House Speaker Paul Ryan doesn’t like to weigh in on the presidential race. In fact, he says he hopes this is the last time. But Donald Trump’s muffing a response to support from KKK Grand Wizard David Duke prompted him to speak out on behalf of the party as its highest elected leader. “This is the kind of moment where we should be having a serious debate about the policies needed to restore the American idea,” Ryan lamented. “Instead, the conversation over the last few days has been over white supremacy groups.” He added, “I try to stay out of the ups and downs of the primary, but I’ve also said when I see something that runs counter to who we are as a party and a country, I will speak up. If a person wants to be the nominee of the party, there can be no evasion and no games. They must reject any group or cause that is built on bigotry. This party does not prey on people’s prejudices. We appeal to their highest ideals. This is the party of Lincoln. We believe all people are created equal in the eyes of God and our government. This is fundamental, and if someone wants to be our nominee, they have to understand this.”

Trump obviously doesn’t understand and he doesn’t care. And frankly that’s what makes him so appealing to his supporters. So while Ryan is right, his rebuke is probably going to have the opposite effect — Trump will benefit. That’s how much his supporters detest all things Washington.

> Update: After his Super Tuesday wins, Trump said, “I am going to get along great with Congress. Paul Ryan, I don’t know him well, but I’m sure I’m going to get along great with him. And if I don’t, he’s going to have to pay a big price, okay?” Spoken like a true mob boss.