In brief: GOP pivots on Trump following McCain put-down

WASHINGTON – Republicans’ swift condemnation of Donald Trump’s disparaging comments about Sen. John McCain’s military service mark a turning point in the party’s cautious approach to the billionaire-turned- presidential candidate.

After dismissing McCain’s reputation as a war hero because he was captured in Vietnam and “I like people who weren’t captured,” Trump declared “I will say what I want to say.” He insisted he would stay in the GOP primary field, despite rivals who say he’s now shown he doesn’t merit the presidency.

“It’s not just absurd,” Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. “It’s offensive. It’s ridiculous. And I do think it is a disqualifier as commander in chief.”

Other GOP candidates, including Jeb Bush, Rick Perry and Scott Walker, were similarly critical of Trump. The Republican National Committee issued a statement saying “there is no place in our party or our country for comments that disparage those who have served honorably.”

George H.W. Bush out of hospital

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – Former President George H.W. Bush was released from a Maine hospital on Sunday, four days after he fell and broke a bone in his neck.

Bush spokesman Jim McGrath said that “a very grateful” Bush, 91, returned home to Kennebunkport after treatment for a fractured vertebra.

“He is in good enough condition that they can continue his recovery at home,” McGrath said.