Former Congressman Allen West, a favorite of conservatives and the tea party movement, set off a wave of speculation when he appeared on Sean Hannitys radio show Tuesday and indicated in obvious fashion he is open to running for president in 2016.
Weighing in on national affairs on Hannitys show, the former Florida congressman ripped into President Barack Obamas leadership, wasting no time getting straight to the subject.
I dont think we should ever elect someone who wants to be president, West told Hannity and his listeners. We should elect someone who is called to be president.
After losing his congressional seat to Democrat Patrick Murphy in November, West has certainly been sending up trial balloons about running for the nation's highest office or something close to it -- as long as the timing is right. Last week West said he has no intention of running for office in 2014, but is certainly open to making a political comeback in 2016.
As he ponders his options and a possible presidential bid, West will be able to remain in the national spotlight on a number of levels, including gearing up for a book tour.
West took to Facebook on Tuesday morning and informed his followers that he had finished writing a book. We now move into the editing phase, which we have been doing chapter by chapter as I completed writing, West wrote. The book will present my thoughts as a man, a warrior, my political philosophy, being a black conservative, and my vision for the republic as an American statesman.
West could not resist a shot at Obama. The prankster in me thought about naming the book, Dreams from my American Father' but you all will just have to wait for official release from our publisher.
There are other platforms for West to use as he looks to remain on the political stage. He appeared on CSPANs Washington Journal" Wednesday morning. On Monday he spoke at conservative Kings College in New York. And last month he announced he will be a contributor for Fox News. West remains active with PJ Media as well.
With all of these platforms and media vehicles, West is able to stay active as he ponders his next option. Despite his loss to Murphy, it appears increasingly likely that his next campaign could be for the White House.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this story exclusively for Sunshine State News.
