Trump: Here's why I'm endorsing Mitt Romney

Donald Trump announces his endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, during a news conference in Las Vegas.

/ AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

Updated 4:22 p.m. Eastern Time

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Donald Trump said Thursday he's endorsing Mitt Romney because of his position on catching up to China's economic growth and because he believes Romney can out-debate President Obama.

"You look at what's going on with China, you look at what's going on with the other OPEC nations and how they are absolutely destroying this country, and he's the only one who talks about it," Trump told a group of reporters at an impromptu news conference in Las Vegas. "So that was very important to me. I thought he did very well in the debates, that was very important.... I think if he debates that well, I don't think Obama will fare well against him."

Romney's campaign formally unveiled the endorsement at an event in Las Vegas. Trump, who met with all the presidential contenders, said the former Massachusetts governor's campaign courted him "very aggressively."

At the event, Trump told the crowd: "Mitt is tough, he's smart, he's sharp, he's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen to this country that we all love...So Governor Romney, go out and get 'em, you can do it."

Romney, meanwhile, joked, "There are some things that you just can't imagine in your life; this is one of them." He described himself as "not quite as successful as this guy, but successful nonetheless."

Although multiple news reports on Wednesday night quoted anonymous sources as saying that the flamboyant real-estate tycoon and reality-show star would endorse Newt Gingrich, Trump said he never told anyone that he would back the former House speaker.

"They put that out," Trump told reporters, referring to Gingrich's campaign.

Trump said he intends to actively campaign on Romney's behalf, giving speeches that call attention to fixing the economy.

"I have a lot of people that like what I say," he said. "Look, I don't like seeing our country being ripped off. And that's what's happening. Every nation, no matter who it is, is ripping off this country. And it's gotta stop. So he sees that, and the other candidates see that, and I have a lot of people who agree with me."

Although Romney obviously hopes that Trump's support will help sway undecided voters, Democrats were quick to use the endorsement to make light of Trump's signature line, "You're fired!" and Romney's recent comment that he likes being able to fire people who provide him with subpar service.

"Why would Trump Endorse Romney?" blared the headline of a statement realeased by the Democratic National Committee. "Perhaps because they Both Like Firing People!

In addition, President Obama's spokesman Jay Carney made light of the endorsement at Thursday's White House press briefing.

Asked if the president sought Trump's endorsement, Carney said, "I'm not going to comb over that" -- a reference to Trump's celebrated hairstyle. After the laughs that followed, the press secretary added, "There's a danger in speaking off the cuff."

A reporter shot back: "You mean off the top of your head?" Then another added: "Jay, don't just brush this off."

Although Democrats have sought to make an issue of Romney's wealth as evidence that he cannot connect with average Americans, Trump said he thinks that won't be an issue.

"I think he's actually becoming very comfortable recently, more recently very comfortable with it," he said.

[thomasmc1957]

A Romney presidency would only benefit the very Filthy Rich. And that's why Trump loves him.

[27Reasons]

Trump's endorsement is the equivalent of the scarlet letter in the general election. The donald is SUCH a tool! You have him Willard...

[Robbo_Battery]

Not True!

Trump did not meet with "all the presidential contenders.

In fact, Paul has never sought his endorsement, or seemed to care what Trump thinks.

Neither, frankly, do I.

[mary-miami]

The Republican party is the one who started doing business with China during the Nixon years and rightwing CEOs continue this practice because in China there are no human rights, worker rights, environmental laws...China has slave labor. GOP wants to bring the practice of slave labor here to the U.S. That's why GOP doesn't want regulations that protect nature or workers. GOP wants to strip working class people of their voter rights; they've said many times that people who rent their homes shouldn't vote. That would create a 2nd class citizenry. GOP represent the very rich. GOP doesn't care about the working class except to use them for slave labor. That's why they're always against increasing the minimum wage, to keep people who are working poor from climbing the ladder to middle class. The United States needs a federal minimum wage that is a living wage; no less than $10 an hour. That won't make anyone rich but at least people would be able to be less hungry. The only party that respects and defends equal opportunity for everyone is the Democrats. I will vote to re-elect President Obama.

[BlameRepublicanz]

I would like to thank Mr. "Wal-Mart is a person" for handing the election to Obama before he even started campaigning...anyone who appears in public to recieve an endorsement from the king birther is not worthy of any kind of leadership

[noloyalisti]

Here is why I, Donald Trump is endorsing Robmee: he is a greasy slimewad just like me and his fake plastic body reminds me of him. And we both will say whatever worthless, brainless drivel comes out of our pie-holes to get what we want (money).

[noloyalisti]

Robmee and Trump. Plastic representatives of the Wall Street Banksters that destroyed the American economy (as well as Europe).

[norcalruss]

Well I guess it is the season for boobtube buffoons to make their endorsements.

Top Ten next buffoons to endorse Myth Zombie:


10) Hank Williams Jr
9) Hulk Hogan
8) Larry the Cable Guy
7) The Gator Boys
6) Judge Judy
5) Pee Wee Herman
4) Rush Limbaugh
3) Hank Hill
2) The Family Guy
1) Fred Flintstone

[soapyrub]

Case closed!There is now ABSOLUTELY no chance I will vote for Romney.

[BlameRepublicanz]

ANYONE WHO IS HAPPY TO RECIEVE AND PUBLICALLY TOUTS THE ENDORSEMENT OF A RACIALLY INSENSITIVE, KING BIRTHER, SELF PROMOTIONALIST IS NOT FIT TO BE PRESIDENT.