ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates on Tuesday ruled out running for office, choosing not to join the parade of rich businessmen who have tried their hand at politics.
Asked at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit about running for president, he said his current job with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was "a very nice office" and that it didn’t require him to raise funds to "try to get elected," nor does it "have term limits of eight years," as do some elected American offices.
"I decided the philanthropic role is where my contribution would be more unique, and so that is what I will work on the rest of my life," Gates said. "I actually think, maybe I’m wrong, that I can have as much impact in that role as I could in any political role. In any case, I would never run for political office."
Gates said he would be happy to offer the U.S. president his advice.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who ran the private equity firm Bain Capital, is the latest wealthy business figure to enter the political ring. Among those who preceded him were 1992 presidential candidate Ross Perot and former eBay Inc. chief executive Meg Whitman, who spent $142 million in her losing 2010 effort to become California’s governor.
Gates devoted much of his speech to charitable causes and his foundation, especially its work toward eradicating polio from the three countries where it is still found -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
"It’s the top priority of our foundation. We are convinced that ending polio is achievable and will bring lasting success," Gates said. "It will lay the foundation for a better public health system for children in the poorest and most remote places."
