File under "Things That Make Legit Candidates Sad." Maggie Haberman reported last night:
Donald Trump chatted with Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus Thursday afternoon, a phone call that fell a day after national polling showed The Donald tied for second place nationally in the GOP 2012 field, sources told POLITICO.What's interesting about this is that someone in Trump's operation was thoughtful enough to tell reporters that the Donald got on the horn with Priebus. It's a smart move that makes a relative non-event (conservative billionaire talking to Republican fundraiser-in-chief) into primary news. Anything that validates Trump's candidacy is bad news for the rest of the field of contenders.
The sources described it as an introductory discussion between Trump, who’s making increasing presidential noise, and Priebus, who is working hard to build up the national party's badly beaten coffers. It was the first time they've spoken since Trump began flirting with a 2012 presidential run two months ago.
Update by Matt Ortega A couple things to add. First, a few weeks ago Priebus released an unprecedented RNC-sponsored debate/Party fundraiser plan that none of the candidates supported.
Meanwhile, Tim Pawlenty has to release over dramatic, Michael Bay short films just to get noticed. Or have staffers that get hammered and pay Iowa residents visits at 3am.
"Who is Tim Pawlenty?"
"You know, the guy running for president?"
"Uh, no?"
"He's the guy with the drunk staffer that broke into that family's home at 3am?"
"Oh, yeah, that guy."