"I guess they like me."
That's what then-presumptive, now-official presidential candidate Donald Trump said after speaking at the April 24 Lincoln-Reagan Gala, an annual fundraiser for the Chesterfield County Republican Committee. Trump, who was remarking on the turnout at the event, was invited as the keynote speaker of the function.
"We did not seek him out because he's a potential presidential contender," Chesterfield County Republican Committee spokesman Jerry Baldwin said of why Trump was chosen. "He's good entertainment, and this is a fundraiser."
Good entertainment, indeed, as Trump is widely recognized as the head honcho on the long-running reality TV show The Apprentice.
Trump formally announced his bid for the presidency Tuesday, confirming years of speculation about his desire to run for office.