Romney gets Trump’s endorsement … wonder if that’ll help

This is what you might call "very poor" timing.

Accused of being out of touch with plain folks and insensitive to the "very poor," Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney on Thursday embraced an endorsement from America's Mr. Everyman, real estate mogul and TV show celebrity Donald Trump.

Romney this week courted controversy following his Florida primary win when he told CNN, "I'm not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it." Romney said he was more concerned about the middle class.

But the line has fed the perception in the press, stoked by the Democrats, that Romney doesn't much relate to the poor and working class.

Trump's endorsement arrived ahead of Saturday's GOP presidential caucuses in Nevada, where the latest Las Vegas Review-Journal poll indicates Romney probably will roll to an easy victory. The official announcement was made at Trump International Hotel, another glittering symbol that we're all in this together, whether you're a billionaire or merely a millionaire.

The announcement cleared up confusion over just which candidate Trump would endorse. Some news outlets first reported The Donald would give his seal of approval to Newt Gingrich. That turned out to be as empty as Trump's own presidential campaign, which drew a big crowd last year at Treasure Island. Back then, Trump's expletive-laced speech proved he wasn't a serious contender for anything outside the reality TV ratings, but the crowd ate up his jingoistic rhetoric in big bites.

Today's question is, does Trump's endorsement boost Romney even in Nevada, where he apparently doesn't need the help?

After noting The Donald had a 64 percent unfavorable rating when he exited the GOP presidential circus last year, CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked a similar question of Trump on Thursday.

"I guess it's going to help him," Trump said. "Everybody wants it."

XTREME NEWT: Former House Speaker Gingrich filled his morning with a stump speech at Don Ahern's Xtreme Manufacturing on Bonanza Road and a Hispanic business roundtable at Mundo restaurant in the World Market Center.

In December, Ahern Rentals filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with approximately $620 million in funded debt. Xtreme, meanwhile, continues to turn out heavy equipment.

Ahern employees stood with Gingrich supporters to fill the main floor of the plant, which produces supersized forklifts and portable steel buildings.

"It's not just what he says currently," Gingrich stalwart David Spencer said. "It's what he's done in the past. He's got credibility that no other presidential candidate has, in my opinion."

SUPER BETS: Legendary sports bettor Lem Banker, who goes so far back that he's rumored to have actually raised the first pig used as a pigskin, likes the Patriots and the under in Super Bowl XLVI.

I'm not saying Lem is old, but I hear he bet a bundle on Lincoln in the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Meanwhile, handicapper Chris Jordan likes the under
1:35 for Kelly Clarkson's time to complete the national anthem. Yes, you can bet on just about everything in the Super Bowl.

THE RACE: If the thought of the GOP caucus makes you want to run away, or even walk way at a brisk pace, then you'll want to participate in Kendall Tenney's 11th annual Run for a Wish on Saturday morning at Town Center. With proceeds benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation, the 1-mile walk and 5K race are 99 percent free of speeches. Best of all, you can sign up on Saturday morning, and no one will ask your political affiliation.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Gingrich was scheduled to stay at the incredible horse ranch and home of longtime Las Vegas contractor Tommy Ford and wife, Judy. ... Speaking of homes, casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson's new palace is under construction and appears to be by far the largest structure inside the sparkling Tournament Hills neighborhood.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.