Trump: Still not ruling out presidential bid

(CBS News) 

Reality television star and real estate mogul Donald Trump on Sunday decried what he described as the "nasty" nature of the Republican presidential race, and once again threatened to run for president himself if the party couldn't coalesce around a candidate he thought would be able to win.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump blasted Republican infighting in the nominating process and argued it was hurting the party's chances to beat President Obama in 2012.

"I've never seen anything like this. It's Republican against Republican, and yet the level of hatred, I guess you could say, I mean, there's no other word for it, is unbelievable," he told CBS News' Bob Schieffer. "The question is, are they hurting themselves? Are they hurting the party? Are they hurting the Republicans, and are they hurting their chances of winning an election against Barack Obama? And probably the answer is yes."

Trump said he thinks GOP rivals Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are "both strong guys, they're both tough guys" who would have a "very good chance" of beating Mr. Obama in 2012.

But, he said, he wouldn't rule out the possibility of running as an independent if "I don't see a person that, number one, is going to win."

"You know, I look at the different polls and one of the big things is, can they win? I just think it's really important for whoever's chosen to be able to win," Trump said.

"I think people dislike the Republicans and the Democrats more than they ever have," he added. "So I actually think the right Independent could win, and there was a poll about a month ago, you saw it, where I was the number one Independent choice."

Even so, the businessman, who last year publicly considered a presidential bid under the Republican party before deciding against it, said he didn't want to run unless the people demanded it.

"I love my business. I love what I'm doing. I love this whole thing of what Donald Trump does," he said. "It's not something I want to do, I'd love to see a candidate come along who's going to go up but if I don't see a person that, number one, is going to win, that's tantamount, I would certainly think about doing it after the show ends."

"It's a very sad situation what's happening to the country and I do say that and I say many other things and somehow it resonates with a lot of people and that's why they, you know, would like me to run," Trump continued. "I hope I don't have to, but I may absolutely."

[Freepress1111]

"It's a very sad situation what's happening to the country". You're right about that, Mr. Trump. It's very sad that anyone who calls themselves an American would even consider letting you anywhere near the White House.

[ericbiggs]

It's not "tantamount," you idiot, it's "paramount." Being the Donald does not exempt you from having to use standard English, at least to keep from being laughable. But oh right, you already are.

[notreich]

Could the Democrats really be so lucky as to be able to run against a Tea Party Republican even after every single one running in the primaries flames out due to wackiness, vileness or downright stupidity?

[annmac38]

And he objects to the 'nastiness' of the current campaigns? The Republican campaign looks more and more like a train wreck. Aren't there any credible candidates out there?

[dlpartyka]

Who would vote for a quitter?

[Riverjump]

"If the republican party doesn't..." I'll run myself". WOW what an ego. Like he's the conservative savior trying to replace St. Ronnie. How can he be described as being on reality t.v, when he is so far out of reality?

[Goofer-Buddy]

The God Father Trump Blesses another Candidate.

Ron Paul::....Oh great and masterful Mr. God Father Trump, can you bless my campaign as you blessed Fat Head's?

God Father Trump... Do you need financing, do you need my support or do you need to appear on my show?

Ron Paul:.... The Financing sounds good, you don't have to speak for me, and I would rather not be a contestant on your show...

God Father Trump...... Hmmm? You don't like my show? You don't like me stumping for you, you just want my money?

Ron Paul.....If you put it that way God Father. I would have no argument.

God Father Trump...... I will give you financing, here is a quarter/// Trump tosses a quarter on the ground...

God Father Trump..... Pick it up.

Ron..... Oh thank you merciful God Father... And he puts it in his pocket....

God Father Trump..... I did not say you could have the quarter, I just said pick it up..... For that you must play on show..... You will act as a Cash Manager for the Poorest minorities and you will compete against Miss Paris Hilton....

Ron Paul..... Sort of giving and taking on that one Mr. God Father...

God Father Trump.....You dim-witted fool, you mock me? For that you must also become an undocumented alien for a week. You will have no papers, no money, and we will drop you off in Alabama.... And you have to wear a sleeveless shirt.

Ron Paul..... Please not that... Not the sleeveless shirt...

God Father Trump..... I am not finished.... After that week of education my amigo, you than take up the role of a Homosexual.... You will become a Homosexual for an entire week.... We will drop you off at gay bar in San Francisco, and announce that you are taking a vacation to enjoy yourself; a covert news crew will follow you.... The gay and liberal press will love you for these gifts that I have bestowed on you.... You will be a new man....

Ron Paul....... Well, ok how big a check are you going to write?

[EngDr]

The suggestion that trump would actually run is absurd. His only motive is publicity, so in some sense well done to him for achieving his goal. Back to reality though, he would lose, plain and simple.

The helicopter entrance he made to meet with reporters when he last flirted with this idea was laughable. He's a showman, which is no bad thing in the business world. As a world leader though? Come on... America is in real difficulty and needs a serious person, someone who can persuade, influence, and inspire. Trump doesn't display these qualities. He's too hot headed and far too self-centred.

The final word: the American people cannot trust a man with hair that bad!

[nearl451]

I can imagine him trying to "fire" the COngress or SCOTUS.

What a meglamaniac.

Whatever, I guess there's room in the clown car.

[EyebePeisthoff]

Mr. Schieffer, I've been a fan of yours for decades and have tremendous respect for you & your work. However an extended interview with Donald Trump is not my idea of a good reason to expand FTN to one hour. In fact, much of the show didn't seem worth the time or effort.

Trump is more suited to the tabloid press, which he uses incessantly to promote his own selfish interests. Having him on a respected news program such as yours is an injustice to all of us who watch.

I mean think about it, Trump says more than anything his motivation for a possible run is to get Obama out of office. How does an independent run help this cause? The logic is not there, if he runs as an independent and splits the conservative vote, he'll only help Obama win. He knows this- his statements about getting back into the race are simply more of his ever present hot air designed for publicity & self promotion.

The man is a joke, please don't debase FTN and waste everyone's time by paying any mind whatsoever to him anymore. Thanks-