Romney gets nod from Trump, prompting Gingrich brickbats
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LAS VEGAS -- For an event so politically fraught, it flashed by in what seemed like a New York minute.
Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney for president Thursday in a brief joint appearance at Mr. Trump's Las Vegas hotel, an occasion more notable for its odd brevity and lack of theater than anything either man said.
Stepping to the microphone in an area curtained off from the marble-and-chandeliered lobby, Mr. Trump praised the Republican presidential hopeful as tough, smart and sharp. "He's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen to this country that we all love," said Mr. Trump, who for months toyed with a run himself as he raised unsubstantiated questions about President Barack Obama's birthplace.
Turning to face the former Massachusetts governor and his wife, Ann, Mr. Trump said, "Get out and get 'em. You can do it."
Looking pleased, Mr. Romney stepped to the microphone. "There are some things that you just can't imagine happening in your life. This is one of them," he said. "Being in Donald Trump's magnificent hotel and having his endorsement is a delight."
There were signs that it wasn't pure delight: In all, with time for applause from Romney supporters, the event was over in about five minutes. Neither man took questions, minimizing the possibility for gaffes or flamboyant statements from the famously provocative Mr. Trump.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mr. Romney's Republican rival and the candidate some news organizations had incorrectly reported would receive the Trump endorsement, cut to the Romney campaign's concerns when he responded with a gibe at both men.
"I like hiring people," Mr. Gingrich said, referring to the line that is the trademark of "The Apprentice," Mr. Trump's TV reality show -- "You're fired!" -- as well as Mr. Romney's comment last month that he liked being able to fire people. (Mr. Romney was speaking as a consumer, regarding the service he expects.)
First Published February 3, 2012 12:00 am
