Donald Trump just won't go away.
The business mogul and politico wannabe reportedly has switched his party from Republican to unaffiliated, ostensibly in preparation to run on a third party ticket in 2012.
According to the source, he did so because he is “disgusted” with the way Republicans are handling matters in Washington, including the recent payroll tax cut deal. But the move also sets Trump up for a potential third-party run for president — a possibility he began talking about almost as soon as he told his fans in May he wasn’t running.
Trump has sought to reach out to the group, Americans Elect, an online, independent presidential nominating organization that has already made it on the ballot in several states, including California.
“Couple Donald Trump’s name recognition with his extraordinary wealth and Americans Elect truly becomes a viable force in determining who the next president will be,” Trump’s top political adviser Michael Cohen told ABC News. “One thing is for certain, Donald Trump is adamant that Barack Obama must be defeated in 2012 under any circumstances.”
Under such auspices, Trump has inserted himself into this election cycle, however unwelcome he may be. His birtherism obsession landed him in headlines -- and the president's White House Correspondents dinner speech -- and his meetings with GOP candidates fueled speculation that he'd offer a high-profile endorsement before primaries began. But his supposed "benevolent interest" in the race has degenerated into a narcissistic, self-serving PR stunt; he's making a mockery of the serious problems our country faces.
Of course, Trump says he's tied up with his show until mid-May, and won't be focusing his attention on the election until that obligation has exhausted itself. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope the Apprentice gets renewed for a special summer edition. He needs to stay out.
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