"I'm Not Playing Games. I Am Totally Serious."

The Donald sez that he wants everyone to knock it off and take him seriously:

Dismissed just days ago as an exercise in self-promotion, Donald Trump's flirtation with a White House run appears to be picking up steam as the real-estate magnate moves toward establishing the rudiments of a campaign.

The real-estate developer and reality-television star is reaching out to Republican Party activists, both in Washington and in early states such as Iowa, and is talking to an array of potential handlers, pollsters and operatives.

In an interview with WSJ reporter Kelly Evans, Donald Trump revealed that should he not receive the GOP presidential nomination, he may run as an independent candidate.

In an interview, Mr. Trump said people are finally realizing he is serious. "Originally they said, 'Oh, Trump is just having a good time,' " he said. "Then they were saying, 'Well, this is getting interesting.' Then, as of today they are really taking it seriously. I'm not playing games. I am totally serious."

Mr. Trump called one of Iowa's leading evangelical leaders last week, and has put out lines to tea-party groups in the state. He also is contacting prominent national religious leaders, while checking off other boxes typical for GOP contenders, such as agreeing to sign the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to never raise taxes.

"Donald's as serious as a heart attack" about running, said Tony Fabrizio, a top Republican pollster who has been in frequent contact with Mr. Trump.

Mr. Trump told NBC's Today show Tuesday that he plans to make up his mind by early June at the latest. "I think I am presidential," he said.

I for one would actually take him seriously if he would quit it with the birther talk.

The Donald sez that he wants to have the governor of Hawaii investigated. Really.

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Photo: Kevin T. Gilbert