Real Estate Mogul and Billionaire Donald J. Trump has confirmed that he has changed his official voter registration from Republican to Independent. The move was prompted by Trump’s desire to run as an Independent candidate against President Obama in 2012.
An adviser to Trump, Michael Cohen said specifically that Trump wanted the ability to run as an Independent candidate because he is thoroughly unsatisfied with the Republican field of candidates. While Trump has made his displeasure with Texas Congressman Ron Paul and Former Ambassador John Huntsman know, it is unclear how Trump feels about Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich.
Trump decided earlier this year to forgo running for President, citing his desire to stay in the private sector as the main reason why. Trump has made it clear that when the latest season of the Apprentice ends filming in June he can still mount an effective campaign. Cohen said that even at such a late date Trump has the ability to ensure his name will be on the ballot in all 50 States.
Trump’s independent candidacy is reminiscent of Ross Perot’s failed third party candidacies of the 90’s. While Perot managed to make an impressive showing in both elections he ran in, in the 1992 election he pretty much ensured that George H.W. Bush lost to relatively unknown candidate Bill Clinton. Perot drew voters mostly from his Republican rivals. During his first campaign Perot managed to get 19% of the popular vote, an unheard of feat for a third party candidate in modern American elections.
Trump has not garnered such nationwide support in any polls to date. It will be interesting if he runs if he will be able to generate any real popular support.
Would you vote for Donald Trump if he were to run as an Independent in the 2012 election? Does the Donald have more appeal that any of the current Republican field?
