Bill Kristol appeared on CNN Wednesday night with host Don Lemon and American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp to discuss the 2016 election. Kristol responded to the idea, expressed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others, that Donald Trump could be moving toward a "pivot" to being a less bombastic and controversial candidate.

"The one thing Donald Trump is right about, the Republican establishment is pitiful," Kristol said. "What is he talking about, 'pivot'? You know, the word 'pivot' should be banned. Everyone [says], 'Ooh, will Trump pivot? He should pivot again? Is he going to pivot soon?' What does that mean? He's 70 years old. He says what he believes."

Kristol also said he "respects" Trump when the presumptive Republican nominee says there will be no change in the candidate's persona. Watch the video below:



"Mitch McConnell believes in free trade," Kristol added. "Does he have the nerve to say that, or is he going to pretend to make himself comfortable with Donald Trump?"