I haven't been able to find a transcript from his interview with Greta Van Susteren to quote, so you'll just have to rely on my note taking.
Donald on the economy:
It will get worse, but then it will get better. It always gets better. I think it was important that they saved AIG. We'll see what happens with their new round.
What about Sen. McCain saying he would fire the head of the SEC?
It's certainly a strong statement. I guess he's saying that he wants tighter regulation. A lot of people like Christopher Cox and I think he's done a very good job.
You have now formally endorsed Sen. McCain?
I have. I've known him for a long time. I was amazed that Hillary Clinton wasn't chosen as his Vice Presidential candidate. I've known John McCain for a long time. He's a great guy, a great man. He's a very strong guy, a very strong leader and he's very, very smart.
What is the difference between Senator McCain and Senator Obama in your eyes?
One of the differences is that Senator Obama wants to raise taxes beyond belief and Senator McCain doesn't. And in a fragile economy like we're in right now, you can't go around raising corporate taxes and lots of other taxes. You just can't do it. Then you really will see the Great Depression.
You're one of the richest guys. Senator Obama says he won't raise taxes on the people who aren't rich.
You know what I find? I find when people say that and they're raising the taxes on the rich, they end up raising the taxes on everybody. And ultimately that's what would happen. John McCain is not going to be raising taxes and could even be lowering taxes. Frankly, that's the language I like to hear. Because the economy is very weak and very fragile and any talk of tax increases; it's over, it's going to be over. I endorsed John McCain. I've known him for a long time. He's a brilliant guy. And I think he'll be a great President.
Why do you think Senator Obama didn't pick Senator Clinton to be his runningmate?
[bunch of inconsequential stuff about Joe Biden]
Hillary Clinton ran for office and probably got more than 50% of the votes. So, it's a little bit of a strange situation that she didn't get the nomination to start off with. But she ran and she got at least 50% of the vote. So you would have certainly thought that he would have picked Hillary Clinton and I think it would be much different poll numbers. Right now the polls are about even and in some polls I guess McCain is leading. I think if he chose Hillary Clinton you might not have that.
So why didn't he pick Senator Clinton?
I guess he didn't get along with her. I guess he didn't like her. I guess he felt uncomfortable with her or Bill. I can tell you I know both of them and they are fantastic people. And they've already proven to be good team-players. Because she took a lot of abuse in my opinion. I think she was she was pretty badly abused in that campaign.
What about Sen. McCain's choice of Governor Palin?
I think it was brilliant. I think it was a great testament to him. I mean, he took a chance on somebody. It's been amazing--the response--I don't think I've ever seen a response like this. Some negative, but mostly positive. And she's amazing. She's just amazing. She has totally united the Republican party like I've never seen before. It was a brillian choice and I think she'll be fantastic.
If you have tips, questions, comments or suggestions, email me at lybberty@gmail.com.
