Donald Trump attributes his success in the GOP field to his status as a businessman, not a politician. But the Republican front-runner said Friday, “I’ve been in politics all my life.”
The savvy New York business mogul, who’s made his fortune as a commercial real estate developer and television personality, is one of three “Washington outsiders” capturing the curiosity and support of voters nationwide. But while Trump has never held public office, he admits he’s no stranger to the game.
“I see what’s going on, I’m called all the time,” Trump told Bloomberg Politics in an interview Friday. “You know, I’ve been in politics all my life. I’ve been on the other side.”
Trump continued, saying he’s been seen as “the fair-haired boy” for most his life.
“Now all of a sudden, I’m like the interloper,” he told Bloomberg’s Stephanie Ruhle.
“They say, what happened? Because three months ago, I did something that they said he’ll never do. I did it,” he added, referring to his decision to enter the presidential race after years of hinting at a run.
If he succeeds in his bid for the presidency, Trump predicts he’ll earn a new reputation as a unifying force.
“President Obama doesn’t even want to deal with the Republicans. He doesn’t see them, he doesn’t talk to them. He doesn’t even want to deal with some of the Democrats,” Trump explained.
“But Republicans don’t even want to deal with each other,” Ruhle responded, adding “it’s such a bifurcated splintered party.”
“That’s what makes it good for me,” Trump noted. “Because they’re going to want to do something. They’re all tired, they’re exhausted. It’s like the war that’s gone on for so long.”
He continued, “I’ve been leading all my life. I know how to do this stuff. I’ve been dealing with politicians my whole life … but we will get it done.”
Trump leads the Washington Examiner’s presidential power rankings and currently earns 23.8 percent in the latest RealClearPolitics polling average. He is slated to host a campaign rally in Tyngsborough, Mass. Friday evening.
