Is it a surprise to anyone that Trump can't help himself when it comes to creating his own reality? This latest stunt is going to wound him, albeit not mortally.
Donald Trump claimed that a baseball, though likely signed by "Charlie Hustle," Pete Rose, was made out to him, and the message seemed like an endorsement of the reality TV star for president. Rose's attorney says otherwise. No matter what the baseball superstar's troubles might be, he's still an Ohio legend, and even if it's too late to change the hearts and minds of Trump's "poorly educated voters," this will leave a mark.
Donald tweeted, of course:
Just received from @PeteRose_14.
Thank you Pete! #VoteTrump on
Tuesday Ohio! #Trump2016#MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/UvP03n7dQq— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2016
Trump, though, is either confused or purposefully misleading the media into calling it an endorsement. The candidate reportedly mentioned Rose by name at a campaign stop in West Chester, Ohio, saying, "We gotta let Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame."
Mr. Rose's attorney, Ray Genco, made this official statement. Genco is his attorney handling media matters.
I represent Mr. Pete Rose. Pete has made a point not to "endorse" any particular presidential candidate.
Though he respects everyone who works hard for our country, any outlet that misinterpreted a signed baseball for an endorsement was wrong.
Pete did not send any candidate a baseball or a note of endorsement.
That said, through my discussions with Pete about this cycle, I've learned that he believes that who to vote for is a decision each voter should decide for him or herself.
Pete knows and has impressed upon me that, above politics, it's leadership and teamwork [that] make all the difference. Both the left and right are baseball fans, and it is those institutions and their people that make America exceptional.
Obviously, 'Make America Great Again,' was a pop culture reference, Rose likely never imagined it would land in the bloviating buffoon's hands. There's no question that Rose is not endorsing Trump, but will this latest obvious lie discourage his voters? If this had come out a few weeks ago, perhaps. But now? Place your bets.
