The chief strategist and communications director for Hillary Clinton’s last presidential campaign offered a surprising take on Donald Trump’s visit to Mexico on Wednesday.
Howard Wolfson said on Twitter that Trump appeared “presidential” and hit a political “home run” during a joint press conference he held with Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto.
Trump and Nieto met in private before the joint appearance. The real estate billionaire’s campaign announced the visit late Tuesday night. The idea, which was met with widespread criticism from pundits, was said to have formulated over the weekend.
“I was straightforward in presenting my views about the impacts of current trade and immigration policies on the United States,” Trump said during his appearance with Nieto. “We are united by our support of Mexicans.”
“I have a tremendous feeling for Mexican-Americans not only in terms of friendship but also in terms of the numbers I employ,” he continued. “I am proud to say how many people I employ.”
Trump said that he and Nieto did not discuss the border wall that the Republican has promised he will force Mexico to pay for if he is elected president.
Wolfson, who most recently served as an adviser to former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, went on to say on Twitter that Trump’s visit gives him a “better shot” at defeating his former boss, Hillary Clinton.
David Axelrod, one of President Obama’s former top advisers, also gave Trump’s appearance positive reviews.