Trump Endorses Ex-White House Doc For Congress Who Called Obama ‘Deep State Traitor’

TOPLINE

President Trump on Friday endorsed Texas congressional candidate Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician accused of workplace misconduct who tweeted that former President Obama is a ‘deep state traitor’

KEY FACTS

Key Background

Jackson served as White House physician for two years under President George W. Bush and for the duration of Barack Obama’s presidency. Jackson first came to national prominence after he delivered a rosy briefing about Trump’s health. He posited that Trump had “incredible genes,” said he did “exceedingly well during his cognitive test” and had “excellent cardiac health.” Jackson was nominated to succeed Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin in March 2018, and he withdrew a month later. He was appointed to serve as an assistant to the president last February but resigned in December to run for Congress as a Republican.

Chief Critic

Aides to President Obama expressed shock and dismay at Jackson’s comments about his former boss last week. “Ronny Jackson palled around with us Deep State Traitors for 8 years and did nothing but smile and say kind things about Barack Obama, who made him an Admiral,” tweeted former speechwriter Jon Favreau. Former Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonico concurred, tweeting, “During my time in the White House Ronny Jackson was my colleague, my friend and my doctor. I thanked him in my book for his good care. His comments yesterday and today leave me confused, angry, and heartbroken. I don’t recognize this version of Ronny at all.”

Surprising Fact

If Jackson wins the runoff in July, he’s almost certain to win the general election, as Texas’ 13th Congressional District is the most Republican district in the country, according to Cook Political Report. Despite its partisan lean, however, analyst Drew Savicki noted the 13th District has a tendency to elect relative moderates like outgoing Rep. Mac Thornberry.

What To Look For

Trump’s endorsement is akin to a coronation in a Trump-era Republican primary. Former Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), who continued to criticize Trump after his election, ended up losing his primary in 2018 after Trump endorsed his opponent. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), who came to embrace Trump and earned his endorsement, won his primary in a landslide. The endorsement may give Jackson the boost he needs to become competitive, if not the favorite, for the nomination.