By Donald J. Trump, a real estate developer in New York.

L et's cut to the chase. Yes, I am considering a run for president. The reason has nothing to do with vanity, as some have suggested, nor do I merely wish to block other candidates. I will only run if I become convinced I can win, a decision I will make later this year. Two things are certain at this point, however: I believe nonpoliticians represent the wave of the future, and if elected I would make the kind of president America needs in the new millennium.

Unlike candidates from the two major parties, my candidacy would not represent an exercise in career advancement. I am not a political pro trying to top off his résumé. I am considering a run only because I am convinced the major parties have lost their way. The Republicans are captives of their right wing. The Democrats are captives of their left wing. I don't hear anyone speaking for the working men and women in the center.

After New York City had spent $20 million and seven years trying to fix the Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park, I stepped in and did the job in three months for $1.4 million. People urged me to run for mayor because they saw I could get things done. A few years later, New York Republicans urged me to run against Gov. Mario Cuomo. Both times, I appreciated the faith shown in my abilities, but I declined.

Why am I now considering a presidential bid? First, Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has strongly encouraged me to seek the nomination, and I highly respect Jesse as the embodiment of the political qualities America needs and voters reward. Given the choice between yet another slate of stale political professionals and Jesse's common-sense principles and straight talk, it was no contest. He has convinced me that we need this combination in the White House.