In a press statement released today, billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump put to rest any speculation on his designs for the presidency. He announced that he will not be running.
Here's some of his 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.
You can read there rest HERE over on the Msnbc First Read blog.
Trump called into Morning Joe last month to talk about what he'd do as president. And former Gov. Ed Rendell, D-Pa., also had a clear message at the time for Trump: Get off the birther stuff.
Lawrence O'Donnell also shared some thoughts on this roughly a month ago.