In today’s extremely shocking news, Donald Trump has announced he will not run for President in the 2012 election, while also announcing his return for another season of the Celebrity Apprentice.
Following weeks of teasing via a publicity tour regarding a potential bid as the Republican candidate, Donald, 64, announced his decision via a statement released on Monday.
“After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the Presidency. This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country,” Trump said.
The Donald however makes it very clear he would have beat President Barack Obama had he ran. “I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election. I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and recognize that running for public office cannot be done half heartedly. Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector,” said Trump.
Last month, Trump infamously challenged the President on the birther issue and was actually solid in early polls. However, once the President released his birth certificate and the Donald became the butt of jokes at the recent White House Correspondents Dinner, his poll numbers drastically declined.
Plus this announcement ends the speculation on whether Trump will return for another season of the Apprentice. Over the weekend, NBC announced that the Apprentice franchise would continue with or without the Donald. It’s likely that statement by NBC plus the timing of the network’s Upfront presentation for advertisers this week is what prompted him to make the announcement. He had teased in the past that he would make his announcement on the season finale of the Celebrity Apprentice leading many to suspect this was just a publicity stunt.
Trump also added that he will not stop voicing his political opinions. “I will continue to voice my opinions loudly and help to shape our politician’s thoughts. My ability to bring important economic and foreign policy issues to the forefront of the national dialogue is perhaps my greatest asset and one of the most valuable services I can provide to this country,” he said.
TELL US – WAS DONALD TRUMP SERIOUS ABOUT RUNNING OR WAS THIS JUST A PUBLICITY STUNT?
