Rupert Murdoch Weighs in on Potential Mitt Romney 2016 Run: ‘Terrible Candidate’

News Corp CEO offers his take on 2016, says not to “write off” Chris Christie

Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch gave his thoughts on the potential Republican field of presidential candidates for 2016 on Wednesday night, and pulled no punches regarding who should stay out of the race.

“I rather agree with the [Wall Street] Journal this morning, which sort of lacerated [Mitt] Romney,” Murdoch said in an interview with Fox News contributor Judith Miller regarding a Wall Street Journal story on Romney potentially running for president for a third time. “He had his chance, he mishandled it, you know? I thought Romney was a terrible candidate.”

Murdoch went on to criticize Romney for using money to get ahead during the 2012 race while not shedding the appearance he was “super rich.”

The News Corp chairman hinted at candidates he might support: “I like Jeb Bush very much,” he said, while noting he doesn’t have a clear favorite yet.

He also heaped praise on a potential Republican candidate, offering a non-traditional view.

“I personally like Rand Paul very much and I am very impressed by his brain,” Murdoch said. He also expressed issues with Paul’s foreign policy views — which call for less war and America pulling out of many countries it still has troops in — but all in all, the media mogul suggested more voices make for a better campaign.

“I think he will do well enough to move the debate,” Murdoch said, before adding that he doubts Paul will win.

And as for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes reportedly lobbied to run against President Obama in 2012, Murdoch suggested not to rule him out.

“I wouldn’t write off Chris Christie at all…. We will just see how he handles himself.”

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