Barbour says he won't run for president
April 25th, 2011
03:19 PM ET

Barbour says he won't run for president

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Monday he will not run for president in 2012.

"This has been a difficult, personal decision, and I am very grateful to my family for their total support of my going forward, had that been what I decided," Barbour (pictured), a Republican, said in a statement.

“A candidate for president today is embracing a 10-year commitment to an all-consuming effort, to the virtual exclusion of all else," the statement continued. "His (or her) supporters expect and deserve no less than absolute fire in the belly from their candidate. I cannot offer that with certainty, and total certainty is required."

A number of other Republicans are near their own self-imposed deadlines for making a decision about a 2012 presidential bid.

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Filed under: Haley Barbour • Mississippi • Politics
soundoff (53 Responses)
  1. Dim Mak

    Well considering I've never heard of him that's probably a good idea. No need to waste time and money on losing. At first I thought they meant Babar the elephant.

    April 25, 2011 at 3:26 pm | Report abuse |
    • Rollo

      After looking at his picture I'd say you made a better guess than you thought...

      April 25, 2011 at 6:03 pm | Report abuse |
  2. brownkw

    I'm trying to decide where the sigh of relief is coming from - the left, or the right...

    April 25, 2011 at 3:36 pm | Report abuse |
    • Gaspodin

      That was me farting. Sorry.

      April 25, 2011 at 6:05 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Trey Copeland

    "His (or her) supporters expect and deserve no less than absolute fire in the belly from their candidate. I cannot offer that with certainty, and total certainty is required."

    At least he's honest he wouldn't be able to perform the duties of President.

    April 25, 2011 at 3:36 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Cesar

    Me either. The job is too tough.

    April 25, 2011 at 3:53 pm | Report abuse |
    • leeintulsa

      I'd do it

      April 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm | Report abuse |
    • Ebil Mashtermind

      I'll do it if someone is willing to be a puppet government for me.
      That way you wont have to worry about voting for me. I'll just stay behind the scenes and run everything from my Blackberry and call myself "Helob".
      You will all dance to my tune as I pull the strings in my web!
      Bwaahaahaha!

      April 25, 2011 at 6:01 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Cesar

    One less kneejerk Republican for President. Hardly bad news here. What I want to know is just when are we going to get a decent Democrat to run??? Someone like Barney Frank or Dennis Kucinich would be quite fine!

    April 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm | Report abuse |
    • DDW 1946

      Cesar, you are too funny. Really Barney Frank???

      April 25, 2011 at 4:04 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cesar

      Of course,DDW 1946. He'd probably do a far better job than Barack Obama or any Republican planning to run against him. Let's just get somebody who doesn't work for the MIC(military-industrial-complex) in there for a change!!!

      April 25, 2011 at 4:43 pm | Report abuse |
    • Ken

      You gotta find someone who isn't going to be disqualified by the press.
      Kucinich is too old and a bit wingy.
      Frank is a legislator, not an administrator.
      You need someone young enough to be on top of their game, not someone ready to retire before they are even elected.

      April 25, 2011 at 6:10 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Joey

    That sigh was above us.

    April 25, 2011 at 4:06 pm | Report abuse |
  7. 1608

    Donald T. and Sarah P. are one.

    April 25, 2011 at 4:40 pm | Report abuse |
  8. jj

    LMAO barney frank?! pee wee herman would be better than that complete idiot! good lord i get a kick outta you ceasar

    April 25, 2011 at 5:11 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Mad Hatter

    Seems not too many politicians want to run for president. And who has shown interest so far are making it a farce. I don't want Obama to have a 2nd term but its sure slim pickins on what's currently out there.

    April 25, 2011 at 5:17 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Steve Skozlinski

    I, too, am not running for President!
    Call the media outlets! Release the pigeons!

    April 25, 2011 at 5:55 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Paul Worthington

    Hey! I'm not running for President either!
    When is CNN going to cover my "not-running" campaign?

    April 25, 2011 at 5:57 pm | Report abuse |
    • Feek

      When you matter.

      April 27, 2011 at 3:15 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Ken

    Is this like the Hair Club for Men or something?
    Can we all be in the club of people who are definitely not running for President? Is there a t-shirt? Cause I'm there already.

    April 25, 2011 at 6:14 pm | Report abuse |
    • Ken

      I should add that I am available for comment. And everyone is welcome to throw shoes at me during my press conference. 😀

      April 25, 2011 at 6:15 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Gooberner Barber

    I decided today not to run for president. I'da run, but Enos can't catch themm damned Duke boys without my hepp.

    April 25, 2011 at 6:21 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Bigfoot

    I will not run for President this year. Sorry.

    April 25, 2011 at 6:22 pm | Report abuse |
    • Godzilla

      I wasn't born in the USA and my parents were Ja-panese.
      I can't run. Do you think I should issue a press release?

      April 25, 2011 at 6:34 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Jazzzzzzzz

    I'd rather see Harry, (Harry and the Hendersons) run. Sorry Bigfoot.

    April 25, 2011 at 6:23 pm | Report abuse |
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