George Pataki thinks he should run for president

In the time-honored tradition of creating buzz about oneself, former New York Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday told the Fiscal Times he may be "compelled" to consider running for president.

The Republican, who told the world in April he would not run for president, said Wednesday he'll "certainly feel compelled to take a look" at a presidential bid if no candidate offers a serious deficit-reduction plan and also possesses the ability to beat President Obama.

Pataki said he has yet to hear any of the potential candidates "outline a strong, comprehensive approach" and lamented Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' decision to rule out a presidential bid.

Back in April, we reported on Pataki's announcement that he had decided against running for president in 2012. At that time, he declared the formation of an advocacy group called "No American Debt" to put pressure on the 2012 field to produce effective plans to reduce the federal deficit.

But it appears after last night's interview that personal threats will also be employed.

(Photo of Pataki: Peter Foley-Pool/Getty Images)