Stephen Dinan The Washington Times - September 18, 2008, 12:30AM

Wednesday night Donald Trump endorsed John McCain on CNN’s Larry King Live. It seemed to be a surprise, even to Trump.

Here’s the transcript, as provided by CNN:

SEE RELATED:

KING- “Have you formally endorsed the ticket?”

TRUMP- “No but I’m endorsing McCain. I am basically, very strongly…  You have to understand I know him, I like him, I respect him.”

KING- “So you are endorsing him?”

TRUMP-  “He’s a smart guy and I think he’s gonna be a great president.”

KING-  “So you are endorsing him?”

TRUMP- “Sure. I’ll endorse him on your show. Why not!”

KING-  “You just endorsed him.”

TRUMP- “I endorsed him.”

— Stephen Dinan, national political correspondent, The Washington Times