GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump ended up having a press conference after all following his meeting Monday in Trump Tower with more than 100 black pastors.
The meeting originally was billed as an endorsement from the group of pastors, but when many said they were only planning to have a conversation with him the press conference was canceled.
But the two-and-a-half-hour meeting went so well the the campaign changed its mind again and dozens of pastors packed into a narrow area where they addressed the media.
Darrell Scott, pastor of New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, who arranged the meeting and is a Trump supporter, said Trump cares about the concerns of African Americans, including a jobless rate over 50 percent.
Scott said several of the pastors endorsed Trump and that others said they would go home and pray about what action they should take.
When Trump worked his way to the front of the packed group, he was asked about the backlash from several black ministers who condemned the meeting.
"I don't think we have backlash," Trump responded. "I saw love in that room. I see love everywhere I go."
One pastor said at the beginning of the conference that some in the room had concerns about "the racial slurs and the racial comments that he has made," but added that the issue "was addressed head-on."
Trump said he was not asked by anyone present to change his tone.
"The tone has taken me to first position in every single poll, including state and including national polls," he said.
Asked if he had given a financial contribution to any of the churches, Trump responded, " No, I haven't. Zero."
Michael Cohen, vice president of The Trump Organization, told
CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" that the original statement that the meeting would be an endorsement by all present was a misunderstanding between Scott and the campaign.
"What ended up happening was exactly what we were hoping was going to happen, many people endorsed Mr. Trump," Cohen said. "Others left the meeting with a great feeling of love and a great feeling of mutual respect between the parties. And they are now going back to their respective churches to pray upon their decision."