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Donald Trump Not Running for President

By Jeralyn, Section Elections
Posted on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:06:39 PM EST
Tags: Donald Trump (all tags)
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I never thought Donald Trump would run for President. Turns out he won't. He made the announcement today.

Yesterday, NBC renewed Celebrity Apprentice. From the first linked article:

He was scheduled to meet with NBC's bosses early Monday morning to give them his final decision -- just hours before they were supposed to present their plans for the new fall season to advertisers.

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    Donald Trump Not Running for President | 49 comments (49 topical)

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    The Donald (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by MO Blue on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:09:53 PM EST
    announcing this now spoils BTD's fun. IIRC he had one more Trump post planned.

    I think his final Trump post was going (none / 0) (#20)
    by ruffian on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:54:49 PM EST
    to be post-Trump's announcement, so we still have it to look forward to!

    Parent
    Shame (5.00 / 0) (#3)
    by andgarden on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:13:50 PM EST
    He would have made a good foil.

    Obama should've waited longer (5.00 / 0) (#4)
    by CST on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:14:37 PM EST
    to release his birth certificate.

    Hehee. (5.00 / 0) (#6)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:17:03 PM EST
    One of the quickest political meltdowns in history.

    Mostly shooting himself in the foot.

    But Obama finished him off real good.

    I thought he shot himself in the a$$ (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:35:17 PM EST
    and then in the face :)

    Parent
    Now, Military. (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:42:09 PM EST
    We don't use language like that around here.

    Face I mean.

    Parent

    He was never, ever serious (none / 0) (#23)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:21:11 PM EST
    about running.  He just spun it out longer this time than the last two times he pretended he was considering it.  Media falls for it heavily each time.

    Parent
    Proof... (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:22:06 PM EST
    ... that any publicity isn't necessarily good publicity.

    His brand name took a solid hit.

    Let's hope (none / 0) (#31)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:43:43 PM EST
    that's the case because it certainly should have.

    Parent
    Bad news (5.00 / 0) (#9)
    by mmc9431 on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:28:09 PM EST
    I actually hate to see all the clowns falling by the wayside already. I would have preferred that they stayed in the race. They were working wonders proving just how out of touch the Republican party is from reality.

    Problem is... (5.00 / 3) (#15)
    by kdog on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:43:51 PM EST
    they make out of touch Dems look semi-in touch by comparison...skews everything.

    The unintentional comedy loss is the nation's gain...remember Reagan was a running political joke at one time, until the joke was on us.  It's good he chickened out, cuz ya just can't put anything past an electorate that elected Reagan and G-Dub not once, but twice.  

    Parent

    Now, now. (none / 0) (#18)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:49:38 PM EST
    They still have Bachmann (sans Turner-Overdrive), Newtie (with lovely, glassy-eyed Stepford Wife in Tow), and that Rent is Too Darn High guy, Herman Cain.

    Rick Sanitorium, too.

    Plus all the shape-shifting and amazing acrobatic political antics from WIllard Milton Romney, Mitch Daniels and, probably, Jon Huntsman.

    Parent

    Yeah, the clown car is full already (none / 0) (#19)
    by ruffian on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:54:00 PM EST
    Really no need for Trump.

    Parent
    It was only a matter of time before (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by Anne on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:35:32 PM EST
    we read this headline; I think it has less to do with his chances and much, much more to do with the level of scrutiny directed at his finances.

    Here, let's fix his statement:

    "I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and have been delighted with the ratings bump for Celebrity Apprentice.  I recognize that running for public office cannot be done half-heartedly, especially since the media have endless time and energy to devote to finding out bad stuff about me. Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion, and if I were to have any hope of maintaining it and growing it, it was absolutely essential that I get out of the race before the doors were blown off, possibly leaving me with nothing.  So, while it's been fun indulging my ego, I'm really not ready to leave the private sector," he added.

    I guess the larger someone's ego, the smaller the part of the brain that can recognize that most people are not generally as dumb as one would like them to be.

    What a dink he is (none / 0) (#2)
    by shoephone on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:10:52 PM EST
    His lasting political legacy will be stinking up the Republican brand even further with all his birther nonsense. He is a fool.

    I'm glad he did it (none / 0) (#5)
    by Jeralyn on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:16:59 PM EST
    i.e, hurt the Republican image, if he did. Who wants to help Republicans? Certainly not me.

    Parent
    Believe me, any time a GOPer (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by shoephone on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:40:57 PM EST
    --even a phony one like Trump--further fouls the family brand, I'm not gonna cry. The Republican party is filled to the brim with repulsive creeps, and Trump is simply the latest on the scene. I guess the point I was making is... he's their dink.

    Parent
    He didn't hurt anything (none / 0) (#8)
    by jbindc on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:24:22 PM EST
    No one really took him seriously, and no one except political junkies are paying attention to the real details of what's going on.

    Had the Donald been running this time next year, people would have been paying attention.  

    Now's the time that the real crazies are just petering out, which actually I think will help the Republicans.  All that will be left by the time people are ready to focus on the election will be the "serious" candidates.

    I guarantee there is not one person out there who seriously thinks, "Well, I was going to support Donald, but now he's damaged the Republicans, so I will look at the Democrats."

    Parent

    The Thing That May Hurt... (none / 0) (#16)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:44:36 PM EST
    ... the republicans is the media deferring to Donald for future political comments.

    He may not actually be running, but I am positive his mouth will continue to run.

    Parent

    Whatever... (none / 0) (#10)
    by ScottW714 on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:29:54 PM EST
    ... the list of dinks that 'stunk' up the republican brand is so extensive that one could say 'stank' is the republican brand.

    Trump didn't hurt them, only brought light to the total vacuum of leadership that allowed such a dimwit to even entertain a presidential run, ditto for Newt.

    Parent

    What about Alan Keyes? (none / 0) (#12)
    by observed on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:40:14 PM EST
    Where is he hiding?

    LOL (none / 0) (#14)
    by shoephone on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:42:17 PM EST
    Yes, we need some real entertainment!

    Parent
    GOP probably decided (none / 0) (#17)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:45:39 PM EST
    the public was starting to wise up to the old Token Black in the Republican Presidential Field So We Don't Look All Lily White routine, at least wrt seeing the same token again and again.  

    This time they found a replacement, or body double -- The Rent is Too Darn High Guy -- Something Cain.  Herman I think.  Same over-caffeinated energy level, same type of political craziness in basically the same package, as GOPers views things.

    Parent

    If you realize that (none / 0) (#32)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:48:55 PM EST
    Herman Cain is not the "Rent Is Too Damn High" guy, you might stop and think whether conflating two black guys who have nothing in common is a good thing to do for yucks, especially a rather sober, successful gazillion-dollar business guy with a lunatic rent control activist.

    If you genuinely somehow had the two guys confused, then be advised.

    Parent

    Well, you're right about conflating -- (none / 0) (#34)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 02:05:03 PM EST
    but they do have some things in common, as in, at the very least, little or no prior political/elective office experience before seeking a very high political position.

    And as for "sober" Cain, perhaps in comparison to the high-strung rent guy, but the little I've seen of him -- some clips from the first debate, weren't that impressive.  Such as his answer about what he, Cain,would do about the US in Afghanistan:  I don't have a policy, but I'd have the experts around me to give me answers, he said in essence.

    Sorry for the confusion, but really, with pathetic responses like that to serious problems, I don't see major differences in the seriousness or lack thereof in the two candidates.  And your inflating Cain's stature, in light of that ridiculously ignorant debate response on a major issue, makes me wonder about your political judgment.

    Parent

    Never said he had good judgment (none / 0) (#42)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 04:19:27 PM EST
    knowledge of the issues or anything else.  He is, however, sober-- at least as far as would-be serious politicians go.  The Rent Is Too Damn High guy is just a nutty, silly guy deliberately making himself ridiculous for publicity.  The only thing the two guys have in common is that they're both black, is my point.


    Parent
    And I see them both (none / 0) (#45)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 08:54:07 PM EST
    as non-serious tokens in yet another cynical attempt by the GOP to display some phony racial diversity.

    Parent
    Well, seeing as how you didn't even (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon May 16, 2011 at 09:13:51 PM EST
    know who Cain was at 12:48PM today I think your qualifications re political analysis of him are totally flawed.

    Parent
    Being as how the (none / 0) (#49)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 11:51:46 PM EST
    "Rent Is Too Damn High" guy is a lefty, it's beyond me how he could be a cynical Republican puppet.

    And honestly, I really take exception to the idea that there are no black folks who are genuinely conservative in their beliefs, or who, gasp, might decide to take a flyer and run for president on their own without being recruited as puppets by the GOP establishment.

    Do you think Donald Trump was recruited to run?  If not, what's the difference between him and Cain-- other than skin color?

    Parent

    ah gee, say it aint so, Donald (none / 0) (#21)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon May 16, 2011 at 12:59:19 PM EST
    I've had so much fun watching you stir the water and then watching the DC Repubs run in circles on their side and the Demos run in circles on their side...

    Oh well, back to watching paint dry.

    you can always vote for him (none / 0) (#22)
    by CST on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:02:35 PM EST
    as a write-in candidate if you want.

    Please do.

    Parent

    What??? No sense of humor?? (none / 0) (#24)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:26:15 PM EST
    You didn't find watching the DooDahs on both sides get excited at The Donald funny?

    Oh well.....

    Parent

    oh I think it's funny (none / 0) (#28)
    by CST on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:34:33 PM EST
    the only difference is I'm not laughing with you...

    Parent
    It is good that Trump (none / 0) (#25)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:29:12 PM EST
    bowed out so as to pare down the Republican candidates to just those who are "serious".  Such as Mitch Daniels, who as Bush's Director of OMB pegged the Iraq war costs at $50 to $60 Billion, thereby correcting (and admonishing Lawrence Lindsey, Assistant to the President on Economic Policy) who warned the costs may run as high as $100 to $200 Billion.  That background is just what we need in these economic times.

    Or, Mittens, who believes... well we better double check since things have changed since morning.  Or the very serious Michelle Bachman, or Santorum (yes do google it), and for a fresh outlook, Newt and Callista (spelling note, a handy mnemonic: it has a double "l" as in Camilla).  Gee, I almost forget the pizza guy, but, then I am just getting over the shock of losing Huckabee. Calling Fred Thompson,  Fred, where are you?

    I see you watched (none / 0) (#33)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:50:43 PM EST
    Stewart this week ("Google it.  I'll wait.")

    Parent
    Yes, I did see Jon Stewart (none / 0) (#36)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 16, 2011 at 02:12:58 PM EST
    tease us and I did google it....Dan Savage's work of the early 2000's and worth re-visiting.

    Parent
    I confess (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon May 16, 2011 at 04:13:20 PM EST
    I roared with laughter, especially at the way it dawned on the audience what he was saying.

    Parent
    Oh, jeez (none / 0) (#44)
    by Zorba on Mon May 16, 2011 at 05:40:36 PM EST
    Tell me you didn't know about this until Stewart suggested that you Google it?  This was all over the web shortly after Santorum's infamous "man on dog" remarks.

    Parent
    Now we have Gingrich & Paul to watch (none / 0) (#26)
    by christinep on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:29:38 PM EST
    ...as Paul pulls in the died-in-the-wool Libertarians and Gingrich courts the edges of Libertarianism all the while positioning as the "intellectual" conservative with the fundraising $$ and calling-in-chits ability.

    Meanwhile, Romney squirms--and tries to be last man standing if the Repub groupings can't find a natural home. Who picks up the religious right? Maybe Pawlenty. And, does Mitch Daniels try to pull from Romney (the "we are the adult financial types") when Daniels primary economic testament is his role as Bush II economic advisor.

    One of the more interesting maneuvers in the wake of Huckabee's non-run announcement is Gingrich saying it would be too far & right-wing social engineering to change the present form of Medicare (aka Ryan and the Cong.l vote.) At first, I thought: Whaaaat?  Then: Maybe he is giving cover to  Boehner & whatever Repub type he represents?

    Agreed. But which Paul should we (none / 0) (#27)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 16, 2011 at 01:33:28 PM EST
    watch?  I keep getting my Pauls mixed up.  

    Parent
    Easy to do -- (5.00 / 0) (#35)
    by brodie on Mon May 16, 2011 at 02:07:47 PM EST
    Ron, Rand, Ru.  And apparently I get my Token Black GOP Candidates mixed up, too.

    Parent
    Pawlenty (none / 0) (#38)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 16, 2011 at 02:52:23 PM EST
    isn't going to pick up the religious right. Bachmann pretty much has that group right now.

    Gingrich is saying that because the Paul plan is extremely unpopular with everybody most especially the elderly who vote heavily Republican.

    Parent

    Agree with your assessment about Newt's comment (none / 0) (#40)
    by christinep on Mon May 16, 2011 at 03:00:19 PM EST
    More interesting will be: What other big-time GOPers will now follow suit? Will they continue to act as if they go along with the Congl action led by P Ryan on same? Or will a rift be exposed? If nothing is openly said, will Newt pick up that heavy-voting segment of senior Repubs? (Ah...what webs <they> weave when first <they> practice to deceive?)

    Parent
    Could Mr. Trump have used his putative (none / 0) (#39)
    by oculus on Mon May 16, 2011 at 03:00:16 PM EST
    candidacy as a bargaining chip re renewal of TV series?

    Trump (none / 0) (#47)
    by Politalkix on Mon May 16, 2011 at 10:28:26 PM EST
    wants to choose the Republican nominee through the television show "Republican Apprentice". (I think)

    Parent
    That would be a show I would watch (none / 0) (#50)
    by ruffian on Tue May 17, 2011 at 06:53:24 AM EST
    Imagine the tasks they had to do every week. Pander to the tea party one week, to the chamber of commerce the next. Week 3 - best 'americuh is the best country EVER' campaign.  Sure would be a lot cheaper than primary season and produce at least as viable a candidate as Sarah Palin.

    Parent
    Will not be a slam dunk (none / 0) (#48)
    by Politalkix on Mon May 16, 2011 at 10:34:17 PM EST
    At the end, Republicans will choose from Romney, Pawlenty, Daniels and Huntsman.
    Huckabee may be a VP choice.
    We should be prepared accordingly.
    IMHO.

    In the meantime also (none / 0) (#51)
    by christinep on Tue May 17, 2011 at 12:35:47 PM EST
    the Newt may embroil them all (himself included) a bit. Maybe he can't help it. His fierce temperament in a primary could keep uncovering the splits. For now, I'm wondering how far Newt will go, because the longer he stays in so much the better for Democrats. Whether he can discipline the sharp tongue or not, who cares. We might remember, tho, that he is a political rainmaker...lots of funding networks over the years and lots of assists to other junior Repubs over the years. All in all, the longer the exposure on the "Ryan/Republican Congl budget," the more problematic it will be for the eventual Repupb nominee.

    Parent
    Donald Trump Not Running for President | 49 comments (49 topical)

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