Politico: “Only Trump has the immense power to short circuit a primary in his native state. Publicly he isn’t exercising it.”“Behind the scenes, Trump spoke with Blakeman about running in the days leading up to his announcement… Trump never explicitly told Blakeman not to run…”“Further complicating matters, the president this week effusively praised Stefanik and Blakeman as ‘two fantastic people’—going as far as suggesting that a primary may ultimately produce a battle-tested nominee.”