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Trump says he’d probably run as independent if he doesn’t win Republican nomination
Hotair ^ | 04/12/2011 | Ed Morrissey

Posted on 04/12/2011 6:44:19 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

Gee, this seems so …. familiar:

CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR THE VIDEO OF DONALD TRUMP's STATEMENT

Donald Trump will “probably” run as an independent candidate for U.S. President in 2012 if he does not receive the Republican party’s nomination, he told the Wall Street Journal in a video interview on Monday. …

“I am very conservative,” said Mr. Trump. “The concern is if I don’t win [the GOP primary] will I run as an independent, and I think the answer is probably yes.” Mr. Trump said he thought he “could possibly win as an independent,” adding, “I’m not doing it for any other reason. I like winning.”

As for foreign policy, Mr. Trump said he is “only interested in Libya if we take the oil,” and that if he were President, “I would not leave Iraq and let Iran take over the oil.” He remains sharply critical of the Chinese, asserting that as President, “I would tell China that you’re either going to shape up, or I’m going to tax you at 25% for all the products you send into this country.”

The only difference between Trump and H. Ross Perot seems to be that Perot was a better businessman. About four minutes into the interview, Kelly Evans hits Trump on his flirtations with bankruptcy over the years. Trump insists that he never filed for bankruptcy, which is true in terms of his personal finances, although Trump came close enough to it. His businesses were another matter. Trump’s Taj Mahal casino had to go through bankruptcy, which cost Trump half of the casino. The Trump Plaza Hotel next went through bankruptcy, which caused him to lose 49% of the hotel and resign from its management. Two years ago, Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for Chapter 11, and in 2008 his Trump International Tower in Chicago defaulted on a $40 million loan. In response, Trump blamed the global economic collapse and tried to have it declared an Act of God to relieve himself of responsibility for the default.

That’s not exactly a great track record for a chief executive. It’s worth noting that his own investors have booted him from management at these holdings after his risk-taking and failures.

Otherwise, this is a second coming of Perot. Trump has the money (at least for now) to mount a vanity campaign as a third-party alternative to the two major-party nominees. This would end up splitting the anti-Obama vote and set the President up for an easy re-election through a popular-vote plurality that would translate into an overwhelming Electoral College majority. Liberals are not going to flock to Trump’s side for any reason, which means whatever Trump draws will come directly from those who were already inclined to vote against Obama. It would be a nightmare scenario for Republicans in this cycle, a sort of Charlie Crist on steroids and junk bonds but with a viable Democratic opponent in the mix.

The GOP should nip this in the bud now. Can we agree that the starting position for anyone seeking the Republican nomination is that they will support the outcome of the primaries?

CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR THE VIDEO OF DONALD TRUMP's STATEMENT


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2012gopprimary; birthertrump; donaldtrump; gop; independent; potus; thirdparty; thirdparty2012; trump; trump2012; trump4trump
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To: wilco200

>> “What if both Trump and Sarah run as “Independents” How does a four way race turn out?” <<

.
Deliberately deceptive question?

Palin has made it plain that she is too smart to run in a third party. She should easily take the GOP nomination if there are no shenanagans. Of course, the elite are good for nothing but shenanagans. (Therefore: Trump)


141 posted on 04/12/2011 9:29:15 AM PDT by editor-surveyor (Going 'EGYPT' - 2012!)
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To: Responsibility2nd
John Roberts Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas vrs Ruth Gizburg Elan Kakan and Sonia Sotomayor

If you cannot see the clear difference between SC Justices appointed by GOP Presidents and those appointed by Democrats, you are too hyper ignorant to be voting.

142 posted on 04/12/2011 9:32:53 AM PDT by MNJohnnie (The problem with Socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money. Lady Thatcher)
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To: SeekAndFind
I think it's telling that a far Left candidate can be elected President, but the Right can't even nominate a decent Conservative.

If it's between Trump and Romney I'll vote Trump. It'll be another futile attempt by me to get the Right's attention.

143 posted on 04/12/2011 9:34:45 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
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To: MNJohnnie

Its been explained many times.


144 posted on 04/12/2011 9:35:46 AM PDT by RockinRight (Trump doesn't play stalking horse for anybody.)
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To: NurseZac
my opinion, is the GOP, not Trump.

On the issue of SC Justices alone the comparisons of GOP appointed compared to Democrat appointees to the Court prove your opinion here totally ignorant Nice you have feelings, your feelings are not facts. Past time you learn the difference.

145 posted on 04/12/2011 9:35:56 AM PDT by MNJohnnie (The problem with Socialism is eventually you run out of other people's money. Lady Thatcher)
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To: expatpat

Great plot . At least Princess O would be gone .


146 posted on 04/12/2011 9:36:25 AM PDT by fantom (,)
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To: SeekAndFind

Hopefully, Trump is using the present situation to shock our incredibly sycophantic press corps (or “corpse” as President Obama likes to say) out of their suck-up mode and beginning to actually discuss the rather bizarre background of their Messiah.

....but if he’s serious about running independently...... that’s very bad news for our country.


147 posted on 04/12/2011 9:42:54 AM PDT by cookcounty (Obama channeling TR: "Speak incessantly and carry a little schtick.")
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To: Stingray51
However, my question is: did Perot ever even claim to be a conservative as Trump as done?

http://www.ontheissues.org/Ross_Perot.htm

* Weak dollar means weak America. (Jul 1996)

* Lack of Balanced Budget Amendment caused dollar’s decline. (Jul 1996)

* Idea for Balanced Budget Amendment began in 1787. (Jul 1996)

* Balanced Budget in 1970s equals $15,500 more income now. (Jul 1996)

* Tax incentives to encourage corporate & personal savings. (Jul 1996)

* Stabilize dollar with central bank intervention. (Jul 1996)

* United We Stand America: Focus on economy & debt. (Jan 1993)

* Limit power to tax; expand power to intervene in market. (Nov 1992)

* More federal involvement in business. (Nov 1992)

* Change rules to foster small business investment & growth. (Jul 1992)

148 posted on 04/12/2011 9:44:42 AM PDT by RINOs suck
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To: Williams

If you listen to the interview Trump clearly says that if he feels he can’t WIN as an Independent he will not run. He does not want to allow Obama another 4 years. People put on your listening ears.


149 posted on 04/12/2011 9:48:19 AM PDT by jerseyrocks
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To: SeekAndFind
All hale Donald the Chump.

If all conservatives have in embracing this knucklehead is the birther issue, we are f***ed. Substance has gone way of the dodo and we can not continue to allow side show media freaks to define the conservative message and it's principles.


150 posted on 04/12/2011 9:48:57 AM PDT by montyspython (This thread needs more cowbell)
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To: wilco200

Want to post a list of those freepers that have said Palin would run third party? Then how about a quote from Palin stating that fact.

We must have a rebirth of Constitutional government or be prepared to live under a tyrannical government made up of both parties.


151 posted on 04/12/2011 9:49:47 AM PDT by itsahoot (Almost everything I post is Sarcastic, since I have no sense of humor about lying politicians.)
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To: samtheman
The problem with Trump is not knowing where he stands. But wherever that is, he will stand as a MAN.

If he'd run as an independent against a conservative Republican, supposedly that shares his views on most issues, he doing nothing but help Obama get elected.

152 posted on 04/12/2011 9:53:11 AM PDT by RINOs suck
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To: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus
Very, very stupid idea of Trump’s part.

Actually, it's very smart -- given what his true objective likely is.

Trump has a history of supporting the Clintons. He specifically supported Hillary in the 2008 Democrat primaries.

He has never been remotely conservative...until lately.

Initially, it seemed plausible that his pursuing the Obama BC issue might be designed to damage Obama -- not for the benefit of the GOP (or the country) -- but to clear the Democrat field for Hillary in 2012. Moreover, doing so as a "Republican" wouldn't reflect adversely on Hillary among the Democrat base.

With this announced threat of an independent run, it becomes obvious that Trump is playing a double game. Reprising the Perot candidacy repeats the conditions that created the Clinton presidency. His actions are designed to assure that Hillary not only wins nomination, but would win the election.

Trump is the fox in the Republican hen house.

153 posted on 04/12/2011 9:53:27 AM PDT by okie01 (THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Ignorance On Parade)
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To: RockinRight
I do believe if Trump did run as an independent he'd do it truly because he thinks he can win.

That either be stupid or prove he is phony aiding Obama if the Republican nominee is a conservative that shares his alleged conservative views.

Doing so would only be credible of someone like Romney ended up being the GOP nominee.

154 posted on 04/12/2011 9:57:35 AM PDT by RINOs suck
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To: MNJohnnie
At this point before the 2008 elections it was “guaranteed” to be Hillary vrs Rudy G for the Presidency in 2008 according to all the polling data. How did 2008 actually turn out?

Hillary took us to Libya

155 posted on 04/12/2011 10:03:55 AM PDT by tsowellfan (http://www.cafenetamerica.com)
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To: SeekAndFind
Get ready for four more (agonizing) years of the Kenyan usurper.
156 posted on 04/12/2011 10:14:24 AM PDT by Deo volente (God willing, America will survive this Obamination.)
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To: dmz

” Trump takes his ego to the point of narcissim.”

I happen to like his approach, and will wait to see what really plays out.

Regarding narcissim - one current, and one former pres - Obama & Clinton - both fit that descriptor.


157 posted on 04/12/2011 10:18:34 AM PDT by patriotspride
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To: SeekAndFind

DITTOS!

My first thought when he first started this crap, otherwise why wasn’t he on this
long before now?


158 posted on 04/12/2011 10:21:06 AM PDT by TribalPrincess2U (They don't need to do another 911. They have BHO and the Fleebaggers.)
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To: SeekAndFind

Well then, how about working towards veto-proof GOP majorities in the House and Senate? This should be a major goal of the GOP and conservatism, no matter who wins the ‘12 POTUS race! In the past and present, how many states have had a super majority of GOP state legislatures and a Democratic Governor and have done fine with it?


159 posted on 04/12/2011 10:30:24 AM PDT by johnthebaptistmoore (If leftist legislation that's already in place really can't be ended by non-leftists, then what?)
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To: momtothree
Interesting! Perhaps some of the FR’s who suggested that Trump is really “helping” the DNC are correct on this one."


Like Perot did?
160 posted on 04/12/2011 10:33:56 AM PDT by rob777
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