. And that is some underground entrance with the fast-opening automatic garage door."

Trump

"Great! Actually we have a lot of experience with getting people in and out without being noticed."

"OK, I only have a minute so here's where we're at. I need to win Florida. It's a must. And we're working on how helpful you would be. On the one hand, I beat you in the primary."

Rubio

"And on the other hand I got 2,645,743 votes to win the senate."

Trump

"And Obama got 4,423,756 to win in 2012, that's 2 years after you. So the question is whether you win Florida for me. Or not. Because Marco, everything else is great."

"I need someone who knows the inside process, who knows everybody in the Senate and a lot of people in the House. I need someone I think is really smart and really tough and can work with me - that's you."

"And I need a tremendous campaigner. That's you, as well."

Rubio

"Mr. Trump, I really want the job."

Trump

"That's great, Marco. And here's how important the position will be. I intend to spend 3 weeks a month at the New York White House - Trump Tower. So the VP has a big role in day to day government. Also, I plan to finish my work in three years, so I won't need to run again. And I plan to fully support the VP."

"Marco, you're on the short list. We'll have another meeting next week. Any questions"

Rubio

"No questions. I'm ready to start. "

Trump

"Thanks Marco. Call with any questions or if anything comes up. My guys will get you back to Teterboro without being seen. Thanks again."

"Donald, We're Up by 15 Points"

5/2/2016

(I'm in the back seat of Donald Trump's plane as it heads to Indiana)

Manafort:

"Donald, I just received early notice of the new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll for Indiana. We're up 15%"

Trump:

"That makes sense. The IPFW poll was off, way off. Or was rigged. Was the RNC behind the IPFW poll?"

(Manafort and Trump laugh)

Manafort:

"Having the General on our side has been a tremendous help. Much better than Pence."

Trump:

"Yes, and Bobby Knight is clear. Pence is a typical politician, playing both sides. By the way, what did Cruz say about the poll."

Manafort:

"Cruz said that if he loses Indiana, he still sees a clear path to the nomination."

Trump:

"What bullshit. He's delusional. Did you see him trying to push Chuck Todd around?"

Manafort:

(Chuck Todd impression) "Senator, it's not the press who is against you. It's the people. They are not voting for you."

Trump and Manafort laugh

Trump:

"But he would make a hell of a Supreme Court justice. And that keeps him the hell out of my way for four years. And it cuts off the stupid 'dream ticket' ideas of a Trump Cruz ticket. Paul, leak out that I'm giving serious consideration to having Cruz as my first Supreme Court justice nomination."

Manafort:

"Consider it done. I'll break it for Mike Allen to run tomorrow morning. And Donald, I'd like 10 minutes to discuss the California plan again."

Trump:

"You've got it. Just let me call my wife. And then I've got a conference call with my kids in 20 minutes. Right after that. Thanks Paul"

Manafort:

"You're welcome Donald. And let's plan for our face to face with Marco next week. July will be here before we know it."

Trump nods, and smiles.