Donald Trump on Tuesday shot down a report that he has ruled out a third-party run.
“I’m running as a Republican, I’m leading in every poll … I’m leading all over the place and I want to run as a Republican,” the business mogul and GOP front-runner said Tuesday morning on CNN.
“If I am treated fairly, that’s the way it’s going to be, but I want to keep that door open. I have to keep that door open because if something happens where I’m not treated fairly I may very well use that door,” he added.
On Monday, ABC News reported that Trump was considering ruling out a third-party run, citing an unnamed senior adviser.
Days earlier, Trump refused to say he would rule out a third-party run and support the eventual 2016 Republican presidential nominee should it not be him during Fox News’ Thursday primetime presidential debate. After running into criticism for comments against Megyn Kelly, who moderated the debate, Trump was welcomed back onto Fox News Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, he again refused to rule out a third-party run, a move many believe would hand the election to the Democratic nominee.
Trump also took shots at former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s stance toward women. Bush is in second place in the polls behind Trump.
“I think Jeb Bush owes women an apology because he made a terrible statement about women’s health issues and it was a foolish statement and perhaps a stupid statement. He’s the one that has to apologize to women,” Trump said, referring to those who called interpreted comment toward Megyn Kelly about blood as one about menstruation.
Trump still leads the crowded Republican field, even after Thursday’s debate and his scuffle with Kelly. According to a RealClearPolitics average of polls, Trump is polling at 24.3 percent, and Bush is his next closest competitor at 12.5 percent.
