GOP front-runner Donald Trump says that despite reports saying otherwise on
The Huffington Post, he is not yet ready to rule out a third-party run.
Trump was a guest on
the Hugh Hewitt radio show on Wednesday afternoon and was asked about the story, which quoted several high-level Republicans saying Trump had promised not to run third party.
"Well, it's not something I'd want to do," Trump said of ruling out an independent run if he doesn't win the Republican nomination. "At some point I'll actually totally commit."
Trump has long indicated he doesn't want to run third party, but won't make the vow because he feels it gives him leverage with party leadership which he feels hasn't always treated him fairly. He said he currently has been treated well and is happy with his high poll numbers.
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"I want to get the nomination, and then I want to beat the Democrats. And I think that's our best chance for victory. I think we will win," Trump told Hewitt.
Many Republicans sat home instead of voting in the 2012 election because they weren't energized enough, Trump said.
"I think this time they're going to be plenty energized," he said.
Hewitt reiterated his advice that Trump's poll chances will rise when he commits not to run third-party, which could hand the general election to the Democrats.
Trump said his friend Steve Wynn, a hotel and casino magnate, has told him the same thing, making it "two very smart people who tell me that."
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