Trump backs Romney: 'He's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen'

Real estate developer Donald Trump endorses Mitt Romney for president.

 

Donald Trump formally endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Thursday, describing the former Massachusetts governor as "tough" and "smart" and the best pick in the GOP primary.

Trump and Romney appeared together in Las Vegas to announce the endorsement, which drew heavy media coverage.

"It is a real honor and privilege to endorse Mitt Romney," Trump said in brief remarks. "Mitt is tough, he's smart, he's sharp. He's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen to this country we all love."

Romney said in response: "There are some things that you just can't imagine in your life. This is one of them," adding that it means a "great deal" to have the billionaire's support.

The endorsement follows a bizarre period of time in which several major news outlets -- including the New York Times and Associated Press -- had initially reported that Trump had been planning to endorse Newt Gingrich. The former House speaker had been one of only two candidates to agree appearing at a debate the "Apprentice" host had planned, but which never came to pass. Romney declined attendance.

RELATED: The quotable Donald Trump

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum (R) said he didn't think the Trump endorsement matters, but added on KDWN radio that if Trump "wants to endorse the person who's most in line with his thinking with respect to the major issue of this economic problem that we're involved in, he should endorse Rick Santorum."

For their part, Democrats seemed to take a degree of joy in the Trump spectacle.

"It really wouldn't be surprising if Donald Trump endorses Mitt Romney, because they both like firing people, and they both made millions doing it" Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said on msnbc. "Donald Trump is such a cartoon character, no matter who he chooses, it's like Bugs Bunny endorsing ... It's really kind of a non-news event."

DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz tells MSNBC's Thomas Roberts that recent verbal missteps from Mitt Romney show that he has "no concern about people who are struggling."

It's reflective of the media whirlwind to have surrounded Trump's game of footsie with Republican politics over the past year.

Trump had initially thought about running for the GOP nomination last spring. He talked publicly about the possibility of running and even visited New Hampshire. The flirtation coincided with the broadcast of last spring's season of "The Apprentice" on NBC. (NBC is a co-owner of mnsbc.com, along with Microsoft.) Trump had initially promised to make clear his intentions in the show's season finale, but ultimately demurred, and made the announcement separately.

Trump had additionally been one of the most prominent figures to voice suspicions that President Obama had not actually been born in the United States, and, thusly, was constitutionally ineligible to be president. Obama eventually relented and released his long-form birth certificate on April 27, 2011, verifying he was born in Hawaii. Obama made light of the situation at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on May 1, deriding the media for giving voice to “carnival barkers” like Trump, only to announce the next day that Osama bin Laden had been killed in a daring raid in Pakistan -- planning of which had been ongoing during the annual dinner.

But the discussion of "birther" theories over the course of last spring appears to have harmed Trump in the eyes of the public; Trump had a 26 percent favorable rating in a February 2011 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, and a 29 percent unfavorable rating. By mid-May, the point at which the real estate magnate announced he wouldn't be running, a Suffolk University poll found that Trump had a 70 percent unfavorable rating, while just 18 percent of Americans had a positive opinion of Trump.

It's also not incredibly clear what, if any, impact the Trump endorsement will have on the trajectory of the race, in Nevada's caucuses on Saturday, or beyond. Romney had already led, at 45 percent, in a poll of likely Nevada caucus-goers released Thursday. He's followed by Gingrich at 25 percent, Santorum at 11 percent and Texas Rep. Ron Paul at 9 percent.

Still, the reality television star continued to play an out-sized role throughout the 2012 cycle. All the Republican candidates visited Trump through the course of last summer with the exception of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.

"I think his infusing himself into the dialogue really dumbs down and makes less consequential the very important issues that we must be discussing to get this country back on its feet again," Huntsman said on Fox News in December.

One of the most intensely covered media events of 2011 came when former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin went out for pizza with Trump in Manhattan during a stop on her bus tour of the Northeast, a journey meant to stoke speculation about her own presidential aspirations. When Romney visited Trump, he snuck in and out of the billionaire's headquarters without being captured by staked-out cameras.

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I gotta give Romney credit - he treated this endorsement sort of the way he would if he stepped in a big steaming pile of dog doo.

  • 1 vote
Reply#56 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:36 PM EST

"Thank you Donald. Now please go away and don't ever speak of this again."

    #56.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:53 PM EST
    Reply

    Wassermann-Schultz. Dumb and Dumber.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#57 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:37 PM EST

    She is one person, not two.

    • 1 vote
    #57.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:53 PM EST
    Reply

    Who really gives a "SHYT" They both suck. "OBAMA 2012"

    • 4 votes
    Reply#58 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:38 PM EST

    Trump endorses Romney? Another excellent reason to vote re-elect President Obama.

    • 3 votes
    Reply#59 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:38 PM EST

    No, he's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen. He's going to allow worse things to happen.

    All I gotta say is how much money did Romney pay Trump to get his endorsement? Not that it makes a damn bit of difference. This clown has a snow balls chance in hell to get elected president. He and Newt are killing each others chances of even having a chance to win the election.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#60 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:39 PM EST

    obama is just as rich and raises many millions also so don't make Mitt out like he's the only super rich guy who doesn't relate because obama is right their with him as rich politician also.. at least Mitt made his money outside washington

      #60.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:47 PM EST

      Obama's "official" salary wouldn't pay a fraction of the taxes that would be due on his "percs" e.g. Air Force One, White House Residence etc etc etc. Obama lives better than any billionaire and earned none of it. He never had a real job and was an affirmative action admission at Harvard - basically stole the spot from a more deserving caucasian or oriental.

        #60.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:58 PM EST

        onesoul4u2

        How 'bout a snow FLAKE'S chance?

        • 1 vote
        #60.3 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:15 PM EST

        HAMMER: Hate much buddy???

        You of course have facts to document all of your claims, right??

        Here's a clue for you nitwit, Obama attended first Columbia and then Harvard Law School. He was selected to head the Harvard Law review, a huge honor. He graducated from Harvards MAGNA CUM LAUDE, is that good enough for you? I'd love to see your academic credentials pal.

        • 1 vote
        #60.4 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:31 PM EST

        I'd love to see one of the President's Law Review articles. Or one of his transcripts.

          #60.5 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 7:26 PM EST
          Reply

          I am from MA. and we know what Romney has done here. No fricken way I will vote for Romney.

          • 3 votes
          Reply#61 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:39 PM EST

          So here we have a 1%er of the 1%ers supporting another 1%er of the 1%ers. Two guys that have never seen or heard of the middle class let alone the poor. Yet one of them is stating that he is there to help out the middle class. Bah, what a bunch of malarky. Because he's not worried about the poor. I guess not. And he's not worried about the rich. Why would he, with record profits and such. But here is what's so amazing. If business savy Trump files for bankruptcy again, then Bain capitol can step in. And tell him "He's fired", then sell off his assests to the country that Trump and Romney are going to put in its place... China... Oh, boy a marriage made in ubber-rich heaven... Can't wait for the cake. After all "Let them eat cake"... So said M, Antoinette, right before they lopped her head off... Go Figure

          • 3 votes
          Reply#62 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:39 PM EST

          The lefties are REALLY up in the air on this issue!

          Get a life folks. Trump will be very vociferous in attacking Obama as is Chris Christy. I am happy to have "The Donald" on the Romney team. I agree that he is a blowhard and and egomaniac BUT, you have to admit, people listen and I believe he will blow hard against the 'anoited one'

          Frankly, Obama is the worst thing that has happend to our beloved country.

          Think about this: Are you more proud to be an American than you were 3 - 4 years ago? Are you better off now than then? Of course not, if you are an average American. Obama's crushing regulations, his , lack of leadership in the budget debates. His 2011 budget that was defeated in the Democratically controlled Senate (defeated 97-0), his Keystone decision (which is one of the mnost heavilly studied pipeline projects in history and had been vetted and approvedby by ALL responsible Fed Departments), his sneaky manuvering to secure votes for Obamacare, etc. etc. How about the 'class' he showed to the Israli Prim Minister (leavingf him alone for over an hour as one of the most flagarent gester in international diplomacy imaginable). Obama is a classless narcisist!

          Good Riddence in 2012!

          • 7 votes
          Reply#63 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:40 PM EST

          Dood, ur speling is atroschious

          • 2 votes
          #63.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:44 PM EST

          The Donald is a laughing stock. Just what Willard needs to engender good will from the middle class...Donald Trump.

          • 2 votes
          #63.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:45 PM EST

          CHUCK: Simpletons like you deserve a Bozo like Trump.

          BTW, you are aware that "ObamaCare" is an EXACT copy of "RomneyCare", right??? So exact that Obama used the very same M.I.T. professor to work out the nuts and bolts of it. So tell us please, why is it OK for Romney to do this in Massachusetts but not for Obama to have the exact same program throughout the nation. Can't wait for the debates when this weasel has to explain his health care plan away.

          • 3 votes
          #63.3 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:45 PM EST

          Q. "Are you more proud to be an American than you were 3 - 4 years ago? Are you better off now than then?"

          A. Yes, and yes!

          Thanks for asking.

          Because we're on the path to fixing the mess made by The Decider. Although, to be sure, it will probably take about a generation to completely do so.

          • 3 votes
          #63.4 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:47 PM EST

          You are right Chuck , Mitt will win this ,, and Obama will just say ,,, I could have done it but ,,, Bush ,,sniff , congress , nobody would help me ,

          • 1 vote
          #63.5 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:54 PM EST

          lol oldworker: with Obama's approval rating above 50% and congress's less than 10%.....I wouldn't agree with you on that 'nobody would help me' line.

          Plus at exit polls at nearly every cuacus so far, a majority of voting repub's still aren't happy with the goofy choices they have, currently. I'd say YOU'RE on the 'nobody cares' side right now.

          • 1 vote
          #63.6 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:44 PM EST

          Chuck Case

          Think about this: Are you more proud to be an American than you were 3 - 4 years ago?

          Yes I am

            #63.7 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 6:10 PM EST
            Reply

            Has Trump been an economical success...??

            Mitt took the 2002 Olympics projected almost 400 million dollar deficit.....to a 100 million dollar profit ....

            But that's OK ....many Americans have been economic failures like Obama has , and will find comfort in sending him their vote..

            Recent poles are showing support for Obama , is dropping like a rock....

            • 2 votes
            Reply#64 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:41 PM EST

            Romney took it to a profit? I would too if I had gotten over $300 million from the Feds.

              #64.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:43 PM EST

              BigDumbBen: Recent Marist poll shows lyin Willard 20 points behind Obama, probably losing 5 more points after Fox Top endorsed him, and Nut Gingerhut by 25 points. You like to lie a lot, but that is typical of a right wing radical cracked teanut.

              Trump is very successful. He has bankrupted at least two companies that we know about. Lyin Willard evades taxes by banking in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland. Two liars and bankupters hooking up.

                #64.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:45 PM EST

                I'm sure you're a real success....

                • 1 vote
                #64.3 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST

                actually, obama is picking up support in polls. What you WANT to happen isn't particulary what is happening..except perhaps in your own mind. :)

                "Rising optimism about the economy has slightly boosted President Obama’s prospects as he accelerates his re-election effort with new proposals outlined in his feisty State of the Union address."

                • 1 vote
                #64.4 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:52 PM EST

                That explains thet State of the Union. Must've been written by Feisty!

                  #64.5 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 7:29 PM EST
                  Reply

                  really people regardless who they are and how arrogant they may come off at times ( i'm talking donald more than mitt) these 2 guys have more business smarts and success in the free market and private sector than Obama ever did people don't want to admit they made a mistake 3 years ago and continue to defend obama because they are longtime democrats or something. if you look at the deals obama put together prior to being president they where nothing compared to donald and Romney. Obama was part of the Chicago political machine and that is part of his admin staff that is who you voted for and that is not what we need anymore

                  • 4 votes
                  Reply#65 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:42 PM EST

                  george bush jr was a businessman too, and that didn't work out.

                  running a country is different than running a business.

                  • 1 vote
                  #65.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:56 PM EST

                  The two great dealers. Lyin tax evader and bankrupter Willard and bankrupter Fox Top. Depends what day of the week it is Willard has a different story. Fox Top will bring lyin Willard down and open the door for the man on a mission, that is a moon mission, to a dead planet, Nut Gingerhead who sweeps the south.

                  • 1 vote
                  #65.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:01 PM EST
                  Reply

                  Thanks to Donald Trump, Libya's Kadafi pitched a tent in upstate New York.

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#66 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:42 PM EST

                  Keeping with the Big Tent politics !

                  • 1 vote
                  #66.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST
                  Reply

                  It's a quid pro quo thing. The Donald endorses Romney...Romney gives his hair dresser's name to The Donald.

                  • 3 votes
                  Reply#67 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:42 PM EST

                  American politics is in such sad shape, on all sides. Americans have not always identified great leaders who have moral strength and integrity. Coming from a country that has the potential to be the greatest, this is so unfortunate. It takes sacrafice on all levels to develop a world class education system, to create an economy that thrives, to foster a culture of goodwill and gratitude across an entire nation. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?

                  • 3 votes
                  Reply#68 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:42 PM EST

                  Not much of a plus for Romney

                    Reply#69 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:43 PM EST

                    Its beyond ridiculous now that any weight what so ever should be held to Donald Trump's words. He has no clout in the American peoples eyes or ears. I respect people who make their own Money like murdoch, gates and so on....Trump was left an inheritance a child piggy backing dad. enough is enough Trump has no verbal value to our society what so ever. he is run by emotions and an ego he has not earned. I guess the best way to say it is Trump F... Y.. and stay out of the lime light before you become a Kardashian.

                    P.S. I'll debate you anywhere anytime on any subject you idiot of a man.

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#70 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:43 PM EST

                    Exactly Spider. Short memory though. Everything on your laundry list was a result of a GOP administration. Obama was just the one who had to deal with a mess he didn't make.

                    • 2 votes
                    Reply#71 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:44 PM EST

                    Since Romney eqautes the extreme rich with the extreme poor. Now that he has the endorsemnet of The Donald. Doesn't he need the endorsement of a homeless person to show balance ?

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#72 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:44 PM EST

                    This will send the wrong message out. A corporatist is now backed by another corporatist, but this time it's in the spotlight. The so-called Capitalism lovers (who are enjoying Corporatism, NOT Capitalism) will love this, yet those who truly believe in the free-market system will understand that this is one devil shaking hands with another. Donald Trump is a smart man, who abused the system to become rich. Donald Trump used his connections and the government's generosity to attain his fame and wealth. This is Corporatism, AKA Fascism at its worst. Go ahead and toss your vote in for the Keynesianism, Fascism, Corporatism, War-Hawks and Liberally Big Government. Then in 4 years, switch parties and think it won't happen again on a different candidate of the same policies! Ron Paul or no one.

                      Reply#73 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:44 PM EST

                      To me, the most fascinating thing about this story is that there is only one republican candidate who actually "gets it," to wit: "I think his (Trump's) infusing himself into the dialogue really dumbs down and makes less consequential the very important issues that we must be discussing to get this country back on its feet again." - Jon Hunstman.

                      Kind of a sad commentary on the current crop of republican contenders for the presidency, n'est–ce pas?

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#74 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:44 PM EST

                      Huntsman was the only candidate I would have voted for...
                      The GOP and teapartiers didn't like him apparently...
                      Too logical, too smart, too much understanding of facts and history..ya know, all the things your typical republican voter has a problem with.

                      • 3 votes
                      #74.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:51 PM EST

                      Absolutely. Huntsman was the first Republican in many, many years that I respected. Intelligent, prudent...he's what the Republican party USED to be all about. Too bad he's not in the race...I might have voted for him!

                        #74.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:38 PM EST
                        Reply

                        If Romney had any sense he would have declined Trump's endorsement!

                          Reply#75 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:45 PM EST

                          Why..??

                            #75.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST
                            Reply

                            Two rich guys together again. GREAT! Reminds me of the Bush/Chenney duo. See how WONDERFUL that worked out!

                              Reply#76 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST

                              Is having an endorsement from Trump a good thing or a bad thing? I am thinking bad...

                                Reply#77 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST

                                lolz he actually said Romney won't "let bad things continue to happen..." does the Donald know that 5 year olds can't vote?

                                  #77.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:48 PM EST

                                  An endorsement from blubbering Fox Top is the beginning of the end for lyin, tax evading, bankrupting, Willard.

                                    #77.2 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 5:04 PM EST
                                    Reply

                                    Romney-Trump 2012? Sounds like a suckers bet to me. Obama-Biden 2012, now thats a winning combination.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#78 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST

                                    Now...we Liberals get to post s'more fun facts and amusin' anecdotes on the republiturd comedians!

                                    Trump, the birther chump--pullin' the strings of 2-Faced Mittens! A nice marriage.

                                    BTW: Obama/Biden win again in 2012! No doubt!!

                                    • 2 votes
                                    Reply#79 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:47 PM EST

                                    I doubt it...

                                      #79.1 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:49 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      The Dons got a new boot licker. I thought Trump liked the Newt. Maybe the Newt realized that Trumps endorsement would be a joke and declined it.

                                      Trumps an idiot and now Romney looks like one too. If Trumps father wasnt rich Donald would be a nobody.

                                        Reply#80 - Thu Feb 2, 2012 4:48 PM EST
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