Donald Trump's big publicity stunt is over.
"After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the Presidency," Trump said in a statement released by his political director, Michael Cohen.
"This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country."
He made the announcement on his FOX News show last night.
"When people asked me what it would take for me to run, I would tell them the same thing—pray for me to have clarity in the decision. I don’t expect everyone to understand this, but I’m a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ. That relationship is far more important to me than any political office. For me, the discussion and decision is ultimately not a political one, a financial one, it's not even a practical one – it’s a spiritual one….Only when I was alone, in quiet and reflective moments did I have not only clarity, but an inexplicable inner peace—a peace that exceeds human understanding. All the factors say 'go,' but my heart says 'no.'"
Huckabee was on Fox News Sunday this morning and told host Chris Wallace: "Up until just a few days ago…I honestly thought I would be in it."
Watch him explain his decision further, AFTER THE JUMP.
Amy Myers, a high school sophomore from Cherry Valley, New Jersey, has challenged Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann to a debate on the U.S. Constitution, Minneapolis' City Pages reports.
Writes Myers in a letter to the congresswoman:
Though I am not in your home district, or even your home state, you are a United States Representative of some prominence who is subject to national media coverage. News outlets and websites across this country profile your causes and viewpoints on a regular basis. As one of a handful of women in Congress, you hold a distinct privilege and responsibility to better represent your gender nationally. The statements you make help to serve an injustice to not only the position of Congresswoman, but women everywhere. Though politically expedient, incorrect comments cast a shadow on your person and by unfortunate proxy, both your supporters and detractors alike often generalize this shadow to women as a whole.
Rep. Bachmann, the frequent inability you have shown to accurately and factually present even the most basic information about the United States led me to submit the follow challenge, pitting my public education against your advanced legal education:
I, Amy Myers, do hereby challenge Representative Michele Bachmann to a Public Forum Debate and/or Fact Test on The Constitution of the United States, United States History and United States Civics.
An acceptance is not expected, as City Pages notes: "Bachmann is famously reluctant to put herself in positions where she might have to talk to someone who disagrees with her."
Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) announced he's seeking the Republican nomination for President on Good Morning America this morning. It's Paul's third run for the White House.
Watch Paul announce and talk about his reasons for running, AFTER THE JUMP…
Thrice-married adulterer Newt Gingrich tweeted that he's running for President a few moments ago, immediately crashing his website, where he instructed his followers to go watch him make the live announcement.
David Mixner has a helpful reminder list of Gingrich's anti-gay positions.
