Itsn't this the way Charlie Sheen imploded? Pretty soon, his show will be hosted by people lamenting his fall in front of a train in a meat explosion.

Having Trump jump in as a third party candidate would only increase the chances of Obama being reelected. If Trump really wants to see Obama out of office he needs to stay out of it. If he had been serious about running, he should have tried for the GOP nomination. since he did not, he needs to just stay out of it now. To use his money to run as a third party candidate is a huge waste of resources as he would have no chance at winning. In addition, all he would do is split the anti-Obama vote and help Obama win reelection.

I don't think that 3 votes will sway the election one way or another....

That's Trump's plan. Threaten the GOP with running, which would destroy any chance of their winning. He wants something from them in return for making nice.

Please, please, please - Run. Donald. Run! This is going to be history-making comedy in the making. Find a way to tie your campaign effort into a season of the Apprentice, and you can write off all of the expenses involved, regardless of whether you actually win. The ratings would be the highest yet.

You. Can. Do. It! Run. Donald. Run!!!!

Do NOT fret. I have foretold this louse of a man cannot and will not run for office. In any party or any form. I KNOW he will not because as my good friend Mr. Simmons knows, he is not smart enough to do so.

Although I have known Mr. Trump personally for some years now I must tell you he is a child of a man and absolutely insufferable. And in FACT, is daddy's little hack boy.Good day now. ; ]

Cheers

This guy doesn't toot his own horn. He Trumps it. Him and Palin would make a good TV sitcom couple.

The Republican party has so cheapened their run for the White House until every two bit cheap media Who*e with a ghost written book to sell can jump in their presidential lane and suck up the oxygen in the room while simultaneously failing to put forth a cogent answer to any of our current problems! The Donald is just the latest in a long line of pimped out sl*t buckets who can't even get a date to the dance if the an entire navel fleet stopped at port! Take off your sl*t pumps off Donald ...no one is buying anymore!

Having Trump jump in as a third party candidate would only increase the chances of Obama being reelected

Ralph Nader running ensured that Bush won against Gore in 2000

Trump is for Obama. There is no other reason to run except to "redistribute" his wealth -- have we seen such "charity" from Trump in the past. The man is an ass and a walking, talking disaster.

The Duck has finally flipped, he is starting to believe his own hype, maybe he should run we could really use the laughs this election ......... LMAO Does anyone really think the Duck will expose his financial to scrutiny, I highly doubt that ...

Donald Trump for President of the United States of America, huh?

Our Founding Fathers must be turning in their graves trying to find the

" Eject button ".

So, who will be next?

Jerry Springer ?

Only in America !

Trump is nothing but a clown... All he talks about is how wonderful he is... The guy makes me sick to look at him... How many bankruptcies has he profited from?

He's a joke and the republican party is better off without him... Now if we can get rid of the Tea Bagers...

"Trump/Palin" Your Fired...He, He, He...

I just had a thought, yep I do get those once in awhile, if he did run that means he would split the votes on the GOP side, I think the GOP will need too get the DUCK not too run just to have a little bitty chance come 2012, other than that it will surely be OBAMA 2012 ....... LMAO

http://www.hoalawblog.com/DonaldTrump.pdf

This is how The Donald and the rest of the 1%ers play the game - and conservatives wonder why they are seen as scum.

Trump lives by the old; a sucker is born every second - and investors wonder why they lose their investments - talk about the poor entering into contracts that were over their heads, they were rookies (in the dumb department) next to rich investors.

Rick: Trump probably wants the GOP to give him money NOT to run -- it's his style.

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has changed his voter registration in New York state from Republican to unaffiliated to preserve his option of running for president as an independent.

Trump will never again, in his lifetime, challenge Mr. Obama for the Presidency. Trump quit the Republican Party to protest the public rebuff and humiliation he suffered at the hands of the Republican candidates when all but two rejected his invitation to debate.

What a DB this guy is. Why is MSNBC even covering this buffoon?

As mentioned by others, Trump running for President would be just as comedic and just as effective as Ralph Nader and Ross Perot. In both those cases, the laughable candidate still drew enough support away from the candidate that was "closer" to their perspective to ensure that the more-opposing candidate won the election. I doubt Trump would do this strategically. Like Nader and Perot, I believe he would do it out of enlarged self-importance, putting his own feelings about how poor the GOP candidates are above what's good for conservative perspective overall.

This is, however, a well-established part of the process. It's happened twice already in recent memory. And it informs political parties that they had better not alienate any significant part of their base too badly, or suffer from the effects of a rogue and lose everything as a result.

It is interesting to note that this almost happened a third time in recent memory: 1980. However, in that case the third-party candidate ended up pulling so few votes overall, and more votes from the moderates of the more-opposing party than from the candidate of the party he split from. Also, in that year, Reagan simply had everyone duped, and was going to win even if Anderson had managed to pull a significant amount of votes from Reagan.

I think, though, that it is unlikely for Trump to find himself in Anderson's position: Like Perot, Trump has massive personal financial resources to bring to the effort, something Anderson didn't have. Also, Trump, as someone merely dabbling in politics, is as likely as not to lose interest once it becomes clear that his effort will not be profitable, and just withdraw.

If he lost...his EGO could not handle it.

Who gives a rat's colon what Donald Chump thinks! He made all of his fortunes like the GOP did....other people's money!

He has a penthouse full of skeletons. When they start asking him personal questions, the rest of his hair will fall out (hmm, maybe that would be a good thing!).

I heard Don King is considering a bid for the Republican nomination.

As someone said, Only in America!

JS in SD

Having Trump jump in as a third party candidate would only increase the chances of Obama being reelected. If Trump really wants to see Obama out of office he needs to stay out of it.

I think he knows this. He has no intention of running. But this major "joke" that he's pulling puts him in a power position (in his mind, mainly)... so he can anoint the chosen one as being satisfactory to the almighty King Trump.

This guy is the definition of pure a$$hole.

Just another opportunity to make more money.

A message from the Electorate to the Repubs in Nov 2012:

You are Fired !!!

Trump's skeletons are probably not going to adversely affect them. While I could be mistaken, more than enough of them are already out of the closet. We know just what kind of person he is, so I doubt there are any secrets that would have much impact.

Having Trump jump in as a third party candidate would only increase the chances of Obama being reelected. If Trump really wants to see Obama out of office he needs to stay out of it. If he had been serious about running, he should have tried for the GOP nomination. since he did not, he needs to just stay out of it now. To use his money to run as a third party candidate is a huge waste of resources as he would have no chance at winning. In addition, all he would do is split the anti-Obama vote and help Obama win reelection.

Precisely. And that is why I fully support The Donald throwing his hat into the ring. Hopefully his hair will stay attached to his big fat head when he throws his hat.

Maybe he'll even create some jobs by running and spread his 'hard earned' wealth around a little. What's another clown worth to the freak show, I wonder?

Donny Trump IS NOT RUNNING as a third party candidate!!!!!! His very unsuccessful ploys to grab the top spot has imploded! Now party affiliation ?????

I mean ----COME ONE ---- the debate that two people were going to show ?????????

Who cares?

This pusillanimous, pipsqueak, peabrained, purveyor of pure pompadourish poo is pursuing NOTHING -------- HE IS A BAD JOKE THAT WILL NOT END !!!!!!!

Please someone take him to New Jersey and leave him there!!!!!

So what would be his campaign slogan? How about "Ego @ Work" as that is what he is all about. He takes himself too seriously IMO.

He called in all the different banks he owed money to an organized his own bankruptcy so in his mind he never went bankrupt. He believes the whole world is like one big Monopoly game so if China lands on Park Place it will cost them big time.

Look out world as the "Donald" is going to show the world what he is made of.

Trump reminds me of Ross Perot...I'm in, I'm out.

Its all about Donald! GOP didn't give him a spot light so he takes his toys and goes home. Kind of like the guy in the White House - childish at best...

And I or anyone interested in the well being of the country should really give a rat's arse about the Donald?
We should be more concerned that the alleged "news media" actually give him hype in the political section instead of the daily funnies.
America, I remember it so well in my mind. How magnificant it used to be.

Donald Trump will not run. If he did, he would lose his primary source of income, which is that ridiculous TV program. That is where he makes his money. He is not terribly worried about where he will get his next meal, but he is certainly not in the income class he wants people to believe.

He is a huckster, a cheat, a liar, and a miserable businessman. That is the truth and it has been documented repeatedly.

danwill:

Ralph Nader did not cost Al Gore the election. Al Gore did not make a strong case for sufficient voter support. As for George W. Bush, well, as H.L. Mencken observed and Donald Trump is proving, "No one ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the American people."

Donald realizes that should he even survive a month into the campaign season, the average republican would jump aboard his dumbem down strategy and at the very least, he can simply claim he is retiring from the political arena and take the not so smart peoples donations with him just the same as these other candidates are and have been doing. These candidates are simply showing just how easy it really is to get even the little republican people that annot afford their rents or to put food on their tables to send them money even while telling them throughout the campaign that they intended to do nothing more if elected than to take away their rights and protections and force even the republican citizens to work for less than they are living on now.

I'd have to say that of all the posts here, and there are some good ones, TomTom-72 hit the nail square on the proverbial head. The GOP snubbed him, so he is willing to spend a fortune to get back at them by trying to take some of the less educated voters from them and ruin their chances for the White House. Honestly, it's hard for me to believe he could siphon enough votes from them to make a dent, but this move sure sounds like spoiled brat syndrome to me.

David, Nader didn't cost Gore the election? You may be right, it was more likely the right leaning Supreme Court. You probably don't recall that Gore won the popular vote. The antiquated electoral vote along with Jeb Bush's state cost him the election, when the SCOTUS wimped out in favor of Bush.

Watch out you Guys . . . I'm really going to do it this time . . . I'm not kidding . . . Don't test me . . . I am moving in that direction . . . gonna do it . . . just watch me . . . just when you least expect it . . . I might do it next week . . . well maybe after 1.1 . . . but I will . . . I'm telling you the truth . . .Watch out . . . oh, I already said Watch out . . . you just better believe me!!!!!!!!

At one time I considered 'The Donald' really quite ignorant. Now I am convinced! However, his real motivation, to keep the "Trump" brand in the public's eye, is exciting me just a small amount. Why? Because I actually think this egomaniac with the small annimal living on his head could run for president on a third party basis, just to spite the Republican Candidates, most of whom refused his self- moderated debate offer, thus putting 'egg' on The Donald's face. Why would that make me happy? Simply because I know, for a fact, that many TP and other right-wing-nuts would vote for him. They would cut so many millions of votes from the Republican Party's Candidate that the Dems would have a 'cake-walk' of a win for the presidency! So, here's to you Donald, JUST DO IT!

Runny Donny Run and bring your myriad number of floozies with you,,,,don't leave that hair behind either. Note I do not mention anything of substance...The Donald Has none. America is learning what US NYers have known for years...this man is a facade with nothing behind him but his ego.

To the person who equates Trump with Nader and thinks it will help Reps....UH
Ralph Nader attracts a far left gadfly contingent, Trump is the total opposite, he appeals to TeaReps with no brains (I know repetitive as no TeaRep has a brain)
Rin Donny Run

FYI I hav met this man over and over in NY at events..he is the joke of NY Real Estate. Cheesy buildings sold to foreigners and out of towers with no class who thing Shiny Brass, Garishly colored marble and mirrors are tasteful. (Smoke and Mirrors)
HE does not own those buildings, he never did, he just got money for the use of his name...and that has done bupkus in NYC for years (Check Trump Soho debacle)

If the final recount is to be believed, Bush won Florida by 537 votes, far fewer votes than the 97,000 or so votes that Nader received. Nader also received about 22,000 votes in New Hampshire, more than triple the margin Bush won New Hampshire by. It is likely that if Nader didn't run, Gore would have won both stated, and either state would have been enough for Gore to have won the election.

Just when I thought my holiday season was going to be peaceful. Just thinking about this d bag on TV in the news every night, running his ignorant yap, makes my sphincter pucker. Please, please, please go back to your gold diggers and leave us alone!

"Having Trump jump in as a third party candidate would only increase the chances of Obama being reelected."

Like Obama's not a lock already. He doesn't even have to campaign. Who's Trump going to choose as his running mate - Vince McMahon?

ALFRED E. NEUMAN FOR PRESIDENT!!! YOU COULD DO WORSE - AND USUALLY HAVE.

johnluci???????Thinking of Dbags,hows OBAMA?

Like Obama's not a lock already. He doesn't even have to campaign.

It is assuredly not "a lock already". President Obama just recently moved from "sure to lose" to "may not lose" to "even chances" - and in a very short period of time, meaning that that movement may not be as long-lasting as a climb that was over a more extended period of time.

bmerbob:

No, I quite clearly recall the involvement of the Supreme Court, and I remember the outright illegal manipulation from the Florida Secretary of State's office.

On strictly technical/legal points, the Supreme Court unconstitutionally interfered in the Florida election. To this day, I remain convinced Gore took the popular vote.

Given the G.O.P. commitment to the destruction of government and the transfer of wealth to the very richest, Gore should have waltzed in. But he didn't, and that must be laid at his feet, not the Court's, not Nader, and not the vile Kathleen Harris, who should be in prison.

By the way, the Supreme Court most assuredly did not "wimp" out. To the contrary, they bullied their way into a fight in which they had no jurisdiction. Neither is the court right-leaning. They're so far off the scale, I keep looking for them to come back around on the left.

Why are diversity and competition deemed desirable everywhere but American politics? It would be great if this were the beginning of the end of black and white stalemates where politicians are beholden to extremists and third parties are wrecking balls.

danwill "Ralph Nader running ensured that Bush won against Gore in 2000"

That's probably true, but it's also possible that having an Independent run also helped Clinton win in 1992 when he only got 43% of the vote. In fact, Clinton never got 50% of the vote in either of his elections.

And his first act as President after building a Casino in every major city will be to incorporate and rename "The United States Of America" to "The Nation of Trump, Inc." The Trump Flag will wave around the world!!!!

Who in their right mind would ever believe "Drag Barbie Trump" would represent "the People"...

Why is MSNBC even covering this buffoon?

To answer your question: Because MSNBC is 100% behind President Obama. Anything to destroy the Republicans and anything to up the bid for Secular Progressives.

Obama's a lock as long as the Republicans keep running losers like Perry and Bachmann

Im not sure he'll really run, but if he does, I think he's doing it for revenge.

He knows that any votes he receives will directly impact the republicans chances of winning.

He knows that if he runs, Obama wins. Then he could use their loss as talking points in 2016.

Which means he obviously knows he wont win against Obama in 2012.

Ya know, I always kinda liked "The Donald" but if he pulls this third party BS he can just kiss my ass.

Trump's one and only "game plan" left is RETIREMENT. The sooner the better. He managed to demolish his own image while severely damaging his employer's reputation with his buffoonery. Two birds with one stone. Way to go, Mr. Trump(et).

The gift that Donald Trump is dreaming of this Christmas is just four golden words long...

"Pay Attention To Me"

Donald Trump:

People are not quaking in their boots at the thought of you staging an independent run, they're not afraid that you're going to spoil thing for the Republicans; and they are NOT worried about you becoming POTUS.

They are laughing at you, Donald Trump; not with you, my friend...

TeaRump is too vain to be President.It's all about him. None of the GOP candidates were willing to stick their neck out for him to ruin Obama.Now he has to try to do it himself.

It was great to see Seth Meyers roast TeaRump in front of the crowd.Now he knows how it feels to be a loser in front of millions of people..

Running as an Independent will make for some new laughter on late nite.

Good question. Trump treats our political process like it's a game show. Of course... so does the media! MSNBC, CNN, and FoxNews are all guilty of that!

Hey Nielsen families, boycott ALL of the 24 hour news channels!

Can you say "BOOK TOUR", just like Newt Gingrich. How pathetic. Oh well, at least he'll get the truly crazies voting for him.

Maybe enough so that they'll "form their own party" and get out of the GOP. Then, maybe, any GOP's left in Congress will be moderate and more interested in governing than in destroying the country.

Here's an idea, get Charlie Sheen to run as his Vice President.

Scott asked why does MSNBC even cover him? A better question is why doesn't MSNBC cover Huntsman at all. To me, Huntsman is the most intelligent and well rounded candidate the Republicans have.

I would suggest that the reason is Huntsman makes sense as an alternative, but doesn't bring in the passionate response that the more fringe candidates do. This coverage is all about getting people to come here and sell advertising. It has nothing to do with presenting all the alternatives to the American people.

I understand that many people are happy with most of what Pres. Obama is doing, there are also a great number of people that are not happy. Why does the media only cover what the polls come out with, instead of presenting information and letting the voters make an informed decision?

WaltDIS: It is assuredly not "a lock already". President Obama just recently moved from "sure to lose" to "may not lose" to "even chances...

Walt -- Obama has been a lock for quite some time. The GOP are a bunch of goddam clowns that can't find their butts without a map and a flashlight. The only morons who think otherwise are you and the rest of your Small Penis Society of America club-members.

Trump always seeks Revenge when things do not go in his favor--

He is shrewd, an Egomaniac, delusional to think he could have been a Pres. of the US.

Now, what is he going to do; Split the Republican Party, because the GOP Candidates refused to have him as their Moderator for a Debate. He is neither a buddy of Obama--

Everyone who was involved in backing out of this last debate, including Trump, are acting like Cowards.

FOX News will "Fire" him---who's going to listen?

Trump has no Loyalty--he is a "Lose Cannon".

The only thing worse than Trump running is Barack Hussein Obama running again..... how he ever got elected is beyond me and we sure are paying the price now. I have a feeling this country will be bankrupt for sure if he gets another 4 years. We are very close to the day when no one will buy our debt anymore because they lose money when they do. The Chinese right now are losing money on our debt to them because of the dollar losing value, because of obama printing money by the tons. When the Chinese decide enough is enough. we are finished. You watch and see

Killerteam:

You are on the correct path of what will happen.

Good comments.

I have to agree with the revenge theory on the DUCK, but Obama did not create this mess and everyone knows that, so no matter how people try to spin the truth it won't change the out come come this election, the GOP shows who they represent and it sure as hell is not the Middle class.

Killerteam:

Maybe some facts will help you understand. You desperately need them. You say you don't understand how he got elected. That's a pretty easy one killer. He got the most votes.

You say President Obama is printing money by the tons. That is absolutely false. The money supply is handled by the Federal Reserve Bank. I know that doesn't support your narrative. It's not too late to accept the truth.

I gather by your icon you have some connection to the armed forces. Did you take the oath to uphold the Constitution? Do you have a commitment to honor? Does honor mean accepting the truth?

Those are legitimate questions, Killerteam. You would stand yourself in good stead by honoring truth and working to repair what is wrong with America.

What an ABSOLUTE IDIOT!!! If he siphons off even 5% of the GOP vote, he can ensure a second Obama term. At some point, even this egotistical jerk has to know he is hurting the country!

The saddest part of this whole article is that he IS the better choice for president than the one we have (and this is not saying much).

I never thought I would see myself writing these words: Finally, a man who is about to prove that the White House is not for sale. All the money in the world could not get this moron elected.

His worse sin? He's BORING.

Donald is corporate rich. He is the idol and symbol of the conservatives and republicans. I say he stands a very good chance and should represent all the republicans and conservatives stand for.

So if Obama did not create this mess, and there is no progress, should he be re elected again for another 4 Year Term?

VP Biden will also drag down his re election.

Obama will be re-elected by a landslide this time and all thanks to the ignorant republicans that welcomed and supported their fake biblical extremist party of tea totalers. Bringing these candidates forward that show just how dumbed down the teapartiers truly are and the destructive natures they represent is all the pr the democrats need this election. Obama and Biden really don't need to campaign at all at this rate.

There are too many of us that realize the obama hates this country and is trying to teach it a lesson. If that were not so, would he not change his path? And David, yes i was in the military and am disabled due to my service in viet nam. You may ask your president the same questions about duty and honor and start with that. I am not the one that continues to ignore the flag when it passes, and my wife never asked me "why do they make such a big thing out of it, its just a flag" when the military was folding the flag at a ceremony. Your president is the ultimate hater of America and michelle and obama both have shown repeatedly that they do not like this country... of course i can also bring up bill Ayres, and he has several communist he has made into Czars... and of course we have the "church" obama attended where they preach "not God bless America, but God Damn America" that they sat in for 20 years, so David, you wish to support your president, and I absolutely do not for he is an enemy of America, and he should be in jail along with his darn America hating wife right along with him. They both make me sick and they are making fools of this country daily and the whole world is laughing at us now.

So if Obama did not create this mess, and there is no progress, should he be re elected again for another 4 Year Term?

What you're exhibiting here is something akin to the Sunk Cost Fallacy. You're suggesting making a decision based on (your personal perception of) the past without regard to reasonable and reliable inferences you could make regarding the future. You're also exhibiting an inductive fallacy of exclusion: Even if one accepts your premise, that the President didn't make progress, that doesn't provide any insight into whether the alternative will make progress on the objectives the President is pursuing. Indeed, many people who will vote for Obama in the fall will vote for him because they feel he will do less damage than the alternative, and that he will commit no evil while the alternative perhaps will. The reality is that the decision about who should lead us is a nuanced decision - presenting it as a simple decision is an unequivocal red flag that someone is effectively lying.

Having said that, I believe many people realize that the President has made some progress on some things, and indeed enough to warrant his re-election. Of course, people who have objectives that run diametrically opposite to the objectives that the President is pursuing will fail to acknowledge that progress - it hurts their political aims to grant the President success.

There are too many of us that realize the obama hates this country and is trying to teach it a lesson.

This so-called "realization" is, of course, false, and effectively nullifies the credibility of whatever you choose to state after it. By trying to build your case on such a blatant bit of vacuous band-wagoneering, you self-identify your comments as being nothing but pointless, opportunistic mud-slinging, without foundation or significance.

I think Obama has done a very poor job - - - - BUT as I look at the choices available from the GOP I Shudder.

What a bunch of complete idiots.

The only one with any chance of defeating Obama is Huntsman, and he will never get the nomination.

While many are disappointed in Obama we are more disappointed in how the GOP has run things. We aren't really that stupid. The GOP has opposed and fought Obama time after time all because of politics not concern for this nation.

Too much emphasis has been put on running on personal religious beliefs.

The GOP wants to change this Nation from one that is free from religious orientation to one that is oriented around the bible. Where I find that to be really odd is they want to pick and choose how it is oriented around the bible. Socialism is out even though Jesus and the first Christians were socialists.

I can't help but wonder what Jesus would think about supplying health care to the poor and needy.

Luke 10:25-37

²⁵And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

²⁶He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

²⁸And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

²⁹But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

³⁰And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

³¹And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

³²And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

³³But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

³⁴And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

³⁵And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

³⁶Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

³⁷And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

How sad that so many professing Christ have forgotten what it means. That is why this nation was not founded on any religion because our founders were wise enough to know politics and religion are a bad mix.

God bless Everyone this Christmas day, may your searches for truth not be tainted by the teachings of men.

The world isn't laughing. They are watching and are even more terrified of our conservative party than they were while the republicans were in power. Watching how the conservatives and their republican supporters are dismantling even their own nation is no laughing matter and the world is watching. They aren't laughing, they just like middle class america is watching and realizing the horror that awaits this nation should the republicans ever find another way of stealing control of the United States military and cabinets.

My two cents on Florida and the 2000 election:

THe Supreme Court did not "stick their nose" in the election--they were asked to rule on a few points of law, particularly on the potential for a recount involving four counties. The SC ultimately decided that in order for their to be a recount, the entire state had to be recounted, not just four hand-picked Democratic counties, and this would be impossible by the December 12 deadline. In essence, they sent the entire mess back to the state of Florida. Gore could have tried to petition FL to move back the date, but he ultimately dropped the case.

Of course, a big question is what would have happened if the entire state had been recounted. Many studies showed that Bush would have won anyway, but a few others indicated a Gore victory by 117 votes.

In any case, it does seem a bit odd and unfair that a candidate can simply pick and choose which counties to try and recount, even given the mess that was the 2000 election. Either ask for the entire state, and get uniform standards for the state or don't even bother.

But it also seems a bit odd that the conservative justices were advocating stepping in, while the liberal justices wanted Florida to handle its own recount.

When The Don speaks:

I turn the channel.

Whatever gets elected(even Mickey Mouse) can't turn this country around,just because too many want the government to take care of everyone.No government can keep doing this forever,and this one is broke.It's your choice,same old spend,spend,spend,or,perhaps doing an aboutface,and giving back,with work,and actually paying in more taxes.Of course,the latter is fantasy.We like broke.

This is Trump's message to the Republican party - Shape up, and since you haven't you're Fired!

Could this be Trump saying, someone else needs to run other than this batch.

I think there is one, maybe two republicans he would back, can anyone name that one or two? Hint - none of them are running.

Hell, I heard Obama might jump in as a Republican Candidate, everyone else has.

There are too many of us that realize the obama hates this country and is trying to teach it a lesson.

Your president is the ultimate hater of America and michelle and obama both have shown repeatedly that they do not like this country

and he should be in jail along with his darn America hating wife right along with him.

nothing but a bunch of useless bull@!$%#, not an intelligent observation among anything said. just anopther hate-spewer that has swallowed the kool-aid spewed by radio and tv talk-show crooks

They both make me sick and they are making fools of this country daily and the whole world is laughing at us now.

you mean as opposed to the whole world just plain HATING the US because we had self-righteous, brainless, yee-haa cowboys killing whoever they wanted to?

killerteam, it's comments and hatred like yours that make me sick

He could never pass the financial disclosures. Too many skeletons. Its a bad bluff

The GOP Tea-Retards made a fool of trump, that pissed the Cuckoo's nest off ?

Dmorgan

I don't think you can say that Obama's a lock on re-election.

Obama's numbers are worse than Lyndon Johnson when he declined to run. His numbers are worse than Carters who ran - and lost.

So far all I have seen is a three year effort to to make every possible Republican candidate look worse than Obama.

Interesting note - I heard a group of finanical guys talking on Saturday. They pointed to the Market Patterns of during economic times. They point out that the Markets peaked in April and are on a downward trend, just as we were in the Great Depression - and a few other depressions.

Their input mimics Dr Schiller's (Professor of Economics, Yale) predictions dating back to 2006. Dr Schiller not only predicted the housing collapse in quantity and when it would occur, but said that we would reach a peak of apparent recovery between April and June of 2011.

If Dr Schiller and the growing number of analysts are saying is true, we are on our way into a double dip. If so, the only way Obama could win is if he divulges what kind of dirty underwear his opponents have.

So far all I have seen is a three year effort to to make every possible Republican candidate look worse than Obama.

With most of that effort made by Republicans themselves, often done personally by the candidate who is made to look worse.

I don't think you can say that Obama's a lock on re-election.

agreed

So far all I have seen is a three year effort to to make every possible Republican candidate look worse than Obama.

With most of that effort made by Republicans themselves, often done personally by the candidate who is made to look worse.

LOL, exactly. the republicans haven't come up with a real, viable candidate with broad appeal

I would have to agree --- much as I would wish it otherwise. As for Mr. Trump, he will definitely not run. The man simply wants the exposure without the expense. He might be very happy with a cabinet seat or an ambassador's post but he wont get either of those.

One does not really need a crystal ball to see what will happen.

Who cares????? What a gas bag of a jacka$$$.......................................

Trump is just trying to prove to all of us how money can buy the presidency...it's the "art" of the "deal". And if Trump, with all his moolah thinks this way, just imagine what the 2 Koch billionaires, Norquist and the rest of the Big Money men must think.

Trump is smarting from all those donations he made to the GOP who didn't want him to run...Poor Trump...got "used" like a dockside harlot when the fleet came in.

Well, we now know who will get the flaming-a**hole vote. It's all yours chump.

It only remains for Sarah Palin to step in and get the dumber-than-a-post vote.

Why don’t the Far-Right Just say who they are, the Autocrat Party.

ewent - that is really from deep left field. There are two people he would like to see run for president, himself and one other. Clearly he sees the structure of the republican party as an obstacle to having a genuine person be nominated.

Huntsman is the best of them all, a man of integrity, honor & values. But the GOP Tea-Retards don't like him because he will not sign the Grover Norquist pledge and he doesn't like tea.

douche your way to the top? do you have his business savvy? if so maybe you can douche your way to the top

douche your way to the top? do you have his business savvy? if so maybe you can douche your way to the top.

Business savvy? Is that what you call strong-arming and cheating? Paying off the mob? Tirelessly promoting yourself? Filing for bankruptcy over and over when the chips are down?

God help us all if that's the way to do business in America.

Unfortunately that is and has been the way to the top of the money pile in the American business world.

In Trump's case,you can just have a rich daddy to start you out rich..

It's pretty easy to build more wealth when you with the kind of money and assets Trump did!

Bob Sasser

douche your way to the top? do you have his business savvy? if so maybe you can douche your way to the top

Puleeeeze. Even Donald Trump doesn't have Donald Trump's business savvy.

So Trump is about Trump, and several posters here are bashing Trump. But, think about it, you came HERE to BASH Trump. Yes, that is business savvy. He got you to do something which benefits him--you are paying attention to HIM.

I don't much care for Trump, but he does have a populist perspective (I think it's a facade) that many people like, both right and left.

Nothing legally wrong with going bankrupt. A judge had to examine the facts and agree he lacked the ability to repay as scheduled before the bankruptcy, whether discharging his firm of its debts or just reorganizing them, could move forward. If you dislike the system then change it, but don't whine about the people following the law.

no different thenthat thing thats in the presidant seat right now, who lied his way, blocked things from being seen andd covering thing up to steal the election. you talk about a douch bag, obama is #1on the list. merry christmas and happy new year aa ye i aidmerrychristmas not happy holidays!!!!!!!!!!!

miss: ...who lied his way, blocked things from being seen andd covering thing up to steal the election...

Yeah -- Dumbya Bush really is a POS, isn't he!

Hey MISS TSMMIE , I am not a fan of Obama , didn't vote for him , and won't vote for him this time either . and I think it's a sad state of affairs , to think that the GOP cant find anyone better than what I've seen so far . I haven't paid too much attention to their numerous canidates , except for those with a chance of winning , and they were enough for me , a formerly devout conservative , and self professed Republican to decide that I am now a slightly conservative Independant .

with all the offerings I've seen .... we are in deep sh*t ..... maybe occupy will come up with someone honest .

lmao so true

What makes him think we the independents want him?

Just when I thought it was safe to read a few on-line stories, this happens.

I was really hoping this clown would out playing golf with Herman Cain.

Nooooo such luck, looks like the right wing freak show just keeps getting freakier.

Herman Who?

Trump-Cain.

Sounds like something you whack over your opponents heads to get them to vote for you.

"Don't even think of voting for anyone but us... or we'll TRUMP-CAIN your as$$!"

The republicans will watch any train wreak: Fox News, the GOP debates, The Apprentice....

They love this stuff.

The Freak Show starts at Church for most of them, then they go home and watch more on TV.

Their hatred for Obama is the only thing holding the republican party together. After 2012, no matter who wins, the party will begin to truly tear itself apart. Naive Libertarians, whackjob Christian conservatives, Wall St. robber barons and war profiteers, Fux news zombies, southern racists and crypto-KKK Teaparty creeps will all end up with their hands around each others throats trying to control the Party of NO. That would be the party of NO brains, NO shame, NO integrity, NO morality and NO ability. It'll be like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I can't wait!!

Bluelake...Right on the nose...It's a sad commentary on partisan self-destruction. It began the minute they allowed Big Money to supercede common decency, common sense and the common good.

DMorgan and Bluelake, you hit the nail on the head.

mar-in-mom....................are you one of those nobody but Obama people? or just a follower of bluelake and his childish name calling ?

datadon-1022290

mar-in-mom....................are you one of those nobody but Obama people? or just a follower of bluelake and his childish name calling?

As I see it, Datadon, it's not a question of 'nobody but Obama' because the Republican party is not putting anyone against him who has even an ounce of integrity, except for moderates who don't even register as a blip on the radar screen to those on the right anymore. Moderates like George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and yes, even George W. Bush.

What your party fails to realize is that about half of this country leans left, about half leans right. By dragging your party further to the right, you're not pulling the country right - you're simply launching your lifeboat.

What your party fails to realize is that about half of this country leans left, about half leans right. By dragging your party further to the right, you're not pulling the country right - you're simply launching your lifeboat.

Excellent post...except that 'lifeboat' the right wingers are launching won't save them or our country. They're creating a vortex down which we will all be sucked if by some miracle (or Supreme Court edict) they happen to win the White House in 2012. If the Tea Party has their way, we are all doomed.

They should be down on their knees praying for Obama to win re-election.

Please. It would be an UNreality show!

I couldn't agree more. I'm really going to miss the debates. If "the Donald(duck) entered as the "Trump Party" candidate, the show would go on until November!

Please run. The nutcase faction of the Republican voters will follow you, and it will be entertaining to the rest of us

I also couldn't agree with you more, Cameron Ford. I mean what a dream election. Trump in one corner and Gingrich in the other. I was not looking forward to November, the battle between Obama & whomever. Now I am thinking he might just have it in the bag.

Careful, we said this sort of stuff about Reagan. No one ever made money betting against the idiocy of the U.S. electorate.

Trump would have a more significant impact on the race if Sarah Palin jumped into the race ... and he was hired as her hair consultant. And the way the GOP field is shaping up; that's a very real possibility.

Hmmm...Now THAT really would be something to see...Trump debating the Old Flake Gingrich himself. Talk about silly season much?

They could put that on PPV and make a fortune.

I pray he runs. He'll siphon off enough Right wing nut job votes to insure that the GOP candidate has no chance whatsoever.

I hear an Obama landslide a'coming!

I so hope he does! The nation needs a good laugh during these trying times!

To all of the above posters...KMA. Trump is a waste of skin. Another Perot in the making, only giving the election to the least qualified and worthless candidate...BHO. That show boatin S.O.B. can take his helmet hair and stick it where the sun doesn't shine, mostly around a Democrap.

And a close election will be turned into a landslide for Obama. Yes!!!!!!

I also couldn't agree with you more, Cameron Ford. I mean what a dream election. Trump in one corner and Gingrich in the other. I was not looking forward to November, the battle between Obama & whomever. Now I am thinking he might just have it in the bag.

It's important that Democrats not become complacent based on the weakness of the Republican candidates. Obama will be re-elected if we all work hard to get him re-elected. It's not going to be a cake walk. There are plenty of kool-aid drinking, Tea Partying zombies in America who would vote for anyone but Obama, even if the alternative was a buffoon like Donald Trump.

True, kaybeetoys: at this rate, the Democrats may be so busy trying to got over their uncontrollable laughing spasms, they might not be able to get the polls on time.

Yeah and remember....... lmao ........... Trump was actually leading in the GOP clownfest early on.... lol

@Crazy Steve: but they are so easily confused; hope Roger Ales comes out soon and tells them how to vote or the GOP will devolve into utter chaos - which will be confusing for the rest us because how will we tell the difference?

They've got so many now, they had to trade in their clown car and charter an A380. I heard SNL has hired a team of database consultants just to keep them straight; they're paying for it by firing their writers -- who needs them with the quotes these wing-nuts produce?

He's a menace to real estate too. I mean, who loses money on a casino? Really, that's pretty bad.

theCavalier...the people of AC that's who. Trump fly in to AC on his helicopter, surveying from the air all of that prime rib boardwalk property he could glitz and glam and then when the economy banged out a hot dog instead of a royal flush, Trump's AC Empire began to crumble like a house of cards.

Trump/Palin 2012!!!!

Dumb and dumber!

Unfortunately Obama has no business in Presidential affairs either. If you voted for Obama to prove you are not racist then vote against him to prove your not an idiot.

you're fired / I quit 2012

@theCavalier and marklepew: you've got perfect ticket with the perfect campaign slogan. All they need now is Larry Craig for tap dancing lessons to help them win the talent portion of the contest; or get them on DWTS just in case things don't pan out.

The American gutter has not only gotten to be a very popular place to be, it's taking over.

No, don't listen, MSNBC! Show these people for the jokes that they are! We need a good laugh.

I agree with both of you whole heartedly.

MSNBC, keep giving the Donald attention. It increases the chances he runs.

Just ask Dumbya Bush. You just described his life!

It's what they both have in common: the ability to run a "sure thing" into the ground time and time again.

The sad reality about all of the Daddy's bois is that Big Daddy never fails to make them a chess piece in their autocratic, tyrannical games.

I wish that were true. If he gets 10 votes nation wide, even I would be surprised.

Then you would be surprised.

Trump would be able to showcase himself very well, with all the money he can devote to that effort. If he played his cards right, he could get most of the non-Christian Republican vote, and yes, there are a significant number of non-Christians who vote Republican, enough to make a difference for someone like Romney. Indeed, that's really all that would be necessary to have Trump's candidacy make a difference.

However, with money, and with a set of Republican voters that has been shaped over the last few decades into a group that supported a second term for the actor Ronald Reagan, supported their party despite Iran-Contra, re-elected George W Bush despite being deceived about WMDs in Iraq - with that group of voters, Trump can make some serious headway, gain some significant number of votes.

I wouldn't say, though, that Trump would pull votes only from the Republican candidate. There is also a group of Democratic voters who are also easily duped. Trump can use his money and his moderate social policy positions to make himself appear as the ultimate compromise candidate.

Folks underestimate Trump at their peril.

I'd bet a million of Trump's dollars he wouldn't get a democratic vote. I'm not arguing there aren't dupable democrats, but they won't show up for Trump. If they do, their faux democrats.

The Democratic Party is far more diverse than you appear to be aware.

In a close election, there is no doubt that Trump would have a negative impact on the Republican candidate. Wow, I am so thankful Trump is not some weird democrat! He demands the GOP respect him, bow to him, even listen to him - and the fact that they do not means he will act like the immature person he is - he'll take his marbles home and show them who really has power! If Trump runs a Ross Perot style campaign against Obama and the Repub, I guarantee Obama will win. It will be a replay of daddy bush vs. Clinton vs. Perot in '92. Clinton got less than half the vote but still won because Perot siphoned votes away from Bush...

Run, Donald, Run!!!!!!

Trump would be able to showcase himself very well, with all the money he can devote to that effort. If he played his cards right, he could get most of the non-Christian Republican vote...

But think what he might be able to achieve if he suddenly got the Evangelical fever! If Trump were to go to God for healing (and hair growth) he'd be a shoe-in with a large segment of the religious conservative element. After all, if they can buy Gingrich's professed faith, why would they not be taken in by The Donald's sudden conversion?

Getting religion could really help Trump now. He's not even Mormon!

That's actually happened before. I think it was Eisenhower who had a late conversion to Presbyterianism that helped solidify his chances of winning in 1956.

Of course, Trump is no Eisenhower.

I hope Donald picks Sarah Numb-nutz as his running mate.

Trump-Palin 2012: You're Fired! I Quit!!

Try pairing Trump with one of the more conservative Democrats - say Tim Holden - and see if that ticket seems a little more serious than what you're dreaming up.

Don't see that happening. Tim Holden is not exactly a household name. His positions on most issues are more GOP than Dem. Regardless, the VP has less impact in most people' minds, unless it's Ron Paul's VP. Chances are much higher Paul wouldn't make it through a whole term, by which time he'd be over 80.

I don't see Trump pulling democratic votes, even with one of the Clintons as VP.

Don't see that happening.

My example was from the category, "Anything could happen." The point is that there are people who, when slotted next to Trump, make up a serious ticket, even if Trump himself is laughable.

Tim Holden is not exactly a household name.

Neither was Perry, Cain or Bachmann this time last year.

His positions on most issues are more GOP than Dem.

I know; That makes him an ideal pairing with Trump, in several ways.

Regardless, the VP has less impact in most people' minds, unless it's Ron Paul's VP.

Less but not negligible.

I don't see Trump pulling democratic votes, even with one of the Clintons as VP.

There's a pairing I could not imagine happening. Regardless, I think you underestimate how upset some moderate Democrats get every time President Obama drifts toward the left.

I think you underestimate how upset some moderate Democrats get every time President Obama drifts toward the left.

If you actually know any Democrats, you misunderstand them completely. (Do you watch Faux Snooze, by any chance?)

Most of the President's base are angry at him because he hasn't been progressive enough! He's been bending over backward to appease a GOP that refuses to compromise with him on anything, and liberals are irate that he continues to try.

That said, if you think Democrats are going to vote for any of the idiots that are currently jammed into the Repug clown car, you're delusional.

If you actually know any Democrats, you misunderstand them completely. (Do you watch Faux Snooze, by any chance?)

Your comment is ridiculous. I'm a Democrat. I've actually lived long enough to understand both Republicans and Democrats far better than you appear to.

Most of the President's base are angry at him because he hasn't been progressive enough!

Yup: "most". Not "all". The word I used was "some". Perhaps in your zeal you inadvertently attacked a comment that you actually would acknowledge as factual if you had read it more considerately.

That said, if you think Democrats are going to vote for any of the idiots that are currently jammed into the Repug clown car, you're delusional.

And that's the most effective way for the Democrats to lose this election: By falling into the self-gratifying bit of nonsense over-confidence that you're demonstrating for us today.

So you're actually a Democrat?

If not President Obama, whom among the alternatives would you vote for?

And if you think I'm overconfident, you're as delusional as I implied. After all, I have seen my foolish countrymen put a clown like W in the White House . . . for TWO TERMS!!!

That said, if Obama is to lose, it's because Dems stayed (or were kept) away from the polls. Not because they voted for one of the GnOP clowns.

What alternatives? No alternatives have been presented to us voters yet.

Now you've just being obtuse . . . pairs very nicely with your previous delusions.

If not Obama, whom among the current crop of Republican and Independent candidates for President would get your vote?

(And to short-circuit an even more obtuse reply from you, let's assume the candidate gets nominated to run.)

Since you're so concerned about Democratic overconfidence, surely you must have some candidate in mind who represents the GOP's best hope in 2012?

Go ahead, dazzle me . . .

Ha. Ha. Perhaps Herman Cain? Gee, he's disappeared faster than Donald Trump's head of hair.

Talk big, talk loud, talk really stupid, talk out your arse but keep talking.

Wow! that's the GOP mantra!

trump is the missing link

Well said. Trump is an egotistical pompus fool. I guess when he was proven to be a laughing stalk earlier this year, it didn't sink in.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night..."-"...

Any of those "clowns" is far better suited to be POTUS then the current holder of the position. The comments of Obama's supporters now makes me understand why many of the Founding Fathers favored giving the vote to only those owning real property. In other words, those who had skin in the game. At the very least there should be an IQ test as part of voter registration. Those of you unable to construct a sentence, or create a cogent thought should be eliminated from voting. That would wipe out 90% of Obama's constituency.

To Jonbell:

Spoken like a true moron. Please go back under your rock and take Donald with you.

wipe out 90% of Obama's constituency. maybe but that would leave 10% and that would be more then what the gop would have after the 100% of the gop constituency are wipe out what does gop stand for( group of puppets )

Don't forget, the USofA is always full of morons, i.e. those who are incompetent thinkers, who want to be told what to think because they are also lazy, and the "low information" or ignorant people who flood behind the Faux News "reporters" and rush Limbaugh as if these shysters and carnival barkers speak the truth. No, Obama's followers are generally colleged educated and thos who aren't may be African-American and poor whites or Hispanics who have enough sense to know that the GreedyOld Party has nothing to offer anyoine but the bigots, the wealthy and their puppets.

Yeah, Trump - what kind of deal did you do with Obama to help him win re-election by dividing up the opposition vote a la Ross Perot? Instead of getting that socialist entitlement freak out of office, you cop to your massive, overblown ego, and will end up sucking in just enough fools who think you can actually do the job of president. Between you and Ron "wacko' Paul, the Independents would be in a world of hurt, along with the rest of us who want Obama and his hand-out legions off our backs. Smart, very smart.