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Got money? Now, Donald Trump ponders buying the White House

"I think it would be fun to run a newspaper," Charles Foster Kane, "Citizen Kane."

Charles Foster Kane Citizen Kane 1941

What is it about money that makes some men think they can be president?

Barack Obama collects $750 million and he becomes president.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, possibly the world's richest short person, spends north of $100 million to buy another term as head of that place. And there's now talk that he's talking about a 2012 White House run with some MSNBC morning show guy.

Now, P.T. Barnum, er, no, Donald Trump's inflating the trial balloon that he might run in 2012 if he....

...remains unsatisfied with the course of the country. Who wouldn't? He thinks the U.S. is getting pushed around internationally, would talk tougher to China and he says he's good for possibly $200 million of his own dough in a presidential run. He'll decide next June.

And, good grief, nothing in Trump's past would suggest he's the kind of person who'd pull a presidential publicity stunt.

Besides, none other than the normally sagacious George Stephanopoulos interviewed Trump. "It could be fun," Trump told Bill Clinton's former aide, "because I'd like to see some positive things happen for the country."

Well, again, who wouldn't?

Take a peek at unemployment, inflation worries, the price of gold, the deficit, the national debt, the solutions to all that. The professional pols, who also happen to be rich, don't seem to be doing too swell a job of running the national show. The midterm election message to many was not so much pro-Republican or anti-Democrat as, "Please, will somebody -- anybody -- do something?"

A majority of Americans now don't want Obama to have a second term. Even fewer approve of his current job performance. And the work being done by Congress is approved by about 17%, which is pretty much down to their family and staff.

So, is it just that the president is out of the country again? Or is this the start of a serious look by the country beyond the same old-same olds to toy once more with the idea of hiring someone from outside politics to redecorate the Oval Office? He's probably not interested but Gen. Petraeus is busy right now.

Two words about the presidential candidacy of rich men though: President Perot.

- Andrew Malcolm

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Comments () | Archives (7)

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Donald Trump would be a great President.

Why?

He understands the nature of business and gets things done.

My Dad and Mr. Trump, Donald's father worked together on various building projects and I recall seeing DT working on a few job sites.

If he put his shoulder to wheel and became President, he would begin to correct the mistake of the past and get the US on a proper footing.

I'd love to see a Trump/Bloomberg ticket or vice versa. Either way they would have my vote.

Passionate about the country as Trump told Stephanopoulos .I Think Trump
would put together a team of unbeatable doers and winners.The man's
versatility and drive cannot be questioned....if intensity and results is what
Americans need and want...here it is.

Niceties and academic discussions are only pushing the nation in mediocrity.
we need someone who knows business and understands American human
nature in a way that can harness the most dynamic elements to restore America's prosperity and leadership.Donald Trump is the man who will
unleash our God given potential to such levels as the world has never seen.May our people welcome his offer to serve.

Trump could not outspend Obama. Obama spent more than any other candidate in any Presidential race in history in 2008. Much of that remains hidden as to where it came from.

Progressives would get Soros to outspend him.

Obama could never succesfully debate Trump on economic matters and
would be abandoned by much of the Latino and African American voters.Trump's main challenge now is to unite republicans behind his non
ideological,strictly business approach.Obama has demonstrated his
inability to establish any kind of economic leadership and is probably more
qualified to head the united nations.The republican party would easily raise
enough campaign funds to make it unecessary for Trump to self finance.We
need a presidential election that is not hyjacked by gay and abortion debates,
but that focuses on restauration of prosperity.Social and safety net programs
are dependant on economic prosperity.

As a Democrat, I think Trump/Palin would be a dream ticket.

Sorry Donald, you are too late. It was bought years ago!!


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About the Columnist
A veteran foreign and national correspondent, Andrew Malcolm has served on the L.A. Times Editorial Board and was a Pulitzer finalist in 2004. He is the author of 10 nonfiction books and father of four. Read more.
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