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"Donald Trump just fired himself from the 2012 Presidential election.\r\nAfter weeks of very-public discussion regarding a potential bid as the Republican candidate to run against President Barack Obama, the mogul and reality TV star, 64, announced his decision in a statement released on Monday:\r\n&amp;quot;After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the Presidency. 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,&amp;quot; Trump said.\r\n\r\nAdded the political newcomer: &amp;quot;I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election. I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and recognize that running for public office cannot be done half heartedly. Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector.&amp;quot;\r\nA more experienced Republican leader recently announced his interest in running: Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House.\r\n\r\nObama mocked Trump&amp;apos;s &amp;quot;credentials and breadth of experience&amp;quot; during a speech at the White House Correspondents&amp;apos; Bash earlier this month.\r\n&amp;quot;In an episode of Celebrity Apprentice, at the steakhouse, the men&amp;apos;s cooking team cooking did not impress the judges from Omaha Steaks. And there was a lot of blame to go around. But you, Mr. Trump, recognized that the real problem was a lack of leadership,&amp;quot; Obama joked.\r\n\r\n&amp;quot;You fired Gary Busey. And these are the kind of decisions that would keep me up at night. Well handled, sir. Well handled, sir. Well handled!&amp;quot;\r\nAdded Trump in his Monday statement: &amp;quot;I will continue to voice my opinions loudly and help to shape our politician&amp;apos;s thoughts.  My ability to bring important economic and foreign policy issues to the forefront of the national dialogue is perhaps my greatest asset and one of the most valuable services I can provide to this country.&amp;quot;"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/donald-trump-wont-run-for-president-2011165>