Mattis Denies Any Interest In Presidential Bid, Cites Narrow Experience

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis listens as President Donald Trump answers questions during a meeting with military leaders in the Cabinet Room on October 23, 2018. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, in no uncertain terms, denied having any interest in a presidential run Tuesday night, telling Fox News’ Martha MacCallum that he’s trying to find a way to say “no even stronger.”

“I think we have a lot of great people in America I think that after 40 odd years of serving the country in the military and in the defense establishment I am eager to see the fresh ideas from people who handle a much broader array of issues that I have,” he said.

MacCallum jumped in, noting the pause in his speech.

“There is not a hesitation,” he responded with a grin. “I’m just trying to think how to say no even stronger.”

Mattis has been speaking out recently in advance of his new book, promising that his silence on his stint in the Trump administration will not be “eternal,” but being careful not to encourage rumors of his own reportedly turbulent relationship with the President.

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Notable Replies

  1. This is more about Trump than Mattis.
    Much more…

  2. Why would anyone even ask him about running for President?

  3. Sell that book, General, sell, sell. When that silence on trump is broken sell us Volume Two.

  4. When FoxNews is asking other GOPers if they want to run for president…

  5. Personally, I think he’s figured out that by stringing everyone along, he’s gonna up both his speaker’s fees and his book advance.

    He’s had enough time to learn the art of the grift from Don the Con, his Evil Spawn, and all the greedy henchmen.

    I personally am not convinced of his great “patriotism” and “sacrifice” in “saving us” from Cheatolini.

    It was an audience plant…for the purpose of (see above).

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

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