Trump Wastes His Endorsement on a Candidate Who Doesn't Want It (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Real estate mogul and reality TV icon Donald Trump has endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for president. While 64 percent of likely GOP voters said Trump's endorsement would have no effect, 13 percent said it would make them more likely to vote for the endorsee. Unfortunately for Mitt Romney, a larger 20 percent said it would make them less likely to vote for the endorsee.

While this endorsement probably doesn't change a thing in politics as the Nevada primary looms for the remaining four Republican candidates, it is a boneheaded move for Trump himself. Romney, the staid and cautious frontrunner, probably doesn't want Trump trying to associate himself with his campaign in any way. Trump, known for his reality television presence and outspoken ways, seems to be more at home among what are usually deemed "fringe" candidates.

If Trump was angling for some sort of return on his endorsement investment, he ought to have thrown in his lot with Romney's strongest challenger, the ever-controversial Newt Gingrich. Gingrich, fighting for his political life as Romney continues to sail strongly toward the GOP nomination, would (must) welcome any endorsement. Trump would at least earn a heartfelt "thank you" from the former Speaker of the House, while Romney is likely to utter an insincere thanks from behind gritted teeth, hoping that he doesn't have to shake hands.

Does Trump really prefer Romney to Gingrich? Aside from both men's alleged penchant for firing people, they seem to have little in common. In fact, the tumultuous life of Donald Trump seems to be more aligned with the life and personality of Newt Gingrich: Both men are controversial, often ridiculed, and are survivors. Trump survived tumultuous real estate markets while Gingrich survived political exile. They are practically brothers, in that regard. Or at least cousins.

Gingrich seems outrageous enough to reward Trump with a government post of some kind. Would Romney dare even dream of allowing Trump near a government office? "The Donald" has wasted his endorsement.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/gop/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20120202/pl_ac/10920515_trump_wastes_his_endorsement_on_a_candidate_who_doesnt_want_it

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