Donald J. Trump and Ross Perot are both billionaires- but that’s where the similarity ends. Perot is erratic, cranky and conspiratorial while Trump is outspoken, blunt and charismatic.
Ross Perot actually became a legal candidate for President, withdrew and became a candidate again in 1992. Even with his late re-start and with ballot access laws harsher and more difficult than they are today- after a decade of election law reform-Perot got on all 50 state ballots. Trump flirted with running-took himself out and now is sending signals he may still just jump in.
Talking of running a late Independent campaign for President ,Trump told Fox News, “If I’m not happy with what I see, I can very easily change my mind. I’m not happy with what I see, and I will make a determination sometime into the future, absolutely. There is no deadline. If I did it as an independent, I could do it very much better.”
Trump was preparing to show a net worth of $7.5 billion worth with over $350 million cash on hand, in his federal disclosure form. Trump’s companies are privately held. Clearly Trump has both the $5 to $7 milion it would take to get on the ballot in all states and the $200 million for an intense paid TV and Cable and innovative new media campaign.
Trump also had some tough talk for the GOP, saying they are setting themselves up to lose the next election. Trump seemed to be positioning himself for a Independent run.
“I am looking at the Republicans and I am seeing things – they have a death wish,” Trump said. “Whether it’s the Ryan Plan – which is a death wish…why does he have to come out with a plan? Let Obama put a plan on the table. You don’t come out with a plan, have all your friends vote on it and now half of those guys are going to lose their elections.” Palin as the GOP nominee probably ends Trump’s 2012 prospects. Trump is a Palin ally. The nomination of a Romney or Pawlenty makes the tea party constituency fair game for Trump.
Polls show Trump with an intense following of 38.5% of American voters– enough for victory in a three way race if he can divide the opposition. Polls also show Trump strong with Conservatives, middle income, Catholic Democrats as well as Republican voters.Trump would have to count heavily on getting into the televised Presidential debates.
If the economy is still sour and gas price are high next June, look for Trump to jump in.
Are we about to see Trump-the sequel?
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