Palm Beach, Florida (CNN) – Donald Trump has more harsh criticism for one of the most recognizable men in the world: George W. Bush.
In a display of bipartisan bashing, Trump lashed out at the nation's 43rd president as he criticized the 44th.
"George Bush gave us Barack Obama. If it weren't for George Bush, we wouldn't have Barack Obama," Trump said on Friday. "So I'm not thrilled with George Bush."
The billionaire real estate mogul made the comments at his famed Palm Beach estate Mar-a-Lago that sits on 20 acres and boasts 126 rooms. The star of NBC's "The Apprentice" spoke to reporters in a hastily arranged news conference moments before a posh, poolside party at the estate and hours before he was to speak at a Tea Party rally.
Trump was pressed to explain his comments.
"Because he[Bush] didn't have a great presidency, especially at the end. And because of his actions, and because of his aura, it was very tough for a Republican to win," Trump said. "And in all fairness to John McCain and to Sarah Palin, I think it would have been very, very tough for anybody – for Abraham Lincoln – to win after having followed George Bush."
Trump has previously let out harsh criticism of the 43rd president.
In a March 2007 interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Trump said, "Well, I think Bush is probably the worst president in the history of the United States." He cited the war in Iraq, calling it a "total disaster" and added later: "Look, everything in Washington has been a lie. Weapons of mass destruction - it was a total lie. It was a way of attacking Iraq."
Trump now sees Obama as deserving that notorious distinction, calling him "the worst president in the history of the United States." Among other items, Trump reasoned that the president has not done well handling foreign affairs, such as the conflict in Libya, and that "Obamacare" is bad for the country.
Headlining a Tea Party rally in Boca Raton on Saturday, Trump will make his first appearance at a campaign-like political rally this year. The rally will mirror others across the country over the weekend as conservative activists protest government spending days before Monday's deadline to file taxes.
Media and public interest in Trump has recently increased as he's questioned President Obama's birthplace. And his popularity with Tea Party activists has also increased. The reality television star boasted that interest in Saturday's rally ballooned after it was announced that he would appear.
"It was supposed to be 300 people," he said. "When they heard I was speaking, I heard it's going to be anywhere from five-to-ten thousand people."
And yet Trump has publicly supported one issue that Tea Party activists despise: the bank bailout. When asked if he can win Tea Party support given his support for this issue, Trump demurred from a direct response.
"Well I actually think the tea party is more of a party of common sense."
Follow Shannon Travis on Twitter: @ShanTravisCNN
From CNN Politics
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I was thinking it is only the hair piece of Trump which looks horrible. But it looks it goes further inside the brain. How sad!!
Trump made his rep by the "art of the deal." Well, that's what he's doing here, folks: Saying outlandish things because his show is ending and on a low note and he's wanting to negotiate a higher salary at Fox.
This has nothing to do with helping or bettering our nation and everything to do with The Donald trying to swindle some fool.
Does anyone really believe this man will hand his financial interests into a blind trust AND make full financial disclosure?
Ever notice how once these GOPers get in the spotlight, they all start wearing way too much makeup? Fakes inside and out!
A big cause of the terrible problems our country faces today is the rise of the slick, well-coiffed TV politician. Why in God's name should we, instead of turning to the non-partisan statesmen and women, amp up the ridculousness even another notch a la P.T. Barnum by considering someone like Trump, who's an even BIGGER blathering showboat?? God help us if this is the death wish we have.
Tea Party Rally in Boca Raton??.. what a total sham and fraud these tea baggers are,.. Boca Raton is one of the most exclusive and filthy rich communities in the USA,..The Trumpet and the baggers are really roughing it, as they spread their phony message of austerity.
To all those "birthers" complaining, I have a question.
Sarting with our first president, Washington, where we (the U.S.), not ruled by presidents born in British Colonies for 50 some odd years?
Also Obama mother was a U.S. citizen, so why are we even talking about this?
You know we usually only find out if the president is nuts until after we elect them, thank you Trump for cleary articulating your point of view so early in the campain.
As an Obama supporter, I just want to know where I can send my contribution to the Trump Republican nomination committee. The Repubs should have Trump. Bachman, Gingrich, Boss Hogg and the rest of the mental giants now emerging as their version of greatness jump out of a little car at their convention a la Ringling Brothers to set the appropriate tone. Keep that bile and batsh*t crazy "campaign platform" stuff coming Donald.
Although criticism of Obama and all previous presidents on both sides of the party line are valid, Trump is an idiot with a TV show. It would be like Flava-Fla running for president.
Pres Obama talks a lot about lets be adults..adults...Yes Mr Obama grow-up and be the adullt you are preaching but not
walking the walk. Go to Hawaii get your "Certificate of Birth" and posted for all to see. End of story.
Trump ooks like a 60 year old lady. Wigs and makeup? What is this the 1700's? Seriously, keep running your mouth you out-of-touch clown. The GOP must love President Obama, given what we've seen from their possible candidates so far, 2012 will be an EASY re-election.
Just more free advertising and publicity for a lame reality TV show being pushed on us by an outdated medium.
When we all stop looking, he will go away.
Bully, crybaby. . . add those to the list of adjectives to express "the Donald". Stating that President Obama is the worst president as a follow-up to President Bush being the worst president doesn't follow any logic either. Bush left a horrible mess which President Obama is wading through against constant opposition from the Party of NO with every word he speaks.
Donald would bankrupt the US before the ink on any paper was dry!!!
One more thing...what with his self-created moniker "THE Donald"?
Does he want to be referred to as others before him, such as "The Mahatma" or perhaps even "The Fuhrer"?
Is that what he wants?
This guy's ego is bigger than his hairpiece!
I can't wait until August, when this guys baloney will be so old and tired that no one will report on him anymore *fingers crossed*
The Tea Party is a party of "Common Sense". No, it a party of "Common Idiots" massing together who don't know nothing!
This man couldn't manage a hotel without filling for bankruptcy, how is he going to manage a nation, oh I forgot, screwing people!
Trump is like most CEOs:
1. His self-esteem significantly outpaces his actual abilities. He thinks very highly of himself and cannot perceive his own weaknesses.
2. He has no knowledge of human history, human nature, or human behavior. He imagines that his knowledge of how to run a corporation can be transferred to all governmental tasks, which is ridiculous. He is like the salesman who says, "I can sell anything. Doesn't matter what it is. The same sales pitch that sells used cars can sell weapons systems, new social programs, nuclear power plants, or mining safety regulations.
3. He cannot deal with opposition. CEOs live in corporate palaces surrounded by the butt-kissing sycophants* who praise him incessantly and who tremble at his angry glance. Any new American President will be hated by half of all Americans IF he is a good president.
* "a person who praises powerful people in order to get their approval"
Just replace Trump's name w/ Obama's in most of these posts. You probably couldnt tell much of a difference in what the majority of ppl in America are really thinking and want! lol
This is of a Ross Perot type presidential attempt. If Donald Trump can latch himself onto the tea party, he could steer it into a full on third party.
They'll say Obama had coattails, but in reality it will have been the base of the Republican party doubling down on crazy one too many times that creates a historical swing back in the House.
Trump's only admirer on this thread chose to remain anonymous. It speaks volumes about the strength and character of his "support."
Many around the world have nearly and some quite certainly written the US off as an asylum...IF this guy is voted into political office there will be NO redemption of the stain the US has on the world since Bush....vote him in and you will PROVE to the world you are completely off your rocker
What in the world Tea Partiers think they remotely have in common with someone like Trump is beyond all common sense. Then again, we are talking about the hypocitical TPers who rely on the same "socialistic" government services they purport to deplore.
can't you see this is all shameless self promotion...it's all trump has ever done and getting free publicity makes him salivated....clueless clueless CLUELESS journalism!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think everyone should do out right now and watch NETWORK....the movie, NOTHING has changed in decades!!!!!!!!!!!!