"I Am Very Proud of Myself."

"...because I have accomplished something that nobody else has been able to accomplish."

"Hey Obama, Just Come Clean"

The Donald sez that he hates that the media always brings up the birth certificate issue and that he just wants the President to come clean:

I have made my point of view well-known, including the continued request for President Obama to be transparent with the American people and provide his birth certificate for forensic review. Only Obama is in a position to put to rest this long overdue and controversial issue. If there is nothing to hide, come clean.

There are many important and pressing issues that, should I elect to run, I will address — including China, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the price of fuel, unfair trade, unsustainable debt, the creation of jobs and the rising price of food.

Most Americans would prefer to have a serious conversation about these critical issues, followed by a competent and fearless leader who can advance them. Sadly, the press has en masse chosen to glom onto but one of the myriad issues I have discussed and would tackle as president.

Allow me to repeat here what I have said on numerous occasions: I have spoken my piece on this issue, and many people have the same doubts as I have. My concern lies with people like the single mom who recently wrote to me that she now works a third job to pay for the gas to get to the other two.

... but then Trump does an interview with Meghan McCain:

Meghan: If you run for president, will you hire me for your campaign?

Donald: I like the idea! I love it! Will you do me a favor? See how I do, and you call me at the right time. I’m serious about it.

Meghan: As much as I like things about Mitt Romney—

Donald: No, he’s going to lose. He doesn’t resonate, you know? Or he would have won last time, in all fairness to your father! He was scheduled to win last time, and he didn’t because your father outdid him. You understand. I watched [Romney] make a speech, and it was all these little trivial statements. I’ll give you an example though of what you were saying before when you were talking about fighting Obama. This guy has more protection than any human being. When I mention why doesn’t he show his birth certificate, the press kills me! It’s unbelievable! But I keep mentioning it.

Meghan: Why do you think this birther thing still has such legs?

Donald: Because I think there’s something to it. For weeks, I said to people, “No, he was probably born here, but I’ll check into it.” You know a certificate of live birth is not a birth certificate and all that. I’m more and more convinced he may not have been born here.

...and please do note who brings up the birther issue.

"I'll Be Revealing Some Interesting Things..."

The Donald wants to know why people keep asking him about the birth certificate issue and not OPEC or jobs.

Really Donald?

If you don't want people at CNN (or Fox, MSNBC and elsewhere) to ask you about the birther issue, maybe you should just admit that you've hopped on that bandwagon simply to be edgy.

If you came out of the proverbial gate talking about fiscal policy and job creation, media outlets might want to interview you. But, by talking about a fringe issue that makes Orly Taitz warm, you are participating in a freak show that will get you nothing but freakshow supporters (I'm looking at you Joseph Farah).

Like the snarky anchors on CNN said, as soon as you drop the birther routine, people will stop asking you questions about it Donald.

"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

"People Love The Birther Issue"

Really Donald? DO THEY?

Yeah, I don't think so. Maybe once you add the qualifier "especially in the Republican Party" -- but I am highly skeptical of the truth in even that.

People want to be talking about real issues like the deficit, the multiple military campaigns that are being waged around the globe, health care, et al.

Nobody who is serious about politics is bringing up the birth certificate issue -- except you.

Head nod: TPM

"I Have A Birth Certificate"

Said Trump:

"I have a birth certificate. People have birth certificates. He doesn't have a birth certificate. He may have one but there is something on that birth certificate -- maybe religion, maybe it says he's a Muslim, I don't know. Maybe he doesn't want that. Or, he may not have one."

On whether Obama was born in the United States: "I grew up with Wall Street geniuses. What they do in terms of fraud, and how they change documents -- and I'll tell you something, if you notice, those dates were three days later. And here's what I ask people -- who puts announcements? Two poor people, a man and a woman with no money, they have a baby. There's announcements in the newspaper? Nelson Rockefeller doesn't put announcements in. I've never seen one."The guy will soon become politically repugnant. Other serious Republicans should begin their distancing NOW.