LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney Thursday, standing next to the candidate and his wife in the Trump International Hotel here.
"It's my honor and privilege to endorse Mitt Romney," said Trump, who praised the Republican frontrunner as "tough," "sharp," and "smart."
After Trump's endorsement, Romney gave vey brief remarks, offering a subtle nod to the strangeness of the spectacle: "There are some things you just can't imagine happening in your life. This is one of them."
The candidate went on to compliment Trump's "extraordinary ability to understand how our economy works," drawing a parellel to himself--but not without hedging.
"I spent my life in the private sector. Not quite as successful as this guy," he said, prompting laughter from the audience. "But successful nonetheless."
The event was notable for its brevity; the entire ceremony lasted only five minutes and Romney didn't take questions after. The campaign's traveling press corps was whisked away quickly to catch a plane to Reno, where the candidate has his next event.