Donald Trump And Paul Ryan Meeting: Will They Or Won't They?

Anyone hoping that the much-hyped meeting Thursday morning between Donald Trump and Paul Ryan would end with loud fireworks and new nicknames (Cryin' Ryan! Sad!) is going to be disappointed.

And so, too, will people who wanted to see the men walk out hand-in-hand and disappear over the horizon into the soft glow of the sun.

Instead, Ryan, the Speaker of the House and arguably the most high-profile Republican establishment leader, continued his tightrope walk that would impress even the most seasoned circus performer.

In a joint statement Ryan and Trump said... well, not a whole lot.

And in a press conference a few minutes later, Ryan said he and Trump, "had a very encouraging meeting" but wouldn't take it any further and offer an endorsement.

Ryan did say that they agreed on abortion, separation of powers and the Constitution.

Ryan continues to walk a fine line with the polarizing Trump, who will likely get both the most votes for any Republican in a primary season and also the most against.

The day after Ted Cruz and John Kasich dropped out, Ryan told CNN that he was "not ready" to endorse Trump but seemed to sing a slightly more positive tune Thursday calling Trump a "warm and genuine person."

(Maybe Trump's proposals to deport 11 million immigrants or to ban Muslims from entering the country sound warmer face-to-face?)

But despite a pledge to work together to unify the party, Ryan still wouldn't throw his full weight behind Trump's run for president. At least not yet.

Image of Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore, Flickr