Trump: Not running (surprise!)

Oh come on, really.

Did any one out there really seriously believe Trumpster was going to run for the White House?  

I guess someone did and I guess a bridge in Brooklyn is for sale and a sucker is born ever minute. But he was never gonna run. Never.

This whole thing was about ego and publicity and "The Celebrity Apprentice."  And when NBC yesterday proclaimed -- and only semi-seriously, I can assure you -- that it would recast Trumpster if he did run, well, that was that. Donald quickly got in line, knowing -- I can also assure you -- that a recast would kill the show, and a hugely profitable part of his portfolio. He makes many many millions from "TCA" and there was simply no way he was about to sacrifice that wad for some capricious run for higher office.

Here's a bit of the statement...

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. 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.

Here's the announce at the upfront this morning.