Pataki: Politics is now ‘ gong show’

But former governor will back GOP’s pick

Three- term former New York governor George Pataki, 70, was able to sit down with USA TODAY’s Capital Download in New York on Tuesday morning because he didn’t need to catch a flight to Milwaukee. He had been bumped from the fourth GOP debate there for failing to reach the 1% standing in national polls to participate in the undercard event. Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What will you be doing tonight instead?

Pataki: I don’t know if I’m even going to watch it. I’m inclined not to and instead I’ll wait for the highlights.

Q: Do you ever think it’s time to pack it in?

Pataki: Not if you believe in your ability to govern and you believe in the need to change the direction of this country.

Q: What could happen that would prompt you to withdraw?

Pataki: If someone emerged who I believe could unite the party and lead the country and win the election, then there’s no need to run. But ... you have almost half the vote with two candidates who have never had public office. I don’t think they’re going to be the nominee. I don’t think they’re going to be president of the United States, and really pretty much no one else has emerged. ...

I know that whenever Donald Trump goes on stage, they get massive ratings. .... It shouldn’t be about the media company’s rat- ings, it shouldn’t be about the money or name ID you have early in the process that determines who the American people should choose from. It is destroying the New Hampshire primary. It is turning the American presidency into a reality gong show, and that’s not right.

Q: Do you think it’s possible Trump could be the Republican nominee?

Pataki: No, I don’t think so. l think as voters continue to look at his comments and his statements, whether it’s attacking veterans, attacking Mexicans, his absurd position to deport 11 million people who are here that they will say, “We’ve had our fun, we’ve had our reality- show host who is anti- Washington, but we need somebody who can govern.”

Q: If Trump is nominated, would you vote for him?

Pataki: He’s not going to be the nominee. But I will vote for the Republican. I will campaign for the Republican nominee. ... If there’s one thing that came out of the Benghazi hearing that was new, there should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that ( Hillary Clinton) lied about what happened that night. ... That should disqualify her from being president.

Q: Are you concerned about the direction of the Republican Party?

Pataki: I am worried, not by the principles and policies of our party, but the rhetoric of some of the leading people who alienate young people who believe in science as I do, alienate Latinos, Asians and others who believe we should be more inclusive and embracing of people who are here.

Q: We asked readers for questions. Here’s a tweet: “When will he get out of the race and endorse Marco Rubio?”

Pataki: I am determined to stay in the race for the foreseeable future.

MICHAEL MONDAY FOR USA TODAY The former New York governor says he is worried about Republican rhetoric.