I think it dangerous an unenlightened to disparage Trump’s theoretical basis for his economic actions just because Trump is dangerous and unenlightened. It is no bad thing to return decent jobs with prospects to America; Trump is just not the man to do it. Neither is it a bad thing for most broken western economies to follow suit. We, however, need philosophers not fascists at the helm.
Investment in civil society is a necessity going forwards, economies need to return dignity to the masses who strive to make minimum wage or, if more fortunate, a mortgage or car payment. The best way to do this is not through wage increases per se because these will only drive inflation. Rather, eliminate the need for debt incurred by education or healthcare, expand and invest in free public infrastructure such as transportation. Obama had yes we can as a motto, and that needs to be a current rallying cry. Wisdom and compassion will make Trump and his ilk irrelevant.
1
Bloomberg used to be a Republican. Unlike most commenters here I would not want our country to be 100% Democrats. A one-party country is not a healthy one. But Bloomberg was always an independent thinker and a moderate, even when aligned with the GOP. As such, he represented what we should *really* aim for today: a return to the middle by both parties, and the election of more moderate, sane Republicans - a la Susan Collins of Maine. Pouring millions into Democratic candidates’ coffers will not get us there.
1
We'll see your Koch brothers and raise you a Bloomberg. Totally bummed big money is what decides elections, but until that changes (never given the moral compasses of our "elected" officials), I'm glad there's more billionaires on the sensible side throwing their pocket millions into the game.
1
Hillary spent almost twice as much as Trump in 2016. this money race thing is just lazy horse race calling by the media. Bloomberg has already added a string, Pelosi must go.
1
The fact that one cent, or should I say one "pence", needs to be spent to convince Americans to reject Republicans and vote Democratic this and all future Novembers to come glaringly points out the sheer ignorance of the American electorate.
Let's see just how deplorable the poorly educated American voter is. Come November let's see who puts their vote where their mouth is. Tis' the tasting of the pudding in November that will show US and The World just how smart or stupid Americans are. Get your tasting spoons ready.
DD
Manhattan
9
80 million against the Kochs' (et al) billions? Meh.
Kind of a shame. This is the guy who once had the instinct to truly shake up our politics. Now he's content to simply flip us back to the other side of the status quo.
1
Give me a break. President Trump and the Republican Party are complicit in tearing apart the fabric of this great nation. I, and everyone I speak to, Democrat and Republican alike, are frightened and repulsed by the behavior of our leaders. We need a check on this administration, and taking the House back would be a start. Its not about rich white folks, its about the bar in this country being lowered to the lease common denominator, where truth does not matter, where lies are told daily, where acts of cruelty begin each day. Its time for checks and balances. Thank-you Mr. Bloomberg!
13
How fortunate for the people of Minnesota, LA, Philly and Miami that their elections will be "influenced" by a New York billionaire.
On the flip side, we have the Koch brothers and Sheldon Adelson who get to pick republican candidates they support.
Funny how if you're a Russian billionaire who decides who runs government you're an "oligarch," a clearly pejorative term with sinister undertones, but if you're an American billionaire who buys elections you're "politically influential".
That's what the founders had in mind when they rebelled against a monarchy - a system of wealth, class and privilege; a rich guy who doesn't live in your state/city/district gets to pick and fund who will be your representative in Washington?
Who needs lords and ladies! We got us our own oligarchs! We got Bloombergs and Kochs and Soros and Waltons and Bezos and Clintons and Gates and Adelsons and all the rest o' them good old fashioned 'merkin oligarchs.
That there's dee-mock-ra-ceee!
3
If Bloomberg wants to help fight Trumpian GOP fascism, all the better for America.
6
Wonderful news.
With the House of Representatives wrested away from the weak, ineffectual and morally bankrupt republican party, Americans can begin to have some semblance of trust in the Government.
2
So now Trump bootstrapped his fortune himself, rather than conveniently inheriting a nice starting fortune from Daddy? That's the implication here. Why do you people at the Times keep sucking up to this goblin of a man? Is access really worth such sloppy, imprecise reporting that flatters the man?
And cheers to Bloomberg. The 1% run everything anyway, it's nice when the ones still with a working conscience and love of American ideals try to do some good.
1
Why, you may wonder why hypocritical mega mogul capitalist Bloomberg publicly/hides under the dark cloud of radical left ideology? He does it for the same reason as many others, i.e. Soros, et. al. He wishes to divert attention from his massive untold wealth, and to engage in time honored virtue signaling, a favorite ploy of the devious left. HI Midas like untold wealth is best obscured by engaging in redistributionist activities, as long as his money is exempt from same. A smart man, he is..
1
Ugh - just what we need. Another billionaire placing his corrupt hand on the ballot box. I thought we had enough of this when the Kochs were doing it.
Trump and his minions will have a field day with this disaster.
1
1) Where's the outcry from liberals about the rich buying elections?
2) If Mr. Bloomberg was a Republican the Times headline would have been: Billionaire Republican Businessman.....
3) The double standard here is obvious
1
I knew Mike when he was just a smart, anal germaphobe working from a glass-enclosed room with Hepa filters. Happy he made some money and did a good job of running NYC. Equally glad, given his screwy current politics that he's going to be wasting $80 million.
Finally!
The BEST democracy money can buy!
2
Such democratic cynicism in the comments. I say, Thank you to Michael Bloomberg and Soros and anyone else who can help us return to our American values and throw this certifiably insane man out of the White House -- and the weirdo alt-right anti-government Republicans out of Congress. When I was young we learned we had a Government OF the people and FOR the people, and not that Government was bad.
18
Bravo for any citizen exercising his rights. Just keep in mind that until Clinton raised 3 times the amount of the winner Democrats were rabid for campaign dollar limits, which would have made the 80 million illegal. Thanks NYT for the usual double standard.
3
@Obum
So, the law has changed, but you'd have the Democratic Party adhere to the OLD law, because it suits YOUR purposes?
It is you, sir, who has a double standard.
2
Michael Bloomberg is an independent? Really? I stopped reading. He is a liberal and supports liberal policies. The attempt to mainstream him was truly pathetic.
7
I live in NYC and yes he is an independent - oh and he also believes in democracy - unlike some in the White House, if that’s liberal, I’m with Mike!
4
Great, just what we need. Hillary and neo-liberalism reheated. Now progressives Dems will have to fight off Bloomberg in the shape of the National Dems AND Republicans . . .
2
What's the difference between Bloomberg and the Koch brothers? One is praised the other reviled...some rich white folks are bad others giving money to Democrats are good?
6
@Lane
Bloomberg works in the open, with others to come to a common ground to solve problems.
Koch Brothers? Work in secret, lining their own pockets while doing everything they can to deny the right to vote for anyone who's not White.
4
Bloomberg isn't trying to cut children's health care or food stamps.
5
Who said that? More worrisome is good qualified progressive Dem candidates now having to fight on 2 fronts where a progressive Dem could have a chance if the Dem establishment got out of the way.
I support you fully Michael Bloomberg.
5
If Koch brothers spend their money, it is bad, but Bloomberg spends his money in support of Democrats it is good. Why the liberals say so?
4
Save us from billionaire saviors.
2
I hope some of that money is sent here to Eastern Washington to defeat Cathy McMorris Rodgers in Washington's Fifth District. McMorris Rodgers is part of tge Republican leadership. For the first time in a long whike there is a strong opponent who is challenging her. Lisa Brown is a former state senator and university chancellor, She is also an economist.
Flipping the fifth would better serve tge constituents in this district. CMR is receiving big money from Paul Ryan's PAC. Money from Blumenthal would ecen the playing field.
2
Yes, and that's a drop in the bucket. Republicans already have hundreds of millions from billionaires and foreign governments.
1
He joins Steyer as another billionaire bigwig looking to buy votes out of sheer spite that Trump is President and not him. I thought Democrats hated Citizens United? Anyway, there wasn't enough money in the world to elect Hillary. Lord knows she had a ton of it.
4
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. Any legal action that helps Dems take back the House and thereby lessen the damage Trump is able to inflict on our country and its citizens should be lauded.
5
The system is broken.
The money is changing the political scene while it should be the votes.
I detest Trump and his party- but Bloomberg pledge is part of this broken money based system.
In the past Bloomberg donated millions to oppose a pro public schools-school board candidate in Los Angeles - just so charter movement gets a foothold. were Bloomberg children EVER in a public school system which is the reality - and only reality - for millions of families?!
I do not want to vote for super-rich any more, I do not want their money to alter elections.
P.S. It is not a glass ceiling between super rich and others- it is 5' of dirt.
2
I wish he'd invest all that money in running himself. He was a great mayor, and would've made a great president.
7
Thank you Mr Bloomberg. Now if we can convince Jeff Bezos to buy up all of Trump's debt to the Russians, we'll be in great shape.
7
God bless Mr. Bloomberg. Any option other than a Party that is now openly embracing the practice of fascism is a welcome development. But the Democratic Party? How will he react when he discover that he has flushed $80 million down a drain of fecklessness.
The Republican Party routinely and baldly lies about Democratic Party policy and past practice. How do I know this? I read the papers, but I hear nothing from the leadership of a party that has become so pathetic that it deserves to break camp, take down its tent and slither in supine shame into the wilderness.
Use the money to start a new party, Mr. Bloomberg.
6
This is just going to create an arm$ race as all of the billionaires will open their checkbooks. Need public funding of elections AND term limits.
1
I would like this sort of money driven control of the political discourse to be illegal. Since it isn't, this is the best we can likely hope for.
3
Wouldn’t’t it be a lot more useful if we let our oligarchs bid on candidates and the high bidder could simply chose our already beholden representatives. This would eliminate messy,expensive and often pointless elections. Since we have constructed a system in which representatives choose their electorate this isn't much different. Oligarchs would choose their guy or gal and would pay for them just like now but instead of money used to fund pointless campaigns, since most districts are not competitive, the money that is bid could be used to fund something usefu.
2
We don’t have oligarchs. Oligarchs are oil, gun runners and mass killing weapons and murder fortunes.
As a former moderate Republican I now fully support the Democrats in taking back the House and hopefully the Senate. As Mr. Bloomberg says "The Republicans have failed miserably to show they govern responsibly." Mr. Bloomberberg, please support Abigail Spanberger (D) in the VA 7th District to unseat Dave Brat (R). Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
5
This story is a little glimmer of hope in these dark dark days of political outrage. Thank you Mr. Bloomberg.
4
I think this is great. At the same time, the US is becoming more of a plutocracy every day. Political office is for millionaires and up only. They will represent their own interests. The rest of us had better be happy blabbering on social networks and playing video games, as we will have no role in governance.
2
Almost as bad as the $10,000 the Kochs threw in to sway public opinion regarding a public transit initiative in TN.
Almost.
3
Until we ENACT new election rules that removes the influence of big money and levels the playing field, we Democrats must fight on the field of battle before us. We cannot afford to turn away money from wealthy donors who support us. We have to win control FIRST before change can happen, otherwise it's it's just wishful thinking.
13
In this country now, it's all about the billionaires. Money was never completely separate from politics, but we've moved (back?) to a system in which oligarchs face off against each other in a spend-off to get their ideological politician-figureheads elected. Buffet, Bloomberg, the Kochs, the Walton family, Gates, etc. Why is voter participation shrinking? Because by and large it's the oligarchs who have the power to influence gov't policy-making with their billions.
1
Bloomberg is a living Saint. Thanks for doing good in this crazy world. Help give us our sanity back.
11
So, “moderate” Democrats take millions from a billionaire with a social conscience that is developed enough to be bothered by the Republican Party’s stances on immigration (keep them out), the environment (global warming is a liberal creation) and gun control (guns don’t kill people), but has not yet found religion on the issue of our time: wealth and income inequality. Believe me, I am pleased that Mike Bloomberg has moved toward the progressive political agenda. I greatly appreciate his offer of financial support. I appreciate his credibility and great voice even more. However, I am disappointed that such a decent and intelligent politician appears to be fine with this outrageously unfair economy. Mr. Bloomberg, trickle-down economics has not led to broad economic prosperity for most working Americans in the middle and lower classes. It has led to the greatest wealth and income disparity the world has ever known, the shrinkage of the once great and expanding American middle class, the stagnation of American wages, the explosion of low wage jobs and a host of socioeconomic problems, including the ones you care so much about. I’m going to do everything I can to persuade you to get on the economic justice train because we need you.
7
I hope liberal democrats everywhere keep supporting sanctuary cities and illegal immigrant "rights" over that of American citizens. Like the "boo hoo" video of the apprehension of the Honduras fellow who was arrested for illegal entry 5 times and drug distribution. I'm supposed to feel sorry for him?? Above all this is a law abiding country and there will be a backlash against those that support ignoring laws or selective enforcement. And as usual the myopic press will get the political calls wrong again like they did in the last presidential election. $80M will amount to nothing in a nationwide set of local races.
2
There is no disagreement about the fact that money is important in politics. The Koch brothers and their cohorts injected $887 billion into the 2016 election cycle.
An examination of why money is important is over due and the electronic news media can not be expected to fairly participate in the examination because they are the main beneficiaries of the political "money tree". And the fact that they have not examined the issue at all is an indication that they would rather not prune the tree. There is no other game in town, and that means that it is past time for Buffet, Gates and any other enlightened and anti-Trump; anti dictatorship billionaires to step up.
5
I hope Mr. Bloomberg will spend all of his money to flip the house for Democrats. It won't happen and he will go away.
1
All hands on deck! As much as I abhor Citizens United, we are in a battle between democracy and fascism. We have to survive the seas we are in. Liberals do not have the luxury of railing against a system of billionaire v. billionaire in this moment of minority rule. Our opinions on policy and law are just screaming at the wind, if we have no power.
1
You toss around the charges of "fascism" while demanding power at any price and without interruption.
What a joke. Uber Hypocrite.
The BEST use of his money would be to buy Fox News. He could merge it into Bloomberg TV and impose some reality to its reporting. Everything else is nice, but it’s just a bandaid.
2
What would be the highest individual and corporate tax rate if all social issues suddenly disappeared?
Most of the GOP big money donors don't give a darn about school prayer, ten commandment displays, gays, guns, or flag pins, and corporations have no objection to the cheap immigrant labor that they profit from; a divided American electorate is the objective.
The last thing they want are Americans voting in their own economic interest above all other issues.
Division of the electorate serves to keep the powerful in power and the fearful GOP base can be relied upon to produce the light weight candidates that the American plutocracy needs. Candidates who claim divine inspiration, divine communication, and that they are "chosen". Good thing that at least half of America knows who really chose them. And good thing that at least some of the billionaire class are finally stepping up.
Sawing off the fearful wingnuts who live in Fox's fantasy world would greatly benefit America.
2
Mr. Bloomberg, who successfully governed New York City, as a moderate Independent mayor, should be careful what he wishes for in wanting to flip the House in favor of the Democrats because he help elect progressive, permissive liberal candidates. Such candidates, if elected may push the liberal envelope beyond what even Mr. Bloomberg can tolerate. From the article, it seems that his focus will be urban districts, which from their elitist perspective will most likely favor the progressive, permissive, might I say, promiscuous candidates. Election of these individuals would be disastrous for the nation since America has made such progress since the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as president. I am though heartened by the unlikelihood Mr. Bloomberg will not “get involved in rural, conservative-leaning districts where his views on guns and other issues could stir an uproar.” It is just well enough that he does not meddle in rural politics because rural America, in which the values of family, fidelity, and faith stand above all else, elected Donald J. Trump, the scion of New York, the President of the United States. Thank you.
2
Other millionaires & billionaires, well-funded foundations & philanthropic groups- whose wealth is reflective of the benefits of laws & values at! America's core- need to step up.
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am for myself only, what am I?
if not now, when?"
Now.
1
Bloomberg was born in Brighton and lived in Allston and Medford. That's all basically like Prospect Heights. He made his fortune. Critics say he can't understand the common man. He was born the common man. He went to JHU, which a terrific school, but located the bad part of Baltimore. This guy was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He's just smarter than everybody else.
13
Mr Bloomberg, please do not try to keep the Democratic Party in it's current Republican Lite mode. That would start with Mr Crowley - a Corporate Democrat supposedly representing a NYC district who lives in Virginia.
2
So does this mean he's running in 2020?
1
no. It means he is concerned now, as we go rapidly to hell in a handbasket. He knows reality on climate change, and that machines for killing people at a distance result in people being killed.
1
Along with other billionaires (think Zuckerberg, Cuban, etc.), Mr. Bloomberg is green with envy -" why Trump and why not me?" Check it out Bloomie, waste your money.
6
Hardly. Bloomberg knew Trump in NYC.
Trump was known to actual billionaires as a guy who was not an actual billionaire but lied about it.
He was known as a guy you would not do business with because he doesn't pay his bills and he scams his business partners.
2
Putting aside the fact that Trump couldn't shine Bloomberg's shoes, Bloomberg is spending his fortune to save our democracy from Trumpism. Soon the other real patriots will join him. Trump is toast.
Money does not make much of a difference just ask President Hillary. Bloomberg should run for presidents as a Dem. thus blocking another guaranteed looser such as Hillary on her third wipe out or Warren or Biden or Sanders or Harris or stab 'em the back Gillibrand, etc...
2
Money is not the solution to Democratic success over an ideological epiphany the party so desperately needs. It has to stop being the party of effete liberalism and become once more the party of the working stiff, representing the core of stalwart American economic strength: the working and middle classes. Protecting a repugnant status quo of liberalised elitism will not remove Trump from office let alone lift the United States back to where it once was.
3
It already does but because we fight for equality of all workers.
Hillary spent double what Trump spent. If advertising money was all that counted, we would all be drinking Budweiser or Coca Cola, eating at McDonalds or Papa Johns, and filling up on Doritos and Snickers bars. In politics, money creates a stench.
I always wish that he had run against Trump rather than Hillary.
1
TV commercials, pop-up ads on websites, and robocalls? Most folks are immune to these. Better off donating that money to the poor, Mike.
6
'cause that certainly worked for the Republicans.
1
Thank you Michael!
9
Didn't Hillary outspend Trump 2 to 1?
How'd that work out?
2
Mr. Bloomberg, you were the topic of discussion and cheer at our Indivisible92116 meeting last night. We celebrate you! Now, back to registering voters, making phone calls, and studying the candidates and what is happening while Trump and the mob distract us. Vote Democratic in November! Let's end this mess...
5
Please run for President. We will need someone like you to fix the mess. Regardless, thank you!
Voting-age Americans are no longer persuadable. 99% of voters won't change their party preference despite all the advertising in the world. They will just be turned into extremists.
What money CAN do, however, is deliver voters to the polls. If this money simply tries to turn out Democrat-leaning voters, it is money well spent, and it will change election results. Politicians have to do their part by appealing to their own supporters, rather than mollifying the other guy's voters.
If the money goes for just another television ad or piece of junk mail, it is wasted.
4
Please run for President, Mayor Bloomberg!!!!
2
Because these people realize that their wealth means nothing, the US means nothing with people like Trump in charge. This is not the USA. This is twisted and sick version of the opposite.
3
I LOVE him and I am a BLACK WOMAN. Go Bloomberg, make that change!
1
This is yhe guy who should lead this nation.
7
There is only one billionaire in this world who can influence elections. And he does not live in New York, but in Moscow.
Proven stategy, much cheeper that 80 million. Just a troll factory and a gullible audiance.
4
to Paul B: you say "much cheeper that 80 million. Just a troll factory and a gullible audiance."
Add to it: an audience that was and is created by an over-funded public school system and a Hollywood-NYT-media complex which does anything but educate its victims.
1
What a waste of $80 million dollars. Bloomberg should know that money does not guarantee votes. If it were so Hillary Clinton would have won after spending one billion dollars.(which was really an outrage). Democrats are a sad bunch. Thank god Trump is in office. He has his faults but he is the right man at this time for the job. MAGA.
1
If America needs $80 million from one person to help elect one party it is no longer a real democracy, to the real democracies of the world America is a gerrymandered oligarchy that with the 40% republican lumpen proletariat is able to elect the republican crazies and the worst president in American history and there have been a lot of them.
1
We need someone to balance the $$$$ the Kochs spend.
4
Republicans have shown their true colors by how they treat people who are not white and rich. The Republican Party is the party of the deplorables. They are child abusers and family destroyers and racists. The only thing they stand for is tax cuts for the rich. How have we let this party of deplorables take over our country? Vote every election! Don't take any election for granted! Democracy is too fragile and too precious to lose!
3
Horrors - A billionaire buying political clout! Oh wait - he’s a democrat, whew. Where’s the outrage here?
If he was a Koch, Uihlein (see article NYT did several weeks ago) or a conservative, he would have been raked over the coals.
Instead Bloomberg gets an “attaboy”. The hypocrisy here is crazy.
4
It's not hypocrisy. There is a need to limit money in politics, but, as long as there is no limit, whoever doesn't play the game will automatically lose. Should we just hand over the government to the Republicans because they removed such restrictions? Let them buy our democracy forever?
Nearly as crazy as the hypocrisy of the GOP and their dictator in chief, the Donald.
It's unfortunate that this is the game we play. Mr. Bloomberg is serving his country well with this generous gift and I appreciate his moderate voice.
9
Yes, I agree. It is very sad when we must rely on
millions if dollars of ads to convince voters how disastrous
our country under Trump is. I mean, really? Have they no
brain or standards?!
1
money matters, because people are led by advertising. money couldn't influence politics, if people voted based on knowledge of the candidates and their platforms/voting histories. Campaigning should be irrelevant. TV ads should be irrelevant. One should vote based on the political views and past decisions of the candidates. If TV ads an campaigning were banned, money would have no influence.
this is not good news. the american people continue to hand the welfare of this country over to billionaires with national agendas, as if the races are the finish line. they are not. they are just races on a treadmill.
nothing is sadder than listening to commentary on the news shows about the separated children and hearing some moron pundit say "it won't play well in november."
I would rather see bloomberg donate $80 million to fix the education system that he couldn't fix while mayor.
1
how will money fix education? I think that's a fallacy. one of the best prep schools in Boston is Commonwealth. As far as I know, it has no campus. What it has are
1) supremely well-educated teachers
2) small classes
3) students who got almost perfect test scores
Money has no impact on 3) and not much impact on 1).
Hmmmm, let’s follow the money in your example:
Commonwealth as a private school, putting it out of reach for most families. Money, in the form of tuition paying families and financial aid donations, matters.
Commonwealth was established by the son of Merrill Lynch’ founder. Lots of money. It mattered.
Student test scores are highly correlated with family income. There are infinite studies demonstrating this link. Here is one: https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2015/04/17/MIT-study-links-family-incom.... Money matters, because it affords a stable home, educated parents, time for parents to read to their children, proper nutrition and access to healthcare, etc.
Rich guy, please take your head out of the sand and develop some empathy for those born with much less than you.
2
And parents who put a great emphasis on education.
3
Leftist elitists will never learn. It’s not your money that wins elections...it’s your policies.
And leftists’s policies stink, the American people know this.
2
Bloomberg is a Republican moderate There’s no smell test for Trump, GOP, NRA, oligarch money laundering crimes against America money flowing through the GOP.
4
Mike Bloomberg was the best mayor NYC ever had, and I wish to God that he was now President of United States.
Any candidate he supports, you can be assured, will be an honorable, highly qualified individual.
Well, maybe 30% do.
Bravo Zulu, Mr. Bloomberg. Please back McGrath-KY, Sherrill-NJ and Luria-VA. All Democrats. All USNA grads and all women who will restore the nation to honor again.
4
Steve Schmidt and Michael Bloomberg recognize that brand matters.
What was the GOP is now the TP. Guess what the "T" stands for.
A) Terrible B) Terrorist C) Tempestuous D)sTupid E) Trump
5
Republican Representative Chris Collins of Buffalo NY before his tax scam vote:
“ my donors said get something passed or no $”
Who votes in the election Chris? Kiss your seat goodbye as well as those con artists who don’t even pretend to represent their CONSTITUENTS . Those that voted to rip away babies from parents, take away health care ( pre existing conditions) and put money in their donors’ pockets not their constituents. Not to say those who foster hate, antiIslam anti Semitism, child abuse, sexual harassment ,racism,........
Thank you Michael Bloomberg for standing up for the Constitution with your hard earned wealth. Americans, real Americans truly appreciate your actions.
2
Thank you Mike! It’s nice to know and a comfort that there are the Michael Bloomberg’s out there. Not just the Koch brothers. The 2018 midterms will be as critical as the 1932 election. Trow da bums out!
6
When Bloomberg attempts to buy an election, it is "Thank you, sir", it is "philanthropy".
Classic NYT hypocrisy.
2
Mr. Bloomberg continued: “Republicans in Congress have had almost two years to prove they could govern responsibly. They failed.” The evidence is clear; the Republicans are not a governing party- they are a collection of factions. But the factions will hardly speak with the minority party to lead the nation.
1
As much as I would like to see Trump defanged by Democrats taking control of the House, I don’t like seeing our political landscape manipulated by a handful of billionaires - whether they be Bloomberg or the Koch brothers. We are long overdue for campaign finance reform and the end to the super PACS.
5
Bloomberg seems like good news. But i cannot avoid a nagging thought I have had since the fall of 2016...(The Fall of 2016...is that when sane democracy fell too far to come back?? Hah.)
That the Obamas need to gather their selves and do everything they can to avoid letting things slide further out of control.
And the Clintons - by getting out of the limelight!! As husband of a vocal H16 warrior who would not back down....my opinion is that the best thing the Clintons could do for the rest of us is to move aside.
So - what's the point? Use the Bloomberg news as a template to copy with other noteworthy people like him.
Obamas in particular should wake up every morning with the bad taste of 2016 in their mouths, realize that they did NOT do all they could to advance the better causes, and fix that.
Here in Wyoming it is so scary if you are not seriously right leaning. It is a boil on the skin of America that is collecting the inflammation of the nation. The average voter - and over 70% went for Trump - has doubled their efforts to prove that Climate Change is a hoax, that Guns are great, and that Coal is coming back. It's real here.
We are looking at Foster Freiss for governor, Liz Cheney for Congress or more, the list goes one. The Liberty group (see the activities of Ms. Gore...).
And our paltry population size makes our vote outsized.
So it is a fight worth picking for Bloomberg, et al.
So it's worth it for Bloomberg
Billionaires and Hollywood celebrities destroyed the Democratic Party. When the party danced only to the tune of these elites, most voters left. Billionaires and Hollywood celebrities have their own esoteric agendas and little concern for how everyday people live their lives. They use their money and celebrity to gain status and clout and crowd everybody else out. Bloomberg is concerned about the environment but flies his private jet to his weekend retreat in the islands. He pours $80 million into politics, not because he’s concerned about ordinary people, but because he wants to be a king maker, the power behind the thrown, the ultimate insider, and somebody who gets valuable favors from government. He and his ilk captured the Democratic Party, stifled all other voices and ultimately suffocated the Democrats.
5
Despite the best efforts of many, the billionaire class has taken over the American political system.
And because right wingers, like the Kochs, Adelson, Mercers, etc., have been very effective at using the GOP as an extension of their businesses, the time has come for the remainder who recognise the slide America is making into dictatorship to step up.
2
While I like the idea of Bloomberg helping the Dems take the house in November I dislike the idea of billionaires/oligarchs playing such an influential role in our elections - they wield too much power over too many peoples lives outside of politics as it is. With their involvement in politics it just increases the power they wield over our lives - and some of them are just plain whacky with beliefs to match. And, as we've recently come to learn through the current immigration debacle others can be heartless and unethical people without morals - with policies to match that their politically appointed incompetent minions put into effect - poorly.
It really is time to remove the money influence of the wealthy on our politic election processes. Let them use their money for philanthropic causes like the Gates family and others do.
2
Thumbs up to Bloomberg. I only wish I had more thumbs...
2
Once again, two articles, same subject, very different headlines. Bloomberg - one individual - 'will spend to flip the House for the Democrats' which sounds positive and the article on the Trump hotel filled with conservatives 'awash with cash' sounds dirty.
Both are examples of using resources in a democratic society and both should be treated equally, no matter what the bias of the Times.
5
This article is like a light shining into a dark America. It improves our daily morale to see that a concerned citizen, an ex-Mayor of New York who was amazingly successful, is willing to put such resources into the need to re-balance Trump and his rubber-stamp Congress. If any message can be taken from this, it's that Bloomberg sees the Checks and Balances concept of the Constitution is at risk.
4
Now that Bloomberg is spending millions I will vote forever he says I should. It is such a relief that big money made up my mind for me.
2
Bravo! We need him now, more than ever.
1
No. This is and must be Partisan, Mr. Bloomberg. There is no longer a Republican Party nationally, and in most cases, locally. Steve Schmidt has it a lot more accurately than Michael Bloomberg's critique.
Currently the actual Republican Party is, in effect, the right wing of the Democratic Party. Let me explain: Climate Change is, of course, inarguable. We are heading for extinction level collapse. Its an emergency of the highest order. The Republicans have appallingly joined the climate "deniers".
No one should be as rich as Bloomberg, or Gates, or Zuckerberg etc. The fact that homeless populations are increasing in every city in this country is testament enough. We need free college education and free healthcare. And protection of the environment and a moon shot of climate change reversal. And gun control is supported almost 100% by Democrats, not Republicans.
That's partisan at this point Michael Bloomberg.
The "Republican Party" has collapsed into a vacuous, racist, greed oriented con machine devoted entirely to raping and pillaging the American public for the benefit of very rich men- like Michael Bloomberg. This very rich men are not better than you or I or the homeless man or woman living beneath a highway overpass. They are luckier in so many ways.
That's what this country is supposed to be about. Equity. Fairness. Tolerance. The Republican Party as it now stands is an abomination.
1
8 years of Obama and nothing was done to advance the hopes and dreams of black people beyond installing a symbol in the white house. 2 years of Trump and black unemployment hits an all time low. Democrats talk the talk of equality but never deliver.
1
Prior to the existence of Donald Trump in American politics, I strongly believed that the excessive role played by money in American politics was our country's most pressing political problem.
But this is the game we play.
And Democrats need to play to win.
I'm glad Bloomberg is stepping up to the plate.
9
Hopefully, Mr. Bloomberg will consider supporting Democrat Jan Schneider in Florida's 16th congressional district election.
Jan has the character, experience and forward-looking vision to help make a real difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.
4
And PLEASE run for President in 2020.
This country needs you.
Please.
11
Bloomberg as president would mark the end of democracy. New York City had 8 years in which its richest citizen was also the mayor. Would feel like the fall of Rome if Bloomberg, or Zuckerberg, or Bezos became president.
1
Wasn't the election of Trump (not by popular vote) already "the end of democracy"?
Smartest thing Bloomberg has ever done.
11
Maybe this will cause the Democrats to finally have some kind of message.The Dems have been as quiet as a Church Mouse since Trump took over The GOP. It is ironic that two former Democratics, Trump and Bloomberg, are now are 180 degrees out of phase Republicans.Trump has cowered The GOP so much that only departing Republicans have the nerve to tepidly resist him.Someone needs to stop Trump from using the Dems as his punching Bag.The only message the Left has is that they detest Trump.
2
"The Dems have been as quiet as a Church Mouse since Trump took over The GOP."
No, Democrats have NOT been quiet, but unless you follow closely you will not hear what they have to say as the media would rather spend the day blabbing about a Trump tweet than analyzing a policy proposal.
Here, for example, is the Democrats' description of their infrastructure proposal:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?440922-1/house-democrats-unveil-infrastruc...
(Many other policy presentations are available on C-Span)
Note that when Nancy Pelosi stood for 8 hours on the floor of the House to describe the inspiring achievements of Dreamers,
https://www.elitedaily.com/p/the-video-of-nancy-pelosis-dreamers-filibus...
rather than focus on the contributions to American communities by the Dreamers and their families, most of the media talked only about the fact that Pelosi had stood for 8 hours in high heels.
7
feed the poor in central america? no that makes too much sense
2
Good man! Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. Whatever it takes to help getting rid of the abomination in the White House is a great thing for the U.S.A.
13
For all of his money, it is nothing compared to the sheer power we have to ensure we are registered and ready to vote in November. Trump is spewing the racism believing that this will motivate his base and discourage his detractors. Time to prove him wrong. Vote people, vote vote vote vote.
19
Bloomberg is a rare guy... a decent human being with whom I have genuine disagreements, but still respect.
But he's still a billionaire with billionaire concerns.
He's left on all the issues that don't cost the .1 percent a dime.
On economics, however, he's just like all the rest of Democratic neo-liberals... defending Wall Street no matter their crimes, "pro-business" (which means anti-worker), paternalistic toward the poor, and motivated by noblesse oblige to help those who are too poor and foolish to stop themselves from buying a big gulp.
Bloomberg is, unfortunately, all that is wrong with Democrats.
3
Donut,
You seem to be saying that if a democrat is not a Socialist, the s/he's not a good democrat.
I live in TriBeCa. It's difficult not to see the revitalization of Lower Manhattan as a triumph. It's gorgeous down here. Brookfield Place is terrific. Almost everybody working the floor at Saks Men is black. Same with Paul Smith and half the staff at Ferragamo and Omega. What I see is stunning architecture, amazing boutiques, and employed African-Americans. That said, most of the black people are selling things. I don't see a whole lot of black people leaving Goldman and Citi. Indians and Asians, yes.
Your first three lines are right on the money. But then you veer off into an unfounded Bernie-like attack on Democrats. Did you not notice that President Obama spent eight years playing chicken with Republicans over tax rates on the 1%, that the Democrats passed a financial regulation bill Wall Street totally hated, and enacted the ACA, the most important pro-worker legislation since the 1960s? Yes, work to make the Democratic Party more responsive to regular people, but don't propagate the trope that Democrats are merely Republican-lite. That meme does more to suppress progressive votes than all the legal tricks Republicans concoct.
best news of my day!
10
Some one please tell me why Michael Bloomberg is not the sitting President of the United States right now.
8
5' 6" and Jewish. I say this as a man who is 5' 7" and Jewish.
Dear Seth,
We can only have one president at a time, but we can have many activist thinkers. Bloomberg can push winning ideas for the Democrats.
For example, how about pushing the need for TWO PARTIES to save democracy?
We have two hands, two feet, two eyes, etc. We need both. With two parties, we have perspective, balance, sanity.
With one party in power we have monarchy, bossism, stupidity, destruction.
We are not the United States of Trump!
We must have Democratic balance of power.
=================================
Use the "V" sign to push two party elections!
1
Because after being a terrific Mayor of NYC - he became preoccupied by Super-sized sugary drinks and lost his way...ditto for Obama and bathroom allocation....they lost sight of the bigger picture!! The Dems need leadership who have the 'vision thing.
Is Mr Bloomberg a Republican or a Democrat? He flip flops so much I can't tell.
My sense is that he's a democrat who is pro-Wall Street and pro-business. My impression is that on all social issues he's very liberal, but that he is in favor of giving tax breaks to corporations, because he believes in some version of trickle down economics.
4
He is a moderate. Aka a good thing
1
Perhaps his flip fopping has more to do with that of the parties themselves.
1
Trump didn’t “make” his fortune in developing New York real estate. He played with his fathers money there. He hasn’t had a successful real estate development in 20 years unless you count his bribery hotel and the safe spaces he creates for racists.
8
Yes, more accurate probably to say Trump made his fortune by laundering Russian money through New York real estate, after losing his inherited wealth in repeated bankruptcies,
9
Good to see the “Clinton by 12 percent” mob is still holding onto their delusions.
1
Reading these comments demonstrates the diversity of opinions among Democrats. We came together, even with many Republicans, over the immigrant Children's Concentration Camps. Let's find one common message we can agree on. It has to be "for" not "against"
4
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg.
14
It’s about time Koch Brothers got a worthy opponent.
17
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg!
10
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg.
10
"Michael Bloomberg Will Spend $80 Million on the Midterms. His Goal: Flip the House for the Democrats."
And to this I say Amen !!!!!
11
So the next time a Democrat talks about getting money out of politics....
2
Democrats repeatedly voted to overturn the Republicans' on the Supreme Court imposition of Citizens United.
but we don't disarm unilaterally.
5
Everything that the common man finds wrong, you couldn’t win with celebrities or the millions poured on . What makes you think all your money will help when the common man sees behind the curtain and knows your real intentions?
1
Gee Whiz, a politician who is truthful - a real oxymoron.
Problem is that both sides have issues with him because they are used to twisted truths they hear from their favorite party - which tend to be very irrational.
Thank You Mike Bloomberg
4
The Kochs whose family has a long history of ultra-right wing politics has pledged to spend more than $400 Million on the 2018 Midterm Elections. This is designed to protect the $900 the spent in 2016. These extremist corporatists have been trying to buy the US government for years under the disastrous Citizen United decision foisted on America by the Roberts Court majority.
We need the Bezos, Buffet, Gates, Soros, Bloomberg crowd to step up to the plate along with every citizen who can afford to donate even a few dollars to the cause of restoring our democracy until we can overturn Citizens United.
Donate, and work to get out the vote for those who oppose Trump and his cowardly Republican sycophants.
6
The real issue plaguing the Democrats is not a lack of money but a lack of understanding about why people either voted for Trump or sat home in 2016.
The current Times article, "Veterans Owe Thousands for Survivor Benefits. Why Can’t They Opt Out?" is very instructive in that regard. Take the V.A./D.O.D. dysfunction and multiply it a hundred times across the board of people's daily lives, and you begin to understand why, in 2016, so many Americans voted for "not more of the same", placing Trump in the White House, the fact that he had no understanding, ideas, empathy, or ability considered relatively unimportant. The "reasoning": if all the people with understanding, ideas, empathy, and ability had created such a mess, why not just give the opposite a try?
Unless those who consider Trump a disaster understand this, we will be stuck with the new "more-of-the-same" come this November and in 2020. Democrats, especially, need to stop expending energy blaming Comey, the Russians, the Kochs, and a dozen other things, instead focusing on convincing Obama/Trump voters and 2016 non-voters, that they have something to offer other than "not-Trump" and a replay of how things were before Trump was elected, something other than the pre-Trump "more-of-the-same."
How does the saying go: stupidity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result the next time. Unless the Democrats have something new to say, the result will be the same, Bloomberg's money notwithstanding.
3
Except Trump didn't win the popular vote.
1
Thanks Mike; we need more people like you willing to support centrist/left politicians.
5
Only $80 million? Out of $20+ BILLION??? The man has no guts for a grand vision. He should have run in 2016 and I would have voted for him. And he is running out of time.
A challenge for MB: Why not put your fortune behind a new PARTY? With candidates to vote FOR? Instead of against. That's what we need to reset the nation for the future.
3
This challenge is exactly the wrong approach. Mr. Bloomberg you are moving in the right direction.
Mr. Bloomberg, Andy Kim in NJ 3 is a keeper yo replace Tom MacArthur, who tried to sneak by a moderate” kill Obamacare repeal effort and was the ONLY GOP rep in NJ to vote FOR the team bill, which basically punishes NJ for bring liberal, having really good schools and charging higher taxes to fund them. Please consider giving to his campaign! Thanks.
3
Many people do NOT realize how we got here, which is that the Democratic leadership was, quoting noted research David Daley, guilty of "Unbelievable political incompetence" as to the waging of gerrymandering being done in 2010 to control all of govt. We have to overcome that incompetence and the best way is by telling them to move out.
Next, we need to make it clear to all the new billionaires that a healthy democracy made it possible for them to reach that status and that, under a Trump-Putin win, their riches of now would become as worthless as Confederate money. We need to get more sizeable injections of money in order to finance the fight ahead. the Univ of Mich has stated that it may take a 10% overall win by Dems to crack the GOP hold. That is a very high level, even with a Blue Wave.
Last, we must make a promise to all, that democracy will rule and not the fancy of those who own the airwaves. No more Fox and the like controlling 90% of the local media. If people only get one side of a story, they become robots against their own best interests.
1
"guilty of "Unbelievable political incompetence" as to the waging of gerrymandering being done in 2010 to control all of govt"
The problem was the Democratic voters who stayed home, handing all the levers of gerrymandering to the Republicans.
Democrats: get out and vote, every election, local, state, national, every time, every one.
2
Bloomberg has no scandals or corruption. He was 3 time mayor of New York. Too conservative for me but I feel clearly an honest businessman. He’s not a phony like Trump. His business success is clean and he is scandal free. Trump can’t say that. A real philanthropist who is also dedicated to saving the planet which is in peril. His exact quote about Trump “I’m from New York and I know a con when I see one.” His donation is tiny compared to the fat GOP money that fuels Trump, the GOP and NRA. The planets in peril while we are out of G7. You won’t be able to breathe or eat your 401k. Bloomberg’s a breath of fresh air.
7
Who ever thinks you need to remove all the billionaires from politics either forgot, or never learned, that this country was founded by a bunch of wealthy white property and business owners that also owned other human beings and didn't want to pay taxes.
If you understand that, you understand the game.
3
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. Thank you again.
6
If only all that money could be used to buy some ideas.
2
Bloomberg vs. Pence 2024 ?
Who would win?
1
Bloomberg....Pence is viewed as a religious addict by his own base.
2
Bloomberg.
1
Will his money give the messageless a message? Will money be enough to give the timid a will to fight? Hillary more money than 45 and look at how that turned out. Someone needs to find a way to overcome,if possible,tribal politics.Every one belonging to a tribe has common needs and aspirations and the side who can address the commonality will win..
1
Bloomberg is right, no one should run on impeachment.
Trump is doing fine impeaching himself.
4
Imagine the outrage in this forum if Bloomberg's name was Koch, and the beneficiaries of this billionaire's largesse were Republicans not Democrats.
2
The Koch brothers are using their fortune to roll back human rights, environmental protection, voting rights, civil rights, health care, freedom of speech, education and tax cuts for billionaires! That is the republican way. You are lucky you live in a mostly democratic state or you would be feeling their effect directly.
Blah. It’s spread across many candidates and nothing IN SIZE next to oil coal gun bullet money of the GOP. Read it. Spread across many.
He’s a moderate with a conscious philanthropy.
They are long in it. It's about time they had a counterweight.
1
When l read the headline on my phone, “Bloomberg to Spend $80 Million to Help House Democrats,” my first thought was “Where in New York is he going to house them? And how many Democrats can be housed for $80 million?”
4
We need all of the sane help we can get, to counter the big GOP donors who have been bankrolling them for years, to inject some equanimity into the elections this year.
Our GOP President, Congress their billionaires have been successfully dismantling our democracy.
We need some sanity, which Bloomberg's financial support can offer.
3
It is past time for a surge in both moderate democrats and republicans in Congress and in all political institutions including State and Local government. Michael Bloomberg will do the country a great service if he can provoke such a movement to take shape with his proposed strategy for the mid-term elections and in pushing moderates to work together across the aisle for real practical change. One example of such change would be to promote the Carbon Dividend Initiative as a practical approach to advancing the need to decrease carbon emissions other examples include prison reform and infrastructure and the list goes on.
3
All this is going to do is cause a spending war between the two parties which we will all witness through the increased media advertisements.
Brave, Mr. Bloomberg. You're a good man.
But it's still complicated. The Democrats need votes, but to get them they they need clean, forceful, likeable candidates who can deliver their message and make the people want to vote. And these candidates will need to temper their own ideals to suit the needs of a changing populace.
I know people who hate Hillary Clinton so much that they didn't cast a ballot in the last presidential election. They were unable to act rationally because they didn't want to be part of what she considered an entitlement. Give these people candidates they can trust and admire. In return, we might get back to some semblance of sanity.
4
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. What the Dems also need are some billionaires in flyover country (like my Ohio) to step up and do the same. That way there won't be GOP attack ads shouting "New York City!" Or we can just put Citizens United to sleep.
1
And Silicon Valley
Indeed. Portland and Seattle as well. The "Left Coast" (no offense)
Suddenly, all the corrosive effects of Citizens United are gone now that, just like the Koch Brothers, Mr. Bloomberg is willing to sway the elections.
I’m glad democrats are reintroducing their winning strategy that led to Hillary Clinton 2016 landslide victory: raise the most money and showcase out-of-touch billionaires like Bloomberg at the DNC national convention. The good thing this strategy has never failed, ever. What the countries needs is more billionaires and more money in politics because it is smart and because only people with infinite supplies of money should determine policy and outcomes for others.
What says I understand your pain more than mingling with wealthy New York billionaires that own vast media empire. I like we are giving them a voice in electoral politics.
Democrats are clever to reach out to all those moderate republicans like Clinton did, while excluding the policies favored by the Democratic Party. We all know: alienate your base and reach out to the other side works, It is why Trump didn’t become President.
I support amending the constitution to rid it of its inefficiencies. I say let the richest people just decide what is best for everyone else. Let corporations incorporate the federal government and just convert it into a for-profit corporation. And let’s determine the presidency by net worth. So Jeff Bezos then Bill Gates as VP. Money should determine and be the only value in society.
1
The better way to battle a dictator may be to support decent and talented candidates, whether or not he/she belongs to the Democrat Party or remains an independent.
The number game is important, but the quality requirement should be a top consideration. No less important, we need more and more younger lawmakers, the people of the future.
New York has done a very good job in defending our constitutional democracy and core cultural values, based on morality, decency and humanity. Voting out Trump and his criminally driven cronies is necessary, but improving our heritage by opening the gate for younger generations is also crucial.
1
Bloomberg is a good man. He would not run against Hillary in the Democratic primary. That was a poor decision. We could have him as president today. Is $80m enough to make up for that error?
2
This so epitomizes the sad state of contemporary American politics. Billionaires determining the outcomes of important political races. Bloomberg, Koch, Soros, Mercer, Adelson and a basket of Silicon Valley techies.
2
This is the result of Nader "no difference between the parties" voters in Florida, who handed popular vote loser Bush the election, thus putting Alito and Roberts on the Court instead of appointees more like those done by Clinton (eg Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and giving us money is speech, corporations are people and Citizens United.
Now, a special shout out to Jill Stein voters, who have given us Gorsuch.
The Democrats in Congress have tried to overturn Citizens United, but have been completely obstructed by the Republicans.
To fix campaign finance laws, we have to vote to put Democrats back in control, and, unfortunately, that takes money to overcome the NRA/Russian Republican billions and the Kochs, Mercers, Adelsons etc.
1
The stakes are extremely high. The US and the world certainly cannot afford four more years of Trump's wrecking ball administration. This is money extremely well spent and I hope it galvanizes other wealthy Democrats to pony up as well.
3
I am disappointed by Mr. Bloomberg.
Mr. Bloomberg I am a Democrat and a decade plus older then you BUT you are my HERO!
God Bless and Thank You
3
It is indeed helpful for Mr. Bloomberg to get involved like this. I would ignore the howls of Mr. Trump’s supporters: don’t you know they elected their god-emperor for all time in 2016 and you shouldn’t ever try to change that?
2
Recommend you read a brand new book by David Runciman, How Democracy Ends. As the dust jacket on the book says, “....few people thought it would happen in their lifetime. And until recently almost no one thought it would happen right before our eyes.” We all need to look at ourselves, the world and it’s institutions in a new light, not assume we are backsliding or that history will more or less repeat itself. Hopefully Mr. Bloomberg will achieve his goal, but even that might not be enough to wake us up and think ever so carefully about what we need and what is best for us and future generations.
4
Just think, $80 million dollars, what that could do for the children, but, but, but the children.
God bless Michael Bloomberg. I wish he were younger and could run for president.
3
I respect Michael Bloomberg's intelligence and his commitment to the good of the country, rather than to a political party. We need more citizens like him.
15
Will money make the mayor go?
If in our democracy, candidates spending the most money won elections, then Hillary Clinton who spent more money than Bernie Sanders and Trump would have been our president today.
The democrats would need more than a mountain of money to win back the house, they need a clear message to regain the working class and the average American.
There is no one going to deny the democrats message that "the rich are getting richer"but the message gets confusing when the rich billionaires and Hollywood millionaires park their excess wealth on the democratic side.
Wonder what the the Bernie Sanders supporters think when it is not the struggling youth that fuels a campaign but the very millionaires and billionaires who stash their money in the coffers of democrats were considered as the cause of the "crumbs" that the youth end up having.
A one point agenda of "defeating Trump or making him a one term president" will not work. Do you remember what Republican senate minority leader said some 8 years ago on November 10, 2010? "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president".
To the dems, I would say don't make the same mistake. Tell us what you would do differently and have a plan to make a positive and constructive difference. For a democracy to be relevant, there has to be a responsible and robust opposition not money from the very rich and a one point agenda, Did not work for the Republicans.
6
You think you win elections in the US without oodles of cash do you?
6
John from Hartford. You are missing the point. Oodles of money alone will not win elections. You need a credible message. By the way, I found an error in my post. The statement I quoted in post above was made by the Republican senate minority leader at that time was made on Novemeber 04, 2010, 2 years before Obama's reelection and not November 10, 2010.
America is so divided that the GOP, now a Trump party, is no longer interested in holding the country together. Democrats are divided among themselves, unable to mend the rift between the “populist left” and the “more pro-business, moderate” wing. An ideological schism among the Democrats will prove their undoing, because Republicans seem more organised and ready to coalese. Ideal would be to have a candidate who could unify the whole country. Democrats need to have a united party for the sake of taking back control and putting an end to this kleptocratic autocracy.
Bloomberg is right about the danger of campaigning on an impeachment, because it would only embolden Trump to be malicious, prompting his supporters to defend his presidency. Putin might also do his part to keep Democrats away from power.
4
Pay attention . Who is winning primaries and what are they saying?
The alternative is to stand behind a Democratic and inclusive message. We can afford disagreements.....the right wing litmus tests and cult of trump personality fear have already amply demonstrated how the GOP is crumbling before their very own eyes....
time to top load it to get our country back from the demagogues
1
kleptocratic autocracy + insert clammy politician = controlled loss.
been happening at least since '08.
and now, that both sides have been caught, seemingly
the only one who doesn't care and has a flair for the limelight, president trump, doesn't care anyway.
after all, it's just another trophy to a person who has all the money in the world.. and if any such person, bloomberg or trump, gets 'ousted' in the end; the worst to be expected is political favoritism for the means to an end.
I attended a town hall meeting given by my Congressman about 18 months ago and the subject was firearm violence. There were film clips of gun manufacturers presenting big checks to the NRA. After the meeting I opined to the Congressman that what our side needs is a billionaire who "thinks like we do." I was surprised at his answer which was "We've got one, Michael Bloomberg."
13
As a Democrat who volunteers to get good candidates elected, I know we should be politely thankful for Bloomberg's support and I'm all for spending his money before ours but... (You knew there was a "but" coming, didn't you?) I have a really hard time feeling enthusiasm for him. Matt Taibbi sums up my sentiments here - https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/mike-bloombergs-marie-antoine...
An excerpt:
"Bloomberg’s main attraction as a politician has been his ability to stick closely to a holy trinity of basic PR principles: bang heavily on black crime, embrace social issues dear to white progressives, and in the remaining working hours give your pals on Wall Street (who can raise any money you need, if you somehow run out of your own) whatever they want.
He understands that as long as you keep muggers and pimps out of the prime shopping areas in the Upper West Side, and make sure to sound the right notes on abortion, stem-cell research, global warming, and the like, you can believably play the role of the wisecracking, good-guy-billionaire Belle of the Ball for the same crowd that twenty years ago would have been feting Ed Koch."
That's not what the Democratic Party or, more importantly, most people in this country needs right now - or ever, really.
We need more like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Sherrod Brown. We need more like MA AG Maura Healey.
4
Enough. He’s a start. Would we rather have his worldview governing g or trump’s?
2
There are far better options than either of their worldviews. Until I'm faced with a forced choice between Bloomberg's and Trump's I decline to side with Bloomberg's.
I totally agree with you. But please understand something: Bloomberg is not spending his money on the Democratic primaries, where the choices among Democratic candidates are being decided. He is pledging to spend $80 million to help Democratic candidates — whoever they will be from this point on— to get elected.
It’s up to the Democratic Party caucuses later to decode whether they will be in the pocket of Wall Street. Right now our country, our children, our grandchildren, and possibly our whole entire planet, desperately need the Democrats to defeat the Republican Party, which seems to have turned into an irrational, science- and fact-hating suicide cult. With the Koch brothers, the NRA, and numerous billionaires and mega-millionaires willing to spend tens of millions to fulfill their horrific ambitions and terrifying fantasies (just listen to what was spoken at the last CPAC convention), if Bloomberg is willing to spend $80 million of his own money to stop that disaster from happening, all I want to say is, “Thank you!”
1
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. Out here in the suburbs of DC we see two local campaigns in which well-healed candidates with personal fortunes to spend are trying to buy themselves positions, one in the House and one in county government. One can feel the difference that money makes in elections. Sad but true. Right now, Republicans have twice the money Democrats have. So we need the assist of Mr. Bloomberg's fortune. This is what our political system has come to.
15
Michael Bloomberg's superb executive skills are exactly what NYC once needed, and our country now desperately requires. Bloomberg's commitment to public service and the common good are legendary. Mike Bloomberg is exactly the type of enlightened, disinterested (Not motivated by self-interest.) citizen that our Founding Father's envisioned to be best qualified to serve our remarkable republic as our nation's chief executive.
15
Throwing money at a cause with no message does not seem like a practical investment. Better to spend that $80 million to support a charity.
5
You are so on point with this. The only cause my party has is that they don't like 45.
https://www.democrats.org/party-platform
The Democrats have very clear messages. The NYTimes and other outlets like to be intellectually lazy and ignore them.
1
Unfortunately, we need more people of means and status such as Mr. Bloomberg to counter this well-coordinated and decidedly Un-American attack by the right on our institutions and values. Sad, but true.
14
Yes. Much as I’d rather see a flood of small donors like Sanders had, Bloomberg is bringing the big guns to counter or bankrupt the GOP big donors.
I would like to vote for Mr. Bloomberg. Would the Democrats please nominate this wonderful Republican for president in 2020? I don't think he could be beat.
9
Michael Bloomberg has, through a PAC, donated $2 million to a candidate in the Democratic Gubernatorial primary in Colorado. He personally has donated more money than the candidate has been able to raise on his own. The PAC has 3 other donors who have donated $1 million each. I appreciate that Mayor Bloomberg may want to help Democrats get elected in the fall, but his investing in a primary in this way is inappropriate.
Here here! Thank you Mr Bloomberg!
Now let's also keep the flood of small donations going to organizations who are making sure that voters are registered and able to get to the polls.
Also, the Democratic party needs to be prepared for election day shenanigans that may require swift legal action and swift public awareness response. WE CAN NOT ALLOW THE GOP TO STEAL ANOTHER ELECTION!
8
I’m a Democratic judge in my state. My duties and procedure are no help in securing against voting machine software fraud.
2
Thank you to Michael Bloomberg. More billionaires need to see the economic value in doing what is (also) right.
5
Too much money in politics...America’s sit idle while billionaires on both sides of the political spectrum continue to pave their path/agenda via their check book. American people don’t stand a chance when outcomes are predetermined by backroom deals and payouts.
5
If everyone did their job as citizens in a democracy and paid attention to the issues at stake, and candidates' policy proposals (not their talking points and spent) and then got out to vote, all the billions in the world would not have an effect on the outcome.
Unfortunately, too many voters pay attention only to ads, and have to be pushed out to vote, both of which enable money and manipulation to be effective.
Since campaigns are expensive, money matters. Unfortunately, elected Republicans do not dare to stand up to Trump and continue to defend him blindly. Therefore, the only hope to restrain Trump will be a strong democratic majority in House and Senate. Bloomberg's action is patriotic and commendable as he puts country above party. Others should follow, before it is too late.
8
I think flipping the Senate would be more important than flipping the House. With a Republican-dominated Senate, more and more baleful federal court nominations will be confirmed; repercussions could be felt for decades.
Clip McConnell's wings!
14
Finally a real billionaire that I would vote for.
13
Bloomberg is practicing 'realpolitik' American style. The best solution is for people to get out massively and VOTE. Meanwhile, his effort will counterbalance somewhat the Republicans.
His reminder that the Republican politicians have had 2 years of rubber stamp governing to 'fix' things as they promised reminds us we need the compromises both parties were famous for to come back. That was what made America work. Bring it back.
7
Mayor Bloomberg is a good man and would have been a good President. He warned the country in the summer of '16 that Trump was a con man and of course, he was right. We should welcome his support.
Those moaning and groaning about oligarchs need to understand the situation: we live under Citizens United - you must win elections to change that - to win elections against the billionaire funded Republicans, you need to raise massive amounts of money.
6
Welcome, Mayor Bloomberg. This will help we who want the best for the country to counter the trumpists' lies and deceitfulness. Until the wretched Citizens United decision is overturned, fighting fire with fire is regrettably the best way to go. Bring on the fire, Mr. Bloomberg!
8
Like Bloomberg did to help cause Democrats to loose the 2016 elections, he's in it only to try to stop the wave of progressives winning across the country by backing right wing, pro corporate Democrats
6
I'm sure you'll do your part to cause Democrats to loose the 2018 election.
Mike and Goldman Sachs will save the day. And if NYC past is prologue, by the time Mike gets finished the House will have become so gentrified, that no one will be able to afford it -- except foreign oligarch money.
6
Business friendly centrists like, ah, Hillary Clinton. Great idea. Not. If the Dems can't devise and sell policy that speaks to the negative effects of globalization: to the de-industrialization of the US, to the wholesale export of jobs, to the 40 plus years erosion of the earning power of tens of millions of people of all races and ethnicities, to the ever growing disparity in distribution of wealth; well, all I can say is, Good luck.
5
All you can say is, Good luck.
Now that you've said it don't say anymore.
I love that guy. Let the conversation begin. He isn't above talking about things. Him and Donald should sit down and get real. Donald needs some help. Separating kids from their parents is inhumane. Donald doesn't understand that. Maybe Mike can talk some sense into him. But I think Donald has made his mark and it's time for him to go next election. Does anyone agree with me?
8
Yes I agree. Trump must go. But why wait until the next election? Let's impeach him as soon as Michael Cohen explains all Trump's crimes in detail.
1
It was time fir him to go before he was elected.
2
Though I am sad at what we have become, billionaires against billionaires -- I did appreciate Bloomberg's editorial piece today on Bloomberg.com. It's a good explanation about why he is doing this, and how he is bipartisan with his money when it benefits the country and the people. I recommend it.
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-06-20/michael-bloomberg-why...
2
Bloomberg was a great Mayor. Now, a great post-Mayor, too.
9
His money spread across good candidates is a drop compared to the fat cat oil, coal and bullet money of the GOP. A lot of haters here not passing the smell test.
9
Money doesn't make a candidate better, it just buys more propagandist campaign material. Throwing money at a candidate will not make me for them.
1
We need to flip the Senate as well. Only two Senators, and the plutocrat and autocrat packing of federal courts, starting with McConnell's stolen Supreme Court seat, will come to a halt. Real judicial qualification will again be a key criteria for federal judgeships, rather than raw ideological purity without regard for legal experience, legal ability, or demonstrated good judgement. The House is important, but the Senate is essential. Flip them both, and shut Trump's depravity down.
6
You go Bloomie! Wow I never thought he was such a good guy… I knew he did a lot of good things for New York city but there was a lot of back-talk about him by some residents.
4
HRC had a lot of money for her campaign and she lost. The Democrats have won majorities in both houses of Congress before and lost them. That money might help but it could hurt as well.
2
Where's the outcry over this Billionaire "manipulating" the election?
3
Read the comments Daphne.
Mayor Bloomberg is the best mayor or I should say the best public servant in my 40+ years living in NYC. During his tenure, the quality of life was noticeably improved, for example the ban of indoors smoking.
Mayor Bloomberg says what he means and means what he says. He is very open and innovative for new ideas. He is a leader who is unassuming and knows how to delegate.
Everywhere I go in the city, i.e. museums, I see the real marks of Mayor's generosity in donating funds for public good.
Every time I see Trump, the vilest example of public service, I think of Mayor Bloomberg. If it was not Trump but Bloomberg being our president now, what an entirely different government we would have.
Bloomberg has proven to us he has the leadership, the temperament and the intellectual depth to be a great president but it seems we just don't have enough voters to always make the right choice. The best example is having Trump as president.
4
I will avoid the cynical speculation that Bloomberg is protecting his wealth because he is concerned Trump will wreck the economy. I choose to applaud him for doing something to address the huge imbalance of Big Money that has invested in Trump and the GOP.
The essential thing is to turn out the vote, and never look back. Make it impossible for another Trump to be elected. The GOP has to go. Nothing less will do.
8
hmm. Bloomberg running on a Democratic ticket, not sure I like that idea.
2
All that money can do so much good in the mid-terms, if the Democratic Party would just smarten up a bit. They ran a flawed campaign in 2016, and there's been little change in their tactics and leadership. Fingers crossed.
16
Does this mean the NRA is going to have to spend 90M? It won't be long before membership in the NRA cost more than membership at Mar-a-logo.
20
NRA campaign spending apparently is inflated due to secret Russian donations, not membership fees
"The NRA spent $55 million – or perhaps tens of millions more, according to one report — to influence the 2016 elections. That’s far more than it ever spent during a previous election. But no one knows where the money came from"
https://everytown.org/press/everytown-launches-new-interactive-website-o...
Silicon Valley can jam all this up. Mr. Trump is still texting with his personal unsecured cell
Thank you for stepping up, sir. We need all the help we can get to turn the tide in our country.
75
The key language of Citizens United is the following:
" Independent expenditures do not lead to, or create the appearance of quid pro quo corruption. In fact, there is only scant evidence that independent expenditures even ingratiate. Ingratiation and access, in any event, are not corruption. "
Citizens United stands for the idea that unlimited political contributions neither are nor seem dirty. That, of course, is nonsense. If you sign on to Citizens United as a matter of principle or sign on because you believe that Democrats get to play dirty because Republicans do, you definitively sign on to the Supreme Court's nonsense. You think this will win the battle -- which could be won with a flood of small donations like what Obama collected in 2011 -- but you take the easy way out, and thereby lose the war. Citizens United will not be reversed if you continue to pretend that donations like Bloomberg's don't look dirty.
8
You are comparing a strategy to get small donations from many people for one candidate in a national campaign versus a strategy to get small donations from not as many people in many congressional districts, where local issues are important.
I did not vote for Mr. Bloomberg for mayor of New York but since then I believe he ha s been a great voice for sensible policy for the country. He is also one very few who puts his money where his mouth is.
64
A country run by oligarchs, a few not so bad, most very bad, many as evil as a threat to the survival of our planet.
The choice is between a crass populist dictatorship as a facade for the most evil among the oligarchs, and a corrupt democracy financed by benevolent oligarchs, such as Soros or Bloomberg. The slave owners, tax cheats and scoundrels who founded this country would understand their progeny.
25
We had a bi-partisan Progressive Era prior to WWI, that reined in the oligarchs of the day, to some extent, anyway, with anti-trust laws, the progressive income tax, estate taxes, the Federal Reserve; and some degree of social progress such as the eight hour day and women's suffrage. Perfect the era was not. There was the imperialism of the Spanish-American War and the vicious racism of Woodrow Wilson (gaining my awareness much later than I care to admit). Organized labor obtained some measure of legal protection a bit later. It seems now that the GOP and its "donor" base are hell bent on dismantling every state and federal law that was instituted to control volatility in the financial system and provide the barest level of security to working people. The only way to sustain this assault on average people is to provoke and pander to racism, bigotry, sexism, xenophobia, jingoistic nationalism, and a gauzy nostalgia that ignores the harsh realities of the "good old days". This must be resisted. We have a great nation to defend. The words of the Declaration of Independence and the principles and government formulated by our Constitution are not nullified by the human weaknesses and moral lapses of their authors and drafters.
So much for keeping the big money out of politics.
7
Democrats in 2016: Let's take big money out of politics!
Democrats in 2018: wait just kidding
14
Josh what do you want, the airwaves filled with only Koch brothers commercials? Got to play the game by the existing rules. The Obama policy of turning the other cheek is what allowed the fringe right to take over the country. I'm sick of the Dems bringing a spoon to a gun fight.
2
I just hope the creaky, tone deaf geriatric leaders of the Democratic Party are savvy enough to leverage social media.
25
Rich vs Rich. That's what democracy is all about.
19
Bloomberg is a politically a spent force - all he has now, though not insubstantial, is his billions to throw around in a manner such as this to try and influence the upcoming midterm elections. Good luck.
If Bloomberg had actually thrown his hat in the ring for President back in 2008, he would have had an outstanding chance as a 3rd party candidate to beat Obama and McCain. And, I daresay, under the tempered leadership he demonstrated as Mayor of NYC, we would likely have a much more stable, bi-partisan and well managed country right now if he had won and governed for eight years.
Ah, what dreams might have been!
6
It seems obvious that he chose to not run in 2008, because he had anything but "an outstanding chance as a 3rd party candidate".
2
You have 2020 hindsight about the elections, no one knew for sure what will happen.
HRC was loaded with cash and the primaries were simply window dressing How did that turn out ? You can throw all the cash at this you want until the Dems get a message the current leadership will remain. Clinton and Obama each lost in excess of 50 seats. Even if the House goes Dem it will be nowhere near the losses of the Clinton / Obama era. You need to ask yourself why and avoid the knee jerk reaction of racism and misogyny
11
You're right; there's also gerrymandering.
But pithyness aside, this battle of billionaires does not make me feel good and I would also like to see Dems get a more fundamental message.
On the other hand, Rs don't really have much in that department either. They are just better at spin.
2
I like Michael BB and wish he would run for President. He is solid. My beef is with the press. We have all seen the countless articles critical of the Koch brothers and the Citizens United decision by the SCOTUS. No criticism offered in this piece although it is the same horse of a different color. The press has lost all credibility because they are biased. And I like Michael B.
7
maybe it's not so much they are biased ..as the other side is way out of control
All this does is remind us of the saddest fact of all:
The incredibly talented Mike Bloomberg - one of the most competent and humane, centrist people to hold an important office in the last fifty years - could have been our President if he had only chosen to run.
18
Talk about an embarrassment of riches. If he wants his name in the paper, wouldn’t it just be cheaper to buy the paper? Move over Tom Steyer, remember him?
3
He already owns a bit of a media outlet, in case you didn't know.
1
He states clearly why and who he supports,
1
like Jared Kushner did
Bloomberg/Romney 2020. I don't care who's on top. If you had to choose between (a) our existing system as is for the next 25 years, or (b) Bloomberg/Romney, with Congress disbanded, for 20 years, you know you would pick (b).
Think of it: 2 reasonable, thoughtful, hard-working people that you wouldn't think about trusting with your kids or your money.
3
I see a long list of problems with both candidates. But when it all came down to it, I think they would more or less get this country back to decent educated moral hard working leadership. I could support that.
2
I will most likely vote democratic for the mid-terms, but Pelosi has got to go.
19
This type of thinking is why we have Trump.
Correct Henry and the establishment Dems will continue the Trump reign. You don't have to like it
Just when I was wondering if there were real life heroes....but then again, Democrats aren’t saints either. Bloomberg for president. I can get behind that.
14
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. Every penny helps and you will be providing 8 billion pennies.
I hope the likes of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and many others join you and help Republicans in Congress with their next gig - unemployment.
43
Bloomberg has pledged to give away his fortune before he dies. He has given over $1.1 billion to John’s Hopkins University, his alma mater, since he graduated. He funded the Charlotte Bloomberg Center on the JHH medical campus, and I can say from my youngest son’s 5 month hospitalization there on the pediatric oncology floor, it is an amazing facility with a wonderful, caring medical staff.
Can you imagine Trump giving a significant sum of money to benefit ANYONE other than himself? His charitable foundation is a fraud, a shell operation to avoid taxes. Can you imagine the Koch Brothers doing anything HUMANE with their billions?
Yes, we need to overturn Citizens United. But until we do, we really need a billionaire donating to encourage humanitarian causes rather than tax cuts for the rich.
75
Actually, David Koch has given millions to medical institutions and prostate cancer research. He has stepped down from his company and it seems as if he is dying after a long battle with advanced prostate cancer.
https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2014/10/6/this-koch-brother-is-a...
heck we need our billionaires to win!
There is a reason I wrote in Michael Bloomberg as a protest vote in the last presidential content in FL. He speaks with moral authority and from the uncomfortable center.
18
Wow, a protest vote that didn't count against Trump. How amazing of you! Thanks for this mess.
1
Michael,
Please run in 2020, and thank you.
15
Why is everyone thanking Bloomberg for attempting to buy the election for the Democrats? You demonize the Koch brothers, and others that throw money into elections, why not Bloomberg and Soros as well?
A flood of special interest money, no matter from which side is wrong. He shouldn't be allowed to influence the election with $80,000,000 What happened to all those protesters that railed against the 1%?
5
I am a 1%. While that may seem a lot, and don't take me wrong - it is plenty, I'm far from being a billionaire. 1% is annual income just over $300,000.
Now, 0.1% is another matter, That's over $8 million/year.
3
Until Citizens United is done away with, this is the reality that we live in. To refuse to play the game would be ceding the election to the Republicans. I sense fake concern trolling, to be honest.
15
"Why is everyone thanking Bloomberg for attempting to buy the election for the Democrats? You demonize the Koch brothers, and others that throw money into elections, why not Bloomberg and Soros as well?"
Because they don't kidnap children!
That's why!
5
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg! A true American patriot! And hopefully a role model for other wealthy Americans, some of whom only talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. Thanks again Mr. Bloomberg!
21
No one person should be able allowed to influence an election in such a way on the Left or the Right.
13
Think of what that money could do if it was put toward indoctrination, I mean the education of american youth.
As a centrist Dem Id have loved to have seen him run against Trump.
9
He had said he would if Bernie Sanders won the democratic nomination.
1
I lived under Mayer Mike’ rule. Not pretty. Here in NYC we are still reeling from his imprint: hyper inflated cost of housing. Poor implementation and administration of education. He was pro charter schools at the expense of public schools. Unnecessary taxation and policing of small businesses. Egregious policing tactics. Under funding
of city projects and neglectful transportation planning. Elevated racial tensions. Disregarded
community organizers and elected officials. Ignored
communities of color and opposing political views.
Gamer the election process and system with his largess of monies.
Exactly, Vasantha. The independent-in-name-only's goal here is not to make the government Democratic, but make the Democrats "center"-right if they're ahead.
In refusing to back the well-earned impeachment of the racist dotard, Bloomberg will let him defy and repeal more laws and flip more fragile sane policies, when Democrats should be codifying them into law. We've already lost net neutrality and watched our judges become whiter and more hateful by his appointments.
We see through Bloomy's tactic to blunt the Sane-ami and rub the Cronies Untied ruling in our faces, and do NOT like it!
Mr. Bloomberg continued: “Republicans in Congress have had almost two years to prove they could govern responsibly. They failed.”
Exactly.
21
Republicans in Congress had two years to prove they could govern. Period.
5
Well, i'll take it because it's the best I can get right now. We don't need any more folks who are pro- business that's for sure but more Dems , yes. Anyone with a soul would be an improvement. Disemboweling the Consumer Protection Bureau has not been a good thing.
16
"Don't need folks who are pro-business?" The people who bring us cars, new medicines, clothes, newspapers and food work somewhere, my friend. I think they work in businesses.
12
YW, slave owners were also in business.
We all know what "pro-business" really means. It means anti- worker.
who says money can't buy love ?
THANK YOU MICHEAL BLOOMBERG
12
Reported on another paper, the Koch brothers got $1,200,000 in tax cuts per year, every year, from now on. It pays to rig the government. It may sound like a lot of money, but the really big money is on the other side. Please report that-- HOW MUCH BIG MONEY GOES TO REPUBLICANS? Its worth reporting. I don't see it.
25
This is peanuts and is going to do as much as what Bloomberg did for gun control which is absolutely nothing but praises for himself.
2
Excellent! Bloomberg is a man who puts his money where his mouth is. I am hoping Trump is removed by force shortly and if not I am going to pray someone with some class and brains and political finesse will take the office of the president of the United States. Trump is undoing our country.
11
Plutocracy is appalling no matter what the political loyalties.But as long as Citizen United remains the law of the land, the only alternative to Republican subterfuge is to fight fire with fire. Electoral reform can only take place with a Democratic majority and regaining the White House. Then legislation can overturn the conservative politicization of the Supreme Court.
9
Can't hurt, but it's a comparative drop in the bucket. Meg Whitman spent $144 million of her own money trying to get herself elected as California Governor in 2009 - she lost, big. What will win the midterms is people getting out to vote! If Bloomberg's money can be funneled in the get-out-to-vote direction, that might really help.
11
The World thanks you Mr Bloomberg.
8
Mr. Bloomberg deserves a standing ovation.
16
Mr. Bloomberg would be wonderful, either as a sober president or as a reliable lifeguard saving the nation from threats from feckless creeps, to borrow a phrase from an eminence. What we could do with a president who knows stuff and, knowing stuff, got authentically rich, not merely in debt. I remember such a president, a Democrat who, like traditional Democrats, did his darnedest to dump Republican trash, better than recycling junk. Imagine our nation’s progress if we were not always rowing against current in a splitting old Republican canoe, short a paddle. Imagine sharing pride with fellow Americans in honest prosperity. Did I say wonderful? Yes. Did I say fix our headache? I am saying it.
5
Just what we need...a NY liberal trying to influence elections across the country. Same thing with Tom Steyer (from CA) trying to influence elections here in NV and elsewhere. Sad.
1
Yes, that's exactly what we need. The Republicans have their mega-donors. Ever heard of the Koch brothers?
9
If you want to protest against any New York billionaires from holding the presidency, I will support that. I particularly don't like the ones who literally live in gold lairs and who have never shown any interest in charity or public service.
3
That's sad to you..? Horrendous, evil and shameful is the kidnapping of infants & children. Thank you Mr. Bloomberg, we need every plumb nickel - we must get our country back.
80 million is nothing compared to what the Koch brothers spend. Also to reach TV viewers a typical add costs about $110,000. A spot during a hit such as "Walking Dead" is about $400,000. So after overhead of making the ad and all the hands in the money pot. it's not much.
By the way, where is the great leader from the past - Obama? seems awful quiet.
2
Respect a number of your achievements, Mr. B, but I think proceeding quietly will make your money go farther. GOP may solicit red billionaires to dig deeper to match or exceed your total. Perhaps you can make your contributions late in the campaign, at least to the candidates who have sufficient operating funds.
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. You can expect that my financial support, and the support of millions in our country aligned to the vision of greater America, will be there.
15
Does anyone not see what's wrong here? After reading the gushing praises for Bloomberg by the majority of the posts, it appears that nobody seems cognizant of the fact that this is a perfect example of the plutocracy we now live in and how we've become dependent on 'our' oligarchs to champion our causes.
It's downright frightening what's happened to our country's democracy.
39
We have only two choices. We can pessimistically give in to fright and pretend to be Republican Congress persons. We can be real Americans and optimistically cooperate to repair the damage. In either the first or a third variation of pessimistic fright, consider moving to Russia with Mr. Trump, his incorrigible friends and thieving family. Take cash for Vlad’s admission fee. Luck in paying oligarchs.
You are right, but this is what we got, and we need one good (or kinda good) oligarch to fight all the bad ones while we figure something else out ...
7
How do you change the system without first getting elected? Any democrat who runs for president should promise to let Bernie totally reform campaign finance from the ground up. No clearer and more credible commitment could be made. I don't think I want Bernie for President, but his honesty and decency could rip up this awful system we have now. Just be careful - we might learn that the supreme court has effectively neutered any legislative ability to limit campaign finance reform.
Thank you Mayor Bloomberg. I hope and pray the House will be flipped this fall. If a senate seat in Alabama could be flipped, then anything is possible.
This feels like a desperately needed lifeline has been thrown to us.
28
Glad to see the money is there to support the center and the center-left. But Hillary was awash in money, and they blew it through hubris and taking a win for granted. The money is nice, but Democrats and Independents have to get out there and work the entire country, or the money will mean nothing.
22
And that is exactly what Texas Democrat Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke is doing. He has visited all 254 counties in Texas, and is still going! He is really listening, and I hope he can beat Cruz, who does nothing for Texas or Texans. This is the kind of Senator we need, and I hope he can get donations from all over our nation.
4
It's awful that it's come down to which billionaires are willing to underwrite rational government but until CU is overturned (unlikely this decade) it is what it is. Go MB!
23
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. The Republican cult of Trump will destroy our nation unless we can take back at least the House this year. I hope you can support Beto O'Rourke who is running against Cruz in Texas. He has visited all 254 counties in our great state, and is really listening to all citizens. My generation may well destroy what the Greatest generation fought so bravely to save. Our nation is in a difficult place, and only people like you can really save it now.
21
Mr Bloomberg was a good mayor who changed the law to win the third time. Was he too thin skinned in 2016 election? It would have been his ...
were he to run in 2020 it’ll sound a little like me too ...
2
I welcome Mr. Bloomberg's help with the mid-term elections. I only hope he uses his money more wisely than George Soros did in the June primary in California. Soros tried to install new District Attorneys who would be more committed to legal racial justice, such as prosecuting police for killing African Americans who were not carrying weapons.
An excellent idea, badly executed and therefore mostly a failure. In my own district, Soros was trying to unseat an excellent DA with an excellent track record, with no history of discriminating against minorities in prosecutions. Fortunately, Kamala Harris endorsed our incumbent DA, so voters were able to determine that she didn't deserve to be booted. She won easily.
Soros needs to do his homework and Bloomberg must do the same. NO KNEE-JERK VOTING! Vote responsibly.
5
When liberals are openly praising big money and foreign interference in politics so long as it favors them... what a time to be alive.
2
Huh? Foreign interference in politics? Both Bloomberg and Soros are Americans.
80 million dollars, or for Bloomberg, one second-string impressionist painting. I guess that spot in the mudroom will have to remain empty this year.
5
Thank you Mike... I genuinely miss that special condescending way you would scold us all from the podium... thanks for continuing to put your money where your mouth is.
3
Mr. Bloomberg is throwing good money after bad, but it is a free country. With the election of Trump it is clear that many Americans have given up on establishment Democrats, but these latter remain obsessed with a failed 3 decades long "centrist" (i.e., corporate-friendly) strategy which has never met with any unqualified national electoral success (e.g., Clinton's presidency and re-election owed more to Perot and tepid GOP opponents). Already the DCCC has successfully used big donor money to crush the spirit of reform in its own party at the primary level and is sending another largely establishment slate of candidates to the mid-term elections...which they will lose as a consequence, no matter how much money they will spend.
7
I must remind you the Democrats won the popular vote. In key states Trump only won by a few thousand votes and that was with the help of the FBI and the Russians. Yes it's becoming apparent that "The Deep State" supported Trump not Hillary. No I don't believe in the deep state but the FBI is a bastion of Trump supporters leading to a bias.
13
Campaign finance reform is necessary and Citizens United should be overturned. Huge money pouring in from the likes of Bloomberg and the Kochs corrupts our democracy. However, a greater problem is the lack of participation by citizens. In California, where I live, just a tick over 20% of eligible voters actually voted in the June Primary. How can a government "Of the people, for the people, by the people" work if the people don't vote? How can a democracy thrive if people don't participate? It cannot.
15
Where I live - Ohio - many people stopped voting in primaries because of public access to view for which party one voted. A Neo-Nazi on my street made up a map of who voted Dem, Rep, et al; he and his buddies gleefully target those of us who didn't vote Rep. It's frankly scary.
8
If CU goes then you must cut out ALL special interest money and yes that includes ALL union money. Publicly funded campaigns is THE only fair and unbiased way.
2
I am uncomfortable with all huge political contributions. They always come with strings attached. Mr. Bloomberg could have given his money to the Democratic National Committee if he wanted to help Democrats on the whole. He could have given the money to individual interest groups to spend as they saw fit to champion his pet causes. But like all the other oligarchs, he makes his contributions in ways that maximize his personal influence. What he is doing is flooding money into individual campaigns. The candidates that receive that money will be beholden to him. It isn't just the causes that Mr. Bloomberg is championing, It is his influence over those causes. I don't care how wealthy he is. He should get one vote like all the rest of us. And all the influence he gets from his money undermines democracy.
2
Wealthy Dems should continue to play fair while elitist Repubs continue buying the presidency. Nope, not on our watch.
6
You're being sarcastic, or just a firm believer in double standards?
"Mr. Bloomberg could have given his money to the Democratic National Committee if he wanted to help Democrats on the whole."
Sure. Because Podesta & Wasserman-Schultz did such a great job with all the money you gave them for 2016.
3
May I ask Mr. Bloomberg to use his money and his business acumen to address voting? That is, could he register folks to vote, make sure they vote, and make sure their votes are counted? I agree with those who write that the next several elections are not between liberals and conservatives but rather between sanity and lunacy, decency and indecency.
Mr. Bloomberg said: “Republicans in Congress have had almost two years to prove they could govern responsibly. They failed.”
10
I'm hoping the Democrats take at least one of the houses of Congress, but I'm getting sick of politics becoming a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos among billionaires. When will Citizens United be overturned? When will we get the campaign finance reform we so desperately need? When will elections be given back to We the People?
16
When elitist, fringe group Repubs, and toxic prosperity (golden calf) Christians stop buying the White House.
5
Don't hold you breath waiting for Citizens United to be overturned anytime soon.
Mitch McConnell guaranteed its survival when he shredded the Constitution to block President Obama from appointing Antonin Scalia's successor on the Supreme Court.
With Neil Gorsuch securely--if illegitimately--seated on the Court for decades to come, you can count on the conservative five to diminish the strength of our democracy at every possible opportunity.
2
You do realize Citizens United was a Supreme Court ruling. You ask when it will be overturned? Well when the Democrats have a veto proof majority and craft legislation to rid our country of the scourge. So if you want to see if go away vote, register others to vote, support Ds at all levels of government and become involved in voting rights groups such as "Let America Vote.".
4
I’m concerned about companies and billionaires pumping so much money in the election process. But we need a hero and we need him now. If he dislikes Trump I’m ok with that. I hope his money goes to stop voter rights being selectively used, voter registration, get out the vote campaigns, yes your vote does count. We need an army to fight the re-election if this very dangerous man and bring back government for the people.
8
Bless you Michael Bloomberg. Ideally we’d overturn Citizens United. But in the absence of that, money to retake the House is greatly appreciated.
11
All private/Corporate money must go. Publicly funded campaigns. No Unions, no PACS, no CU. None.
How does Congress overturn a Supreme Court ruling?
Mr Bloomberg and team, please get to know John Newsome from fightforbetter.org. It’s critical that the investment builds deep engagement and listening infrastructure, of just ad spending. If we lose what will the funds have invested in? Go for deep grassroots infrastructure building to help voter turnout and to help voters to see which candidates best support their interests.
1
Thank you Mr. Mayor. I've never been more in support of you than I am today!
8
Democrats need to flip seats and win the House going away. Not enough to just deplore the deplorable actions of Trump and his GOP sycophants, the ones elected to lead who apparently have fled for the hills. Hit hard on the policies that matter: Human rights, economic disparity, health care as a basic right and the rule of law for all. You've got my vote. Now go out and win over the people who aren't sure where to turn.
6
I've always admired Michael Bloomberg for standing up for what he believes is right. He is proof positive a billionaire can have both a brain and a heart.
9
He can easily afford to spend more. A lot more.
3
I seem to remember that Mr. Bloomberg was a Republican when he ran for NY City Mayor, and this is another act of conscience then, to switch with the rabid thinking we have seen with this President's term which has emanated from the Republican Senate & House. You go Michael!
3
You mean Michael Bloomberg the Democrat who changed his stripes to Republican so he could run for NYC mayor without a Democratic primary, then used his cash to buy himself an extra 4 years by temporarily changing the term limits rules, then endorsed Hillary although he used to dine at "21" with Donald, and now calls himself an "independent?" Oh, and the women at his company that charged him with serial discrimination and sexist talk - that guy? Another NY super-rich guy with moveable morals.
9
You are aware that Trump was a Democrat - who supported the Clintons - until he realized how easy it was not only to fleece the evangelical flock but also lead them with his divisive rhetoric?
8
Re-read my last sentence. (BTW "sexual" discrimination auto-corrected to "serial" )
Yeah. Read my last sentence again. (BTW were I wrote "serial" discrimination that was "sexual" discrimination until autocorrect.)
That such an endeavor—attempting to get YOUR candidates into office—requires $80 million (and this is just one man and his millions, so there’s a lot more money coming from a lot more people) is sick and shows how revolting and ill our political system is.
7
God bless you, Mr. Bloomberg. You are the rare person who will use his money to save the world.
16
With Unemployment at record lows, Minority Unemployment at lowest ever recorded, Economy booming, Taxes lower, North Korea peace talks, Stock Market Soaring and most peoples 401K and retirement way up since election, it will take more than 80 million and a Russian Witch Hunt to stop the Trump's Momentum.
3
It will only take votes Larry... you'll see.
3
Trump "momentum" means turning our country into a fascist authoritarian state. I don't care how high my 401K goes, it's not important next to the possibility of veering toward the type of government that came to be in the Germany of the 30s and 40s.
7
Unemployment is low because everyone has to work 3 jobs to make ends meet and pay for health care. The economy is booming for the wealthy and the tax cuts is pushing our deficit into new records of high. #somuchwinning
6
I am sure that the Republicans are fit to be tied. Isn't it only Republicans who can buy congressmen.
6
Thank you so much. You are such a sensible human being. There's hope now. You have always been spot on with these clowns. Thanks so much!
3
Please, Mr. Bloomberg, spare some money to support Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly's re-election in the Senate.
And Sherrod Brown in Ohio.
8
This is great news. It's horrible that money matters like that, but it does, and right now it's a question of "whatever it takes". I'm kicking in my little hundred bucks a month. You should kick in yours, or your twenty or your five or whatever you can part with. If we all do that, and Bloomberg does what he's doing, it will help a lot. As another commenter noted, right now we can't fix anything. Right now we just have to stop the destruction and the slide into fascism.
4
Love those Public Health majors! Johns Hopkins would be proud-- Awake and sing Democrats- use the Bloomberg money to buy soapboxes on every street corner seizing the narrative: Lesson 1- Why we have separation of powers, Lesson 2- Understanding hypocrisy , Lesson 3- Power Corrupts, Lesson 4- Human Rights and you Lesson 5- Voting as if our lives depended on it Lesson 6- The difference between journalism and entertainment-- Final exam in November
3
My heartfelt thanks!!!!!!!!!
4
The man is a saint.
5
I hope this augurs a full pledged, unambiguous and determined run for the Presidency. Here is a billionaire with a brain and a heart who was one of New York's greatest mayors right up there with the Little Flower. It is either now or never for the Mayor to decide when to launch a campaign that I believe is his civic duty and rescue our nation from the darkening cloud of collusion, corruption, child abuse and calamity,
1
One other thing about Bloomberg. It came out in a trial long after the 2009 mayoral election that he secretly gave money to the Independent Party in NYC for the sole purpose of putting people at polling place in black and Latino voting districts to challenge whether voters were qualified. He's as sleazy as Trump.
Thank you former Mayor Bloomberg!
3
All the government money can buy!
Thank you Mike Bloomberg. May your donations help unseat Trump's soulless minions in high [elected] places who seem committed to one thing only. Specifically, doing Trump's bidding, regardless of how foul the deeds are. We need to replace them with people of conscience who can help salvage our beloved country before Trump flushes it completely down the proverbial toilet.
1
I am duly impressed: An authentic billionaire who spends his own money in support of our national future, rather than a dubious "billionaire" and "successful businessman" who is ranting, stealing, cheating, and lying----all while crying "America first."
1
Ah, yes, a billionaire former mayor who’s BFF’s with the mega-banks and all in for the kind of aggressive policing that tends to focus on black and brown lives only.
Just what we need! And I assume he‘ll spare no expense propping up the corrupt, feckless 11-term NY congressman Joseph Crowley — who’s found himself in a refreshingly competitive race against his tough, dynamic Latina challenger, Ocasio-Cortez.
Yet another example of the powerful tilting the playing field for the powerful...
Oh, and thank you, NYT, for your breathless coverage of the corporate Democrats’ new savior. :)
4
And the answer to the problem is? Refuse Bloomberg's gift because you are so pure. I am sure you hated Hillary because she got a quarter of a million for some speeches given as a private citizen. Why because do nothing Bernie Sanders told you money in politics is bad. Well I am sick and tired of the Koch Brothers and the rest of the Republican oligarchs running our country. I'll take Bloomberg any day. Thank you Michael.
2
... said the actual self-made rich guy about the fake loudmouth crybaby daddy's-dimer. If ever the end justified the means, it's right here, right now. The real guy may just have bought our kids' future back for them.
3
I just wish this third term fraud would fade away like Hillary should. I'm sure if this was like yesterday's column about the detestable Koch brothers, the times would be complaining. Think I'll stick with the arts and sports sections for a while and take a break from the unending war drums.
2
He should invest the money in a presidential run. There are no clear and viable options belching forth from the guts of the donkey.
Gillibrand is overtly ambitious and yet oddly uncompelling, like a Stepford version of Hillary. Booker is smart but has anger management issues that are easily weaponized by opponents. Biden is a righteous dude but he’s prone to malaprops, is old, and has a lot of baggage. Sanders is a great agitator and activist but he makes Biden look like a spring chicken. Harris has the chops but she’s focused on the wrong issues and consumed with her own creation myth.
So Blooms, how about it?
How fitting would it be for a sincere leader of New York to run the sleazy NY con out of office?
Bloomberg is the anti-Trump.
5
Yes. Exactly what Trump is not: brilliant, self-made, experienced in many areas important to the presidency.
5
The fascists are here. It’s time to pool our resources together or we won’t have a democracy for much longer.
4
I guess POTUS Trump whipping the North Koreans into line, sparing our sons & daughters from entering the military. Most likely the worst war this country could ever face. Does not count. You Democrats & Liberals should be ashamed of yourselves.
1
Great. A mayor that used Gestapo tactics to terrorize The Black citizens of NYC. The abuses of the police during his tenure are the shame of the city. And people want him to use his money to influence US elections? No thank you. Every candidate should refuse his dirty money.
1
His money should be used to compensate the poor minority victims of his gestapo police force. The abuses by the NYC police are legendary under his tenure.
1
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Bloomberg, after all a balance of power is critically necessary with this administration.
3
We need a Charles Koch for the Center-Left. They pool a coalition of far right conservative billionaire donations, and have the means to keep the donations secret. It would be great if Bloomberg would put together multiple billionaires and try to match the Koch spending and infrastructure. The basic ideas of gun control and environmental protection is a fantastic start. The Koch machine is said to have a better database of voters than either party. They were able to mobilize voters against public transportation. We need something to counter this power. I hope it is Bloomberg and that he goes to the next steps to weird corporate influence in the center-left.
2
Just remember that when he was mayor of NYC he gave large sums to Republicans in local, state and national elections so he could keep away any opposition to him in Republican primaries. At the same time he was demanding gun control laws he was funding the same people who opposed them.
Bloomberg has about the same political consistency and ethics as Trump. They both have been all over the place with regard to party, always placing what's best for them first and foremost in anything they do.
3
Bloomberg himself is not running. His $80 million can go a long way toward helping those who are.
2
I wish he would spend this on Senate races. Seems like a long shot, but if the Democrats don't take the Senate, Trump will likely get 2 more Supreme Court justices.
30
Many people here expressing concern over money in politics. I agree. We need to overturn Citizens United. But FIRST, the Dems need to take back the House and/or Senate. Then, once we get back in power, that will be on the “things to fix” list.
Until then, we need all the help we can get!
52
Citizens United was a decision by the courts, not congress. Democrats taking House & Senate won't change that.
2
I agree. And Michael Bloomberg is the one billionaire we can trust to spend big money to get big money out of politics.
1
No matter how this news "Michael Bloomberg Will Spend $80 Million on the Midterms. His Goal: Flip the House for the Democrats." will be received by either Republican's and Democrats alike, my concern is: the badly broken campaign finance system greatly benefits the wealthy few and the candidates they support. I plan to run for office, but with this sort of rigged system, I will only be outside looking how events unfold in Washington. And, I am sure hundreds of millions of ordinary Americans are feeling the same way I am feeling. Candidates should be able to run for political office without being beholden to influence-seeking funders.
THIS HAS TO STOP REGARDLESS OF WHAT SIDE OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM YOU ARE ON!
12
Just saying the current system is bad is not enough. You have to propose a viable replacement too. Limiting money & nothing else changed may mean a less manipulated electorate, but it will also probably be a less informed one too.
Look at the spectrum of his spending. He’s a Republican moderate trying to counter the GOP. Dirty coal, Oil, NRA bullet money d oligarchs back door deals. He has
common sense, integrity and a big
heard. Also more knowledgeable about cities, government and the perilous state of the planet bring ignored in the U.S. in a money for me feeding frenzy of gee the economy is good so why think about the planet.
Mr. Bloomberg
As a life long democrat, I will support you should you ever run for President. Thank you for your convention speech and now for your financial support.
17
This is great news and could make a real difference in November. Hats off to Hizzoner. Just one thing.
He’s worth $50 BILLION. If he tossed in $500 million he’d only be giving 1% of his wealth. He probably earns more than $80 million a year just in interest. (Probably more.) So, Mr. Mayor, how about $500 million? You’d never even notice it!
Still, $80 million is more than I’m giving so I’m not criticizing him one bit.
11
@steve robinson: so do you think the US election system should forever depend on so much money being thrown in? somehow, i keep thinking: "oligarchy?"
1
The House of Cards is falling!
Now let's see more plutocrats with a conscience step up and do the right thing with their money, and help replace every single Republican in Congress (because not a single Republican in Congress has walked the walk against Trump) with a Democrat. Only when the frightful Republican majority has been sent scurrying to dark corners will our nation be able to find the light again.
4
Our guys money instead of theirs. Whee!
I think all money past $1000 ought to have to be split 50/50 between top two in a race and the actual donor be monetarily for the facts basis of the claims therein.
2
I just wanted to add one more thing to my earlier comment: It is essential that voting equipment in each state is tamper proof to ensure there is no Russian influence mitigating the outcome of our 2018 midterm elections. While the 80 million (thanks again, Mike!) is very important - what good is it if individual votes are cast only to then be tampered with.
Just a "heads up" for citizens around the country to start now to ensure the equipment is not vulnerable.
If Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III determines there was Russian influence in the 2016 election cycle - it is essential to be way out ahead of that possibility so the equipment is in good shape for November.
Yes - it really is that important!
9
The voting equipment is one thing, but the "counting equipment" might be even more important. There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.
1
Campaign finance reform and getting the Big Money of politics would go farther to solve the problem. One person = one vote is SO MUCH MORE PREFERABLE TO one dollar = one vote.
Mr. Bloomberg, I wish you didn't have to do this. And I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that you'd prefer that you didn't feel compelled to do this.
But that said....
Thank God you're doing this.
16
Now is definitely the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.
And not "good" as defined by Trump.
16
Thank you so much, Mr Mayor. It takes good people with money to equalize the campaign advertising paid for by the bad people with money.
5
Since we're mired in this awful system of money driving all politics, I won't gripe when any billionaire decides to pony up for Democrats. But Bloomberg is no real ally.
This is obviously all quite personal to him. He doesn't like Trump at all. He'll fund anyone who shows the slightest sign of supporting Bloomberg's pet projects, regardless of party, and somehow keeps considering a Democratic run??
I won't give him the time of day. We'll take your money, Mike. Beyond that, I got nothin' for ya.
3
Bloomberg would be a strong candidate. He was a strong mayor. He took on the sugar soda industry. Even though he lost in the end, he was willing to do it. That is rare in these ridiculous times.
1
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg!
6
THANK YOU, Mr. Bloomberg!
5
Where is the outrage from the usual Koch-bashers over the use of private money to influence the outcome of our elections?
One silence echoes another. The cat got their tongue back when Barack Obama busted through the spending ceiling in US Presidential elections because he was so awash in "filthy lucre" that he declined to accept public financing.
Then when Hillary Clinton raised and spent twice as much as Donal Trump in the last Presidential election, they held their noses and looked the other way.
Progressives of the world unite in your praise of Bloomberg! You have nothing to lose but your hypocrisy.
10
Some progressives are based in reality -- the reality of how politics works at the present time. If progressives or Democrats cannot get elected due to tons of money pouring to republicans then progress cannot be made.
8
Bloomberg....always a decent man.
Thank you Sir
7
Michael, you're a mensch!
4
Only reason ANYONE would support a party that stands for NOTHING, is a person who stands to profit greatly from them being in office.....Don't be stupid anymore people.....
4
Run. Please run.
2
Thank goodness. Maybe he will run for President too. Would be a solid candidate with legitimate outsider credentials but also an excellent track record of actually governing.
28
Earlier was thinking of politicians and public officials whom I admire and former Mayor Bloomberg came to the top. Never arrogant in the view of this American, he is honest, tough and fair.
He was right all along when he stood in front of the nation and announced that Trump was a con man with a record of dishonest business transactions. Civil, straightforward and blunt, Mr. Bloomberg does not mince words and he has no tolerance for those who have mastered the art of the deal of picking pockets.
Although some of us were taught in infancy that there is no such thing as an honest politician, Michael Bloomberg, conservative in many ways and trenchant on occasion, is what an American should be.
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg, for coming forward in this dark hour, and supporting in a concrete way, efforts taking place in the nation to take back our country from Trump.
33
My only criticism of this is that it is being publicized. Can it not remain a secret until the last minute to catch the enemy off guard? Seems like this announcement gives them time to regroup and prepare.
7
So you are not only all for big money in politics, but you ALSO want it to be undisclosed?
Good grief. "We have seen the enemy, and he is us."
3
Hmmm. So few comments about the need for public funding and the problem with all that money in politics. No surprise. That's the actual problem - the partisanship and tunnelvision from both sides.
6
Big money in politics is a necessary evil in today's world, just like nuclear weapons. But you ALSO want it to be undisclosed?
Good grief. "We have seen the enemy, and he is us."
@david eisenberg: i agree. [and i replied to robinson who praised bloomberg's decision.] all this money in politics makes me think "oligarchy!" [isn't that what the russians have?] what about the smaller US parties? they don't ever stand any chance, do they. it'll forever be dem-or-rep or dem-or-rep or dem-or-rep ...
1
Now, me thinks that Mr Bloomberg is daft announcing this. Would he not be better to start the ad campaigns and implore other tactics without giving a heads up to the likes of the Koch Brothers who are just as likely to match dollar for dollar in a counter attack for the Elephant party. Wouldn't it be better to play the upper hand and use the advantage ? The Dem's never seem to have a strategy that is a real strategy. Just an, OK let's do this now, kind of plan.
1
"I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat." - Will Rogers, almost a century ago. Some things never change.
“'He plays very well in the moderate suburbs where we need to win seats,' said [Rep. Josh] Gottheimer, adding: 'From my perspective, I want more pro-business, moderate Democrats in Congress next year.'”
Yes, as if craven, centrist "Democrats" have done the country so well over the last thirty-odd years. How about support for small and medium-sized businesses but increasing regulation over big business?! Of course, that's inverted from the proportion of power, which has gone excessively weighted toward the mighty since the advent of the Reagan Restoration.
And that's what is the death knell of our democratic republic - our politics and culture are what Sheldon Wolin terms an "inverted totalitarianism," a soft fascism of the wealthy and corporate, dressed in a veneer of public governance operated by craven kleptocrats and vassals to the oligarchs.
Our neo-feudalism won't do squat for the looming crises of climate change, technological automation, cancerous globalization and population mobility. Bye, bye, our species - along with many innocent others.
2
hardball politics, not ranting about Trump, will bring results in Nov
8
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg! Finally, a piece of good news on the otherwise bleak horizon. We need some wealth on the side of the good guys to combat the waves of evil robber barons bankrolling the Republican oligarchy and theocracy (e.g., Trumps, Kochs, Adelsons, Mercers, and the list goes on and on..)
Now please also get those moronic Democrats to get their act together. Perhaps we can start by forcing a changing of the guard at the top, where the ossified leadership (Pelosi, Feinstein, Schumer, et. al) are hanging on even after "leading" the party to the depths of 2016.
3
The reality is you have to fight fire with fire, but this makes me very uncomfortable. Just because it's the Democrats doesn't mean it's okay to be buying elections
2
He’s not “buying” anything. He’s helping to save democracy.
4
This yellow dog Democrat thanks you, Sir. If I may make a suggestion, support registration and get-out-the-vote drives in districts where we have a chance of flipping the seat (like maybe for Beto O'Rourke?) And if you ever decide to run for president, you've got my vote. You had it when you ran for mayor.
5
Please run for President Mr. Bloomberg.
2
I'd be more impressed if he threw his weight behind taking money OUT of politics altogether.
4
Sure, after 2020 that’ll be good timing.
Sorry/Not sorry Rudy, but Bloomberg really is the true "America's Mayor."
5
I agree Trump is a foul human and a horrific president, but I thought the NYT consensus was that there is too much money in politics.
3
What difference can Bloomberg make when you have NPR, AP, ABC, NBC , CBS, MSNBC, CNN, The NYTimes, Washington Post etc? How could his advertising match the publicity these organizations can produce? Wait, all of these organizations are outweighed by those pesky Russians and their social media posts? But wait another minute, if social media is so powerful, why doesn’t Bloomberg just have computers put out pro Democrat messages on social media? Oh that’s right, only Russian messages have an impact.
1
It's honest money, not from the NRA-Russian ties.
Thank you Mr Bloomberg.
16
Except Big Money interests should not be controlling our government. That's the essential problem.
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. Our country and the world needs this help right now.
28
Thank you as always, Mr. Mayor. Accomplishments aside, you are just a great guy.
7
It really does matter whether high offices are occupied by people of good character who have the public's best interest in mind. Bloomberg is such a person. Trump is obviously not. And if Trump is so rich, why doesn't he match Bloomberg's 80 million and double it? I don't think Trump has the money.
6
I wish all candidates were publicly funded, so the playing field would be equal. Since that is not the case and won't be with Republicans in power, I bless Mr. Bloomberg for his generosity.
I hope Mr. Bloomberg will consider some SC Congressional seats as worthy of his largess. In the 7th District, we have a terrible Republican representative who always votes with Mr. Trump and often tries to out-Trump Mr. Trump. We will know who our Democratic candidate is after next week's Democratic runoff. I favor one over the other, but either would be a great improvement on the current representative, Tom Rice.
The woman who won the Republican primary against Mark Sanford would be a disaster in office. She is blessed by Trump and that should say it all.
People are often loathe to give money to a cause that may not be won. But money is what it will take to beat the Republican machine in SC and elsewhere. It may not work this time, but as we make inroads, people will recognize the difference in quality between candidates and we will make further gains. It all takes energy, dedication and time.
8
First thought...it's a darn shame that parties have to rely on private funding to run a campaign.
The Government should fund campaigns -- print, posters, mail, perhaps the campaign manager and his IT guy/gal...the rest of the staff should be volunteers. Television, radio and YouTube should be mandated to carry some ads (not too many) and the debates for free.
Second thought...these rich donors yield too much control. Their money buys them power, and they're not all angels.
Third thought...given that the US isn't turning to supporting elections or proportional representation any time soon, it's good (fingers crossed) to have Mr. Bloomberg's bucks going toward the Left. The Koch Brothers are raking in the votes with their very organized and thorough data base -- their current cause is is eliminating electric buses and trains, because it takes away from their oil, tar and tire revenue.
I would advise Mr. Bloomberg to beware of the DNC, given its past mistakes, and to use some of his bucks to ensure municipalities have accurate voter registration, before it's time to vote.
I do not know what he can do to get couch potatoes out to vote. In the last election, 25% were for Trump, 25.2% were for Hillary, and the Bernie people and others who have lost faith in government stayed home.
Thank you for the support, and I hope it works!
4
Thank you, Michael Bloomberg, for putting country before party. Now, if other Republicans/Independents would follow suit. We are a two party system, for better or worse. Voting for the Independent or writing in your mother's name is a wasted vote. We need to have a actual branch of government that checks the power of the executive branch, not the career politicians who currently occupy the House and Senate who just want to save their own jobs.
8
Short-term good, the Democrats need all the help they can get to triage the current crisis. Long-term, bad, as a robber baron like Bloomberg certainly will attach strings to the money and want to elect more Goldman Sachs Democrats who will oppose the interests of the working-class and drive them to either stop voting or vote Republican. It really is a Faustian bargain that has already put the Democrats and the country in a corner. The country has ended up with two parties that first and foremost look out for people like Mike Bloomberg. He's a Never Trumper. Not a progressive. He's profited off a system that helped create Trump and is ultimately more a part of the problem than the solution.
1
Thank you to Michael Bloomberg. You are an example of a true patriotic citizen who is trying to help his country and ordinary citizens. This is in sharp contrast to donors to right wing donors who seek to stack the political deck toward corporations and profits.
3
Spend some of that on election integrity, it is sorely lacking. Thank you Mr. Bloomberg!
2
I wish someone could explain the animus which followed Bloomberg's terms as Mayor of NYC...deblasio of course painted him as an elitist, out of touch with the common man, but never pointed out that no politician in America advocated more vigorously for LGBT right and spoke out passionately on their behalf, was a vociferous voice for gun control and endowed innumerable private entities for the benefit of the comon man. The rare individual who made it to the top of the ladder who still remembers the people he met on the way up...
3
Thank you. Supporting the constitution and the rule of law needs a champion to counter the excesses and failures of today's republican party.
2
My favorite campaign bumper sticker so far: 2020 Any Functioning Adult.
21
If I wanted a business man in the oval office, I would have easily picked Bloomberg or Buffet. Both men are far more successful, genuine, intelligent, and compassionate. Total opposite of Trump.
4
This is wonderful news in a bad news week. I say this because Bloomberg will undoubtedly be highly selective in throwing financial support to centrist-leaning Democrats in winnable places. He will be a big help countering funding that cowering Trump Republicans are receiving from right-wing mega donors.
1
Once the word is out that Bloomberg is behind a candidate, for the right it will be like Soros in Europe, seen by many as a man with evil intentions from the left.
However, the good thing--this will help bring out the vote on both sides.
November is going to be more fun than you can imagine. No better foil for Bloomberg than Trump--even has a little Russian in him too.
2
This is a double edged sword at best. Yes, ending to republican monopoly in government is a good thing. Republicans have amply demonstrated their Hypocrisy, incompetence, outlandish corruption to Big Money and craven acquiescence to which ever way Trumps wind blows. But Bloomberg is just more Big Money controlling our elections.
Bloomberg also has the aim of stopping progressives from gaining traction. A grassroots progressive movement will actually be very popular, once it gains traction, as the real alternative to establishment politics, of which, Bloomberg is a part. Bloomberg doesn't want money out of politics...that would mean he only has one vote like the rest of us plebes. Only the most principled in the Billionaire class would put their money to ending money as political power. Let me know when that person manifests. Not holding my breath.
It is exactly corporatists like Bloomberg that force the democratic party to be the centrist party instead of the republicans. He and his ilk are Most responsible for shutting down progressive movements and keeping politics skewed right. So thanks for helping yourself out Michael.
As a corollary, at what point do we face the fact that money has an outsized and inappropriate influence on our politics? At what point do we say Billionaires do Not call the shots in a democracy?
2
So Mike has had enough. The trick will be to convince the public that the loss of democracy, the economy, the environment, science and truth are a lot worse than Obamacare or Hillary's email server.
2
Encouraging to see the financial commitment.
Disheartening to see Howard Wolfson leading the effort. His bio says he ran Hillary Cliton’s 2008 Presidential campaign. How did that turn out?
Not convinced millions spent on TV ads are well spent. The election will depend on turnout. Can Wolfson, with Bloomberg’s money, drive Democratic turnout?
If not, the money is wasted, though Mike won’t miss it.
See Mike
See Mike run
Run Mike, run
It's time, Mr Bloomberg.
7
To be most effective, Mr. Bloomberg should pick the races that are most likely to be swayed by the injection of a few hundred thousand dollars. I would expect the majority of those to be away from the NE.
This is not a Democratic v Republican election.
This is a Democratic v Insanity election.
10
Unfortunately I don't think Trump is insane, and I've discussed this question with one of the authors of the book "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump". Trump is a perfectly sane, destructive, racist, primitive, selfish and mendacious malefactor, a man of bad character in an all-important office.
Good luck sir.
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. A shame you didn't run for president.
1
Now THAT'S putting one's money where one's mouth is!
If only Michael Bloomberg would run for President - we'd have our country back and be on our way back to civilization and permanent prosperity/stability.
It's a shame that elections are bought, but in this case good will be done. If we had a human in the WhiteHouse, all these hundreds of millions could be spent on worthy causes instead of insane, unbalanced delusion.
By the way, Stephen Miller MUST go - he is EVIL!
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg!
1
Michael Bloomberg, Man of the Hour! If only all billionaires (and would-be billionaires) could be like you, I would never grudge you a penny of your wealth and would definitely have voted for you as President had you chosen to run in 2016. Please think seriously about doing it in 2020. Otherwise we are doomed to suffer another 4 years under the leadership of this mean-spirited , nasty, lying,tight-fisted, vain, ignorant sorry excuse for a human being, that currently occupies the White House.
If you run, I would love to work for your campaign. I am SO TIRED of Donald Trump!
This is insanity. Articles like this never seem to highlight the rage against this ensconced bribe-o-cracy the majority of Americans feel. Democracy? Who's kidding who? Our government is bought and paid for by the wealthy. Explains why all policies are going their way. How about focusing on the outrage of this system?
3
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg.
I wish you had run for President. Our country would have been infinitely better off.
But helping Democrats win control Congress is incredibly generous and a great public service.
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg
5
Thank you Michael Bloomberg. Also, PLEASE hire experts to teach the Dimwit Democrats how to use the money wisely. Hire Facebook to teach Democrats how to reach people on social media with the truth and real facts.
Democrats have used their resources unwisely in the past. Democrats should look to promising young people like Amy McGrath in Kentucky who is connecting directly with the voters in her district to win in 2018 in deep red Kentucky. Democrats need great candidates like Amy and Beto O'Rouke (running for Senate against Ted Cruz in TX), who go directly to the people. It's also critical the Democrats retake the Senate. Democrats must unite to support Senate candidates who can win. Beto needs more publicity in TX.
2
Thank you Michael.
3
The Democratic Party is now officially the party of the rich. They left behind the middle class a long time ago. My grandfather, a farmer is turning over in his grave.
1
Mr. Bloomberg, you are a true patriot.
-with gratitude from many, many citizens
4
As much as I despise the role of money in politics, it is present, and that being the case, Bloomberg deserves the highest praise.
With the feckless Republicans to scared for their seats to take a stand against Trump, only a Democratic majority and the threat of impeachment will prevent Trump from dismantling the investigation.
Democrats won't have the votes to convict, but hopefully, the threat of impeachment and the public trial that would ensure will be able to protect the investigation until its results can be made public. Then, if what emerges is serious enough, Republican senators may find the courage to do what they know is right.
11
As long as Citizens United Act exist, we Dems must fight this war against Federal Destruction on the Battlefield-Using Funds to speak Clearly & Trustworthy to any who are willing to THINK Critically about Humanitarianism for All.
There is a 'Zero Tolerance' policy for separating children from their parents, and an opulent generous tolerance on the part of this administration for a tarnished and corrupt president.
Just another Billionaire making sure the vote goes his way.
3
At least THIS ONE has the welfare of Americans at heart. You have the proof you need in 3 terms as Mayor of NYC and his amazing philanthropy.
What do you see from Trump? Graft, corruption, lies, division and incurable sociopathy.
If you cannot tell right from wrong, you don't deserve to participate or comment.
8
Dear Mike:
After the Gestapo tactics of Donald Trump literally caging children and separating them from their families in such an outrageously appalling manner, you are the bright news I needed.
I am also a New York independent voter and expect Citizens United to be overturned to get money out of politics (and a big thank you to Chief Justice John Roberts for casting the deciding vote on that one - just take a look at the resulting mess and what your deciding vote unleashed - yes, I do blame you!)
Anyway, thanks a million Mike! Let's begin to drain the swamp in the November 2018 midterm elections!
Get out and vote!
25
ABSOLUTELY! Couldn't have said it better myself, and thanks 80 million!
2
Bloomberg is hardly a bleeding heart liberal, considering his "stop and frisk" policy for NYPD and laissez-faire stance on business. But Trump isn't really just a conservative. Besides Trump being an ignoramous, the KKK also didn't endorse Trump for nothing. Plenty of conservatives know this, but not enough are even willing to acknowledge it. Too many take a "see no evil, hear no evil" stance as long as Trump delivers tax cuts and rolls back financial regulations. Fewer still are willing to break with Trump over it.
So I don't think this commitment to the Democrats means Bloomberg has become more liberal. It just means he sees far enough to realize that Trump take the country over the precipice, and the Republicans aren't going to do anything about it.
8
Big thanks to Bloomberg on this one!
It will not be forgotten!
RESIST!
16
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. This is an election for the survival of our democracy.
Trump is still testing his boundaries. Caging babies and separating families were actually approved by more than half of the current Republican Party. These are crimes against humanity, but Trump Republicans had no problem with this atrocity.
When one of the country's two major parties is indifferent to children's suffering, to irreparable trauma being inflicted every day on thousands of children, then it is a party that has lost its soul as well as its moral compass.
This is institutionalized bigotry and cruelty on a level that will be in future history books. Children's internment camps are still being created. Children are still being transferred. There seem to be no plans to reunite the children. There is no transparency, and reporters are being denied current photographs. Very few detention centers have been opened to watchdogs, and new "tender age" facilities are under construction. Where have the girls and babies been hidden before this? Secret internment camps for kids. In America. Approved by Republicans.
Vote out every Republican. If they had any honor, they would have left the GOP by now, or resigned from the Trump administration. They have instead been a Vichy occupation.
36
I like the analogy with the Pétainists here in France, complicitous with, without ever truly endorsing the Nazi occupiers. The true scandal with what's going on in the US today is not that Trump manages to rally the masses with his populist and racist rhetoric; it's that the grandees of the GOP seem to have made the calculation that it's safer (in terms of their narrow self interest) to support Trump than to stand up to him. This is, of course, exactly what happened in Germany in 1933 then again in France in 1940.
3
Very well said.
1
Yes, the G.O.P. is rotten. Now, shall I vote for Democrats who just had a president go down in history as being at war longer than any other U.S. president? Shall I vote for a party that is indifferent to the suffering it has caused thousands and thousands of children across the planet? Not a chance. No more Republicans OR Democrats for me, thank you. If you vote for either party, you are voting for more of the same...war, war, war and more billionaires.
1
Well, more power to you, Mr. Bloomberg. Thank you.
It's nice to finally see that someone who benefited mightily from "tax reform" last Christmas is putting Country ahead of Capital; instead of just wanting even more capital, and turning a blind-eye to what's happening to our country.
24
What I am very concerned about is interference in the election from outside of this country no matter how much money anyone puts into it.
However, thank you, Mr. Bloomberg.
10
It's wrong that the rich of any political persuasion can control our elections through money. But as long as the Kochs and the Adelsons are out there and the law is bad, I'm glad Bloomberg is there with his millions. Time to fight back. Maybe we can then elect people who can change the laws.
25
Donating money isn't "controlling our elections." Nobody holds a gun to anybody's head telling them which lever to pull (or which box to fill in) in the election booth. In this case, it is merely one billionaire assisting one side so that it has the resources to make a competitive fun against a party that has long had its many billionaire backers.
1
Best of luck to you.
Hopefully the people you have chosen to decide where to spend your money are able to make good strategic decisions.
4
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. Bloomberg, for responding with meaningful generosity to our terrible situation with this horrendous president and his majority-rule Congressional lackeys.
With your help (and the financial support of others inspired by your patriotism), ads can keep the memories alive of Trump's egregious treatment of immigrants and his other atrocities. We CANNOT forget, as November approaches. It is crucial to vote his power out so our democracy can not only survive but proudly flourish again.
10
So much for the goals of big money out of elections.
4
It disgusts me that all of this campaign money would be better served to : 1) Feed the poor and homeless and 2) Address our crumbling infrastructure in NYC and other parts of our country. Our rail system is now third world rated and our roads and bridges are reflective of poor and underdeveloped countries.
Money is truly the root of all evil. Seriously folks.
5
As to you point about the transportation infrastructure, the Koch brothers are actively fighting against any improvement or innovation. Their rationale is that it would raise taxes to pay for it.
8
Reality keeps competiting with the dream. How'd Dems get here: Acknowledgement of CRITICAL failure for the DNC to recognize the danger of gerrymandered States, Electorial College disfunction, elections for Govenors & down-ballit, the altright media(s), ignoring 30 years of definition of character, Fraud & Waste of Taxpayer's funds, hoping for "Better Angels" when the opposition utilizes every unethical action to gain & retain Power: Democrats woke to the Nightmare of Reality. Grassly, Graham, Ryan, McConnell, Cotton etc. may smile & occasionally determine it's in their best interest to show bipartisanship; but that's not their norm. Facts matter if Dems expect to succeed in the world of Pragmatic Reality.
Michael Bloomberg is my hero !!!
Also, just a decent human being that knows right from wrong.
Thank you Michael Bloomberg!
15
Dear Michael Bloomberg,
You are the bees knees. Thank you for making my week by your generous contribution to make America great again (as in, prior to December 19, 2016). Bravo to you!
9
Finally!!! A voice (money talks, right?) of sanity in a sea of GOP cowardice. BTW..this is not from some so-called snowflake, bleeding heart liberal. This is a firm believer in and practitioner of robust capitalism.
5
We can be both bleeding heart liberals and practitioners of capitalism. I am.
2
It'll be money well spent if it gets Trump and his sycophants out of office but after all the stupid governing they've been doing, I think it's not going to be a difficult to get rid of them.
1
I’ve stated several times in the past few years that I wish Michael Bloomberg had run for President in 2016. His performance as the mayor of NYC was exceptional, and our national problems need a truly gifted leader to be solved.
This is the next best thing, and I am confident that he will select candidates who will focus on solutions to our many problems.
Thank you Mr Bloomberg! And don’t count out 2020!
35
I hope that some of the Bloomberg money goes into new, more creative Democratic campaign methods, to trump Trump and the Right.
The Democrats have to learn from Trump, about how to win elections with social media and daily drama. If not, they will keep losing...
Mazel Tov, Michael Bloomberg!
5
Good for Michael Bloomberg. Bad for a country whose voters sit by as billionaires fight the political battles that will impact their future. A popular democracy so dependent on big money is not popular or democratic.
Money always talked but now it screams and decent political leaders are beholden to the billionaires and millionaires who fund their extravagantly expensive and outrageously long campaigns. The voters sit back, watch a few slick, mostly misleading commercials and allow their favorite partisan commentator to tell them how to think and for whom to vote.
The supreme Court opened the floodgates to unlimited campaign contributions with their radical Citizen's United decision, which further belittled the role of the ordinary voter. Corporations and billionaires drove through with checkbooks in hand and now control the politicians who control the purse strings of government. Politicians send out emails to ask the people for $3 and then go to lunch with a billionaire to ask what they can do to please and thank them for the million dollar donation. Not popular, not democratic.
21
I don't see any commercials. I have only one t.v. outlet (CBS) which seems to have all of my favorite shows. I pay them a whopping $1 extra per week for NO commercials. Its heaven. No more having to ask my doctor if Mylantra is right for me. No more ads with Hillary telling me what she did back in the '70's when she worked for the Children's Defense Fund.
1
Thanks Mike... the ONLY politician I know who in my experience (having lived in NYC for 40+ years) is incorruptible. In 2020, he'll be 78 years young!
16
Now let's get Howard Schultz and Jeff Bezos to step up. Yes, it is horrid that Politics has become so heavily influenced by money (we can blame the Supreme Court and the Citizens United decision for that) but as that is the present lay of the land, we'll need some very wealthy people who care about the future of the country and the majority of its citizens to step up like Mike Bloomberg just did.
9
Howard Schultz and Jeff Bezos have been a tad bit busy politically dealing with one city-councilwoman who has it out for billionaires and capitalism in general. I think their goal at this point is to get her ousted. My gut tells me that Schultz will run for mayor of Seattle at the next election. If he does, I will buy him a cup of coffee at Caffe Vita.
1
I wish Bloomberg had run and won in 2016. I hope he considers running in 2020.
6
It's ironic, isn't it, that a man whose fortune rests on business communication, is taking a political position against the financial interests of business, because he's able to see the country's larger self interest.
7
While I welcome the large influx of money from a rational human being for a rational cause, we still have the gargantuan issue of campaign financing. It's outdated and it's inherently corrupt; Citizens United worsened the situation. Until we fix this, the dire issues we're experiencing due to powerful, monied oligarchs being in control of our country will only worsen.
20
Great to hear that Mr. Bloomberg is making this contribution to shifting some common sense back into our government, yet at the same time it is seriously unfortunate that our political system has become such a cash driven process.
7
Yeah, and Hillary massively outspent Trump in 2016; and Jeb Bush spent like crazy in the GOP primaries; and famously John Connally shelled out $11 million in 1980---for a single delegate!
3
Money is a necessary evil, but Clinton outspent Trump and lost (the Electoral College). The election is about communicating ideas in easy to digest messages that resonate with voters. Some of this money should be used to train Democratic candidates on the linguistics of political discourse, similar to the way think tanks and big donors started funding conservatives around the time of Ronald Reagan. A simple first step: buy all candidates a copy of any book written by George Lakoff to help them master the nuances of explaining their positions in terms of liberal/progressive family values.
4
It's nice to see some countervailing power to confront the Koch brothers. The fact that Bloomberg, who was is (was?) a Republican is throwing his financial weight against the Republicans says a lot about how far off they have moved away from the mainstream. I am grateful that he is doing this for our country. It's a shame, though, when money in politics is the main thing that matters.
5
What we all should be appalled by is the fact that this IS being done, and proves that citizens United is just a pay for play by the rich. No one should be able to buy the elections. Two wrongs do not make a right.
6
Now it's time for the Seattle Tech Billionaires to STEP UP. I'm talking to YOU, Mr. Bezos. Save our Country AND be a hero. Seriously.
3
I would say this about Jeff Bezos - he owns the Washington Post and along with the New York Times these two newspapers, and of course many others, work very hard to bring us the truth every single day. While I certainly applaud Michael Bloomberg, newspapers have an even wider and more profound reach. Jeff Bezos has stepped up.
2
Thank you, Michael Bloomberg, for providing some temporary balance and ballast to counter the Koch Bros.
In an ideal world, it would be illegal to do so and to support any candidate in such a way. but, today's world is far from ideal. Real.
3
Thank you so much Mayor Bloomberg! We need your voice more than ever to fight this menace to our democracy. November looms large and you just helped me breathe a little better.
4
The difference between what Adelson, the Koch Bros., et. al. do and what Bloomberg is doing is that Bloomberg's effort yields no potential personal gain. He isn't in oil or guns or trying to lower his taxes.
Bravo, Mayor Bloomberg.
11
Well said!!!
2
"Michael Bloomberg Will Spend $80 Million on the Midterms."
This follows a well-known trend in the US politics. The Republicans find a loophole in the election laws; they take advantage of that to win a major election victory. The Democrats wake up to the loophole; use it and start winning elections. Then the Republicans realize that the Democrats have better organizations and can exploit such "openings" much better than them. They start complaining and eventually pass laws to block the loophole.
Now it seems that Michael Bloomberg has decided to follow the election loophole used by Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson, and other rich Republicans. His contribution would effectively match the millions of dollars that the Republicans were receiving for their mid-term re-election. So, the next move would be initiated by the Republicans, complaining of too much money entering into politics and pushing for new election laws that would limit such spendings.
Looking at it scientifically, that could qualify as a self-correcting mechanism with an evolutionary undertone. In that case, one needs to answer the question: why are there so many Neanderthal in the Republican party?
2
Please do not denigrate Neanderthals...
4
Don't forget Soros?
Mike: support primary election reform for more long-lasting impact. www.openprimaries.org is about to sponsor a potentially explosive challenge to closed party primaries that disenfranchise independent voters while spending their tax dollars. Call them to learn confidential details.
1
THANK YOU Mr. Bloomberg, may the money be used wisely and accomplish the task!
4
There are many others that ought to throw in their support. Thank You, Mr. Bloomberg.
Ending the GOP reign of fear and economic disaster in the making should be everyone's priority. It was obvious that Citizen United would undemocratize our formerly strong country.
4
While I don't want to encourage the rich to swing an election, Mayor Bloomberg is a man of character who will use his money for good, not for self-interest like the Koch Brothers. If we can get reasonable men and women in the Congress, it will slow Trump's corrosive impact on American Democracy.
5
Really? This is the same man, who rigged the system so he could serve an additional term. What character, and then again, so you know him personally? If not, then you don't know his character. The wealthy play by a whole different set of rules, and those rules are to benefit the wealthy. Yeah, dems throw you an extra crumb, but you're still a serf to them. Bernie raised more money than Hillary without taking corporate dollars. He would have been beholden to regular people, had the process not been rigged to undermine him. Run from anyone spending mega monies like the plague.
1
What Bloomberg is doing is more philanthropy than politics. His issues are the issues that the majority of the country supports, and he wants to see the country function as intended, with bi partisan law making, and individuals in office who think country first............Bravo!!
7
Hopes he helps flip the House. Our parties listen to their mega donors. We citizens hope a beneficent billionaire has our interests in mind.
As article says, the GOP is counting on on heavily funded outside groups for political advantage in affluent suburbs where it’s expensive to run TV ads.
Yes, ads are our biggest expense, needing billionaire funding, increasing the power of elites on our political norms.
Here's some contrast---Wiki on campaign advertising:
“In the European Union, many countries do not permit paid-for TV or radio advertising for fear that wealthy groups will gain control of airtime, making fair play impossible and distorting the political debate in the process.”
BBC: “European Court upholds UK political advert ban”
Quotes officials that lifting the ban would escalate an "arms race" on political spending.
“The US experience shows the only people who would profit from TV attack ads are moneyed interest groups, TV networks and paid political consultants. The biggest loser would be democratic debate in Britain."
"Political ad ban on TV/radio has wide support ….helped the balance of views at the heart of British broadcasting…ensures the political views broadcast into our homes are not determined by those with the deepest pockets."
The NYT is an international paper, so should discuss this contrast of EU political financing.
And which system makes possible generations of health care for all? Just 1 example.
1
Our major parties also listen when you don't vote for either of them. Get out of the abusive relationship with the Democratic party and vote third party. Otherwise, you get what you deserve.
1
Money is good but getting people out to vote and get involved in government is even better.
I hope that's what this money will do.
5
I suppose I must agree that Democrats should not "unilaterally disarm" in the campaign finance "arm$ race" but I would vastly prefer we publicly finance elections, outlaw gerrymandering, etc.
5
I also see Trump upending financial markets (here and everywhere) and my retirement savings and social security in jeopardy. Unfortunately, I do not have $80MM to give to congressional candidates. What I do have: my right to vote and my first amendment right to encourage others to register to vote and to vote to save our country and show DJT the way the exit. We all have this power.
12
Why do I care if Bloomberg is pushing corporate democrats like Cuomo, not in Congress I realize, Diane Feinstein, Chuck Schumber, not up for re-election?
This kind of thing may actually further drive liberals away from voting for Democratic Party nominees.
1
I am normally not a fan of billionaires spending money to help influence elections, but then, these aren't normal times.
6
Why should one guy, just because he's rich, get to have so much influence on elections?
2
Are you referring to David Koch, Charles Koch, Sheldon Adelson, or any one of a hundred billionaires who own the G.O.P., lock, stock and barrel?
2
Because Ralphie the Koch Bros, the Mercers and the previously unknown Uhleins ( $26 million to conservative causes just this year) have been buying our elections for years. Time for Democrats to play hard ball and rescue our country from Trump and the dark side.
3
Ralphie, for free, you and every other voter, can educate yourself about candidates, make up your own mind, and vote. That's the way to have influence on elections.
2
The Bloomberg Team should look at Democrat Tom Malinowski in New Jersey's 7th District. Leonard Lance is a five term incumbent Republican who can definitely be defeated by a moderate, thoughtful Democrat like Tom Malinowski. Lance is back on his heels trying to keep his balance amidst the insanity of Trumpism. A strong influx of greenbacks into this affluent New Jersey suburban area could knock Lance off his feet and catapult Malinowski to Washington.
4
Voters could take the trouble to read -- yes, read -- commentary about political candidates instead of watching and listening to political ads. Regrettably, political ads on TV and talk radio are every effective, more's the pity. Alas, the dumbing down of America. Trump. Sheesh.
2
A heartfelt THANK YOU Mr. Bloomberg... Now the rest of us must do our part.
7
As much as I despise Trump and his party and policies, this is just wrong. The rich are picking and choosing our politicians and subverting the will of the people. Cannot NYT readers understand a billionaire shouldn't be able to use his money to control the outcome of an election? Election reform is what's needed, not rich people on my side.
2
You are so correct!!!!!
1
As someone who contributed 1/100000 of that amount to the Sanders campaign:
People who applaud are supporting oligarchy , not democracy.
2
Bloomberg has always been a sane, measured man of principle who does what he thinks is right. He surrounds himself with smart, capable people and uses his billions for good. Thanks to his leadership as mayor, NYC is safer, has cleaner air, more parks and green spaces, bike lanes, public art, prosperous businesses, a vital tourism industry, etc. He is not a polemicist or a greedy ideologue, like the Kochs and Mercers—there's no comparison. He is a humanist.
10
I miss Bloomberg. He is a man of integrity and generosity. There is hope!
6
Great news! A much needed boost for the Democrats in the effort to take back the House. Hope Mr. Bloomberg can help with the Senate as well, as both bodies are needed to stem and reverse the disaster emanating from the Executive branch. With a world wide ice melt in progress and the resurgence in fascism, time is of the essence. We badly need a more responsible government, and people in office who recognize that all voters count, not just the lobbyists with gifts. Thank you Mr. Bloomberg, you are a beacon of hope for this country under siege.
3
I too would like to express my deep appreciation, thank you Mr. Bloomberg!!
4
Don't let yourself off the hook.
If all you do is comment here - or read these comments - then you're doing NOTHING.
Where's your $ contribution to the Democratic Party?
Nowhere.
Unless you put up some money -- you , not Bloomberg -- you deserve more Trump.
2
This arms race has to stop.
Truth: 90% of us hate the never ending money in our elections.
Changing it can be easier than we think.
Imagine millions of us using a simple app to make a mass viral demand politicians could not ignore.
Money out of politics now!
"We The People 250."
A constitutional amendment that does the following:
1) maximum contribution to any candidate for public office - $250. Applies to any level - city council to president.
2) same $250 limit for "political speech" (if a person or group wants to air a commercial taking a political view, the funds for that commercial, that political speech, can only be garnered in maximum $250 chunks. No billionaire or organization can command the airwaves with massive buys of political speech.)
3) all congressional districts drawn by non-partisan panels. California does this now.
4) no lobbying after leaving Congress. No employment by any company on which the politician voted.
5) full, complete disclosure of all financial holdings and tax records from any candidate and all sitting politicians.
6) automatic registration to vote at birth for citizens.
7) mailed ballots - done successfully in Oregon now. Paper can't be hacked + audits.
8) extra provisions, drafted by experts in campaign finance to cover all other issues.
Our government is not for sale.
Our brave soldiers did not die for that.
We turn 250 in eight years.
$250 limit ammendment.
Our early birthday present to America.
2
A grateful nation thanks you Mr. Bloomberg.
6
Kind of concerning that Bloomberg thinks the Republicans have done such a bad job just in the past 2 years when they've had control of Congress since 2011.
Was he just not paying attention or did he have no problem with their actions & inactions before 2017?
1
Sad it's going to take MORE money in politics to defeat our burgeoning autocracy. However as we at this point we have no choice but to fight fire with fire.
3
I was never a huge fan of Mike Bloomberg when he was mayor of NYC but I am now.
4
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. I hope other decent folks in this country (wealthy and not so wealthy) are doing the same, or considering it. WE HAVE TO WIN AT LEAST THE HOUSE BACK and stop these maniacs in the WH. It's unfortunate that people have to spend their hard earned money on this. It could be going to other worthwhile causes like hunger, poverty, homelessness, education, etc. There's an idea, educate those ignorant folks who support Trump. Maybe Bloomberg would consider running for the US presidency in 2020 - he's a successful businessman and seems like a good person, unlike the guy currently in the WH.
2
So sad to see the rich republicans buying more votes ... oh wait. He's not trying to "flip the house for the democrats", he's intent on flipping the house for the plutocrats.
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. Democrats need all the help they can get.
5
My eternal thanks, Mr. Bloomberg. You just might save America!
3
As a Republican who has generally liked Bloomberg and his pragmatic style, if not all of his nanny state policies, I find this decision to flip the house into the liberals waiting arms absolutely disgusting and unforgivable. He has lost my respect.
1
Wall Street Democrats or occupy Wall Street Democrats ?
We need Dems who will fight for economic issues that may not be in Wall Streets best interests : in equality , schools , infracstuture , wages , etc
What we have in Seth Moulton is a marine Iran vet who has no audible issues with Wall Street . I think everyone knows that Bloomberg is Mr . Wall Street . Anti trump is not enough, it brings
us back to the centrism of Clinton, Obama
2
So money in politics is good now?
1
Well.... good. Certainly some negative things can be written but let's not look for "perfect" when we need everything to help.
1
There is an article in today's NYTimes about the uproar of the fundraiser being held at the Trump hotel in Washington for the Republicans. Then we read about Michael Bloomberg donating $80 million of his own money to Democrats so they can flip the house in the midterm elections. This is hysterical and the height of hypocrisy coming from the Democrats. I guess only Democrats are allowed to have multi-million dollar fundraisers. How dare those greedy Republicans spend money on their elections. (Sarcasm folks). I cannot stop laughing over this absurdity on the Democrats part.
No wonder they are not to be taken seriously. All the money in the world will not help them flip the house elections. The Republicans will keep control and win even more seats. Mark my words.
1
In an ideal world, this would not be necessary - billionaires could not use their money for political gain. I've been, and still am, opposed to it on principle; but given that his donations are evenings the scales against a GOP that uses the tactic more than the Democrats, I suppose I shouldn't be too upset.
1
Bless you, Mr. Bloomberg. The U.S. might yet be saved.
6
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. I'm so proud to share with you being JHU alums.
3
What is Mr. Bloomberg getting in return for his investment?
2
I am very glad to have one billionaire on "my" side, but this is a terrible commentary on where our political system stands.
2
Thank you! I hope others in your position will join you! You would have been a brilliant President.
4
Same recipe for disaster. It's not a good news, we tried this last time, and it didn't work. What's next? A Hillary Clinton endorsement?
It's the Jon Ossoff loosing strategy versus the Conor Lamb winning strategy. One consisted of injecting millions of dollars in an election, while the other campain was mostly financed by small-dollar donors. Because there's nothing stronger than ideas, political propositions, po-li-tics.
We need to go back to the fundamentals, grassroots campaigning, small donations by the people for the people. Far from Wall Street mega money. We can't repeat over and over the same mistakes.
1
Mike has a house in my district and you can often see him about town and at charity events.
He can launch his efforts against the low life representing my N.Y. 1st—Lee Zelden—an early and fervent Trump supporter with a stellar rating from the NRA. Our upcoming Tues primary hosts a strong field of challengers, so fingers crossed.
We are without doubt the most purple district in the nation, with even split between the 2 parties over the past 30 years. Our republican congressman Mike Forbes even took the unprecedented step of switching to Democrat in the mid 90’s (only to loose the next primary).
Truly proud of our hometown hero, and hope his humiliating golf scores (sorry Mike) drives him back into public office.
4
Bravo Michael Bloomberg !
Now, let's see some of the hyper billionaires also step up to the plate: Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, Bill & Melinda Gates. Their global generosity is commendable but if the current political insanity continues, these philanthropists may see a world where their desires to help children, the poor, the disease ridden...will be squashed by a toxic, all controlling government of hate mongers.
Time to KO the Kochs
3
Bloomberg is a classic Northeast moderate Republican. It's good to see him put Country over party.
20
A drop in the bucket compared to what the Kochs and Adelsons of the world are spending.
2
Thank you Mr Bloomberg, would love your help in NEw York congressional district number one. Just east of NYC. Plenty of suburbs and a Republican incumbent to beat.
5
Ah, it's nice to see the Democratic oligarchs participate in our plutocracy. You can't let the Koch brothers have all the fun.
2
A long awaited breath of fresh air. It is time a moderate self made intellectual with a decent and limited agenda makes a national stand. Enough of the self absorbed greedy Koch Klan. Let’s roll!
6
If each of us Dems would add just $10 to Michael Bloomberg's 80 million we could take back the whole enchilada !
4
Can there be a savior to pull us out of this dark time in the history of the USA? Can this be a sign that the GOP/Trump nightmare will just become a mere blip in the course of democratic ideology that our country stands for? OMG! We shall all stand up and celebrate! Yes! I will become a believer.
4
At least he has the remnant of a conscience.
3
Every little bit helps and too be fair he should give a little to Flake and Corker and urge them to run and also to Collins and a few other republicans that pretty much condemned Trump or pretty much called him out on crucial issues like health care.
This is not a moderate republican/democratic battle.
It is against an ego maniac demagogue.
4
While balancing out the GOP billionaires is great, can we please get the money out of politics!
1
Many thanks Mayor Bloomberg for "putting your money where your mouth is". Your gesture helps to restore the good name of my beloved city- a city covered in shame by the recent despicable rantings of your predecessor -Rudy Giuliani. Moreover it is the right thing to do! One hopes a level (untainted)playing field will lead to a MASSIVE blue victory in November!
9
This is terrific because Trump is such a clear & present menace to all Americans including his own base (as history will show)....But we are a very long way from the solution to the political dysfunction in Washington, which is getting money out of politics entirely, as so many other countries have already done.
4
To defeat these dangerous and subversive Congressional Republicans this coming November...by all necessary means and methods!
2
Do you know who wins all elections with that money in the past and the future? The Television industry.
2
Soros, Bloomberg: Same, same.
Both hyper-rich men from the same political ethos are dangerous to a nation's integrity--just ask the Italians, on the former.
Cultural Marxist open-borders on the march--"the collective" is their sovereignty.
2
So are the Koch brothers, Shedon Adelson and the likes, if not worse. I doubt Soros and Bloomberg got to be billionaires by being Marxists.
1
It's a shame that the best immediate fix to our broken, over-moneyed political system may be more money (especially this amount from one individual). But for this cycle, whatever it takes...
I, for one, would delight in the karma of a cultured, self-made- billionaire New Yorker who can see a con derailing the dictatorial aspirations of an uncultured, by-inheritance faux billionaire New Yorker who is a con.
6
thank you Mr Bloomberg. if the republicans can have the Kochs and others of that ilk, we can have our Bloomberg!! thank you again!!!
until campaign finance laws are brought to bear, and citizens united is overturned, this is how it will be.
4
Beware of billionaires bearing gifts. There are always strings attached.
1
He donated to Dan Donavan! Has he ever read Donavan's newsletters to his constituents?! Well, that Republican primary does leave us with two grim choices! And it is, essentially Staten Island! Nonetheless, Staten Island, and the sliver of Brooklyn, the district includes, deserve better!!!
1
Michael Bloomberg is an American hero.
4
God bless him -- he does what he thinks is right and has the brains to get it right. I wish that he rather than Hillary had run against Trump last time out.
3
Mike, you are right about trying to flip Congress-----thank you!
However, you are mistaken about impeachment of Trump.
Nothing could be more responsible. This repulsive man is simply morally, intellectually, psychologically, and emotionally unfit to be President.
1
Thank you Michael Bloomberg. Why does the progressive, liberal democracy supporting sector of our country have to fight the fire of the Koch brothers, the Mercer's, Adelson and other right-wing conservative donors with $10 and $50 donations? Sadly we live in a world where oligarchs rule and large corporate interests rule, surely it is helpful to have substantial investment in the Democratic party. Let's keep the smaller donations rolling in too.... but Bloomberg has demonstrated that he is a billionaire who isn't just about protecting the narrow interests of billionaires. It takes alot of money to elect candidates period. Until we have public financing of elections infusions of cash that can make a difference are needed. I sure don't see the Republican billionaires pulling away from financing candidates.... hmmm, maybe it works.
2
That's all? He will need 10 billion. That is what it will cost to impeach Trump. Put your money where your mouth is.
I wish Michael Bloomberg would run for president.
1
Thank you, Mayor Bloomberg.
1
Mayor Bloomberg you rock! Thank you!
1
Josh Welle, a Democrat running against Chris Smith, would be perfect for Bloomberg to assist.
The goal is to flip NJ’s 4th district blue.
Welle is a veteran who makes sense.
3
Yes! Thank you, Michael Bloomberg!
"The real New York billionaire"
4
Thank You you so much Mayor Bloomberg!
You spoke the truth when you said that as a New Yorker, you knew a con man when you saw one and that trump is a con. Many of us non New Yorkers knew it too. What we didn't know, is what a vicious, vengeful, vain and cruel man he is.
Between you, Tom Steyer and others of your stature and means, we might stand a chance - a chance to make America America again - and send this would be dictator along with his family of grifters, back to their golden tower.
Thank you again - you made my day.
2
Thank you so much, Michael Bloomberg! I can sign petitions, protest and vote, but money is power and most of us don't have nearly as much as you have at your disposal (you and those wretched Koch brothers who have done so much damage with theirs!).
4
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg! Whatever it takes to dethrone this corrupt, incompetent, craven, ignorant clown is welcomed. That Trump's inhumane and cruel policy of separating children from their parents may have inspired this just goes to show how unthinking he is. Were we not supposed to notice or care that children were incarcerated without their parents in Texas tents? This lame-brained man is abhorrent to all that America represents. May we bid his party a vigorous adieu in 2018.
3
What took him so long?
1
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg.
3
Bloomberg can help to rescue this Trump 911 threat.
Trump and the Right continue to dominate the daily media.
As long as this continues, they will likely continue their control.
===============================================
I hope that some of the money goes into new, more creative Democratic campaign methods, to trump Trump and the Right.
Mazel Tov, Michael Bloomberg!
3
John Boehner recently suggested that the real Republican party is "taking a nap" under the reign of Trump.
NO!
Under Trump, the Republican party is cowering in fear, drooling and speechless.
Go MIKE Go!
3
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg
3
Thank you, Michael Bloomberg.
4
80 million dollars on a hate Trump platform, you go for it Mike. I hope you have more where that came from.
2
Thank you, Mr Bloomberg.
3
At this point, whatever will work to unseat these right-wing Traitor Trump zealots.
3
Among other things, nice poke by one mayor in another mayor’s lyin’ eyes . . .
Make America BLOOM AGAIN!
5
Now that George Soros is getting up there in age, I am glad to see Michael Bloomberg stepping up. I can't wait for the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories to start flowing. Did you know that Michael Bloomberg knew about 9/11 in advance? Did you know that Michael Bloomberg sold out Jews to the Nazis while still in his mother's womb? Did you know that Michael Bloomberg made his wealth by stealing land from churches in the midwest?
And by the way, it is a bit unsettling that so many Democrats (myself included!) are now celebrating the fact that a billionaire who isn't even a Democrat is going to give millions of dollars to specific candidates who fit his personal vision for the country. This fall's election is uniquely vital for the continued health of our democracy, so this excitement about Santa Bloomberg's generosity is warranted. Still, stories like this only serve to reinforce the catastrophic impact that Citizens United has had. Regular people have always been pawns in our system, but now we aren't even on the board. If this systematic failure doesn't change soon, it will not end well for anyone.
2
Go Mike!
3
Thank you
3
Bloomberg for President
3
Ok Oprah, Beyonce; Warren Buffett, George Soros...pony up the money and join in. While you're at it; send some to California to defeat Devin Nunes.
6
Bloomberg's only goal is to elect liberal democrats who obey his wishes. Ask anyone from NYC if he is a tyrant. Say Hello to a nationwide soda tax and say goodbye to Second Amendment with this nutjob. He will demand control if he gets his way. Scary.
I'm from New York. Why don't you ask *me*?
1
Thank god we've got some good news for a change. A blue wave may be coming. Thank you Mr. Bloomberg. And all those who pressured Trump into reuniting children with immigrant families, and Warren Buffet and friends who are starting their own health care company to lower the cost of medical care. Good news on the horizon.
Billionaires may not be a substitute for functional democracy as Ryan put it in this comment section, but they helped get us into this mess by funding lies (Koch brothers), and the good guys can help us get out of this hell hole by backing those of us who are on the side of what America really stands for -- good, humane values. Unfortunately money rules here and until that changes, we need money on the side of the good and the just.
9
Short-term help, perhaps, but ultimately another symptom of the pay-to-play politics that helped bring us Trump. Billionaires are not a substitute for a functional democracy.
61
Bloomberg was a Democrat until he realized that he would have a hard time winning the party's nomination for mayor so he bought off the Republican party leaders in NYC so they would give him its nomination. And he kept in business a nuthouse party called the Independent Party that amazingly took the exact same positions as Bloomberg on every issue.
At present, campaigns are privately financed. We all have to face this reality even if philosophically one objects to this way of holding elections. Hence, Bravo Michael Bloombeg!! You are a hero, not only for this financial contribution, but also for warning the public - at the Democratic Convention iin 2016 - that Trump is a "con man." You are correct and we are seeing it more and more every day.
16
I would vote for Mr. Bloomberg for President.
It would be wonderful to have someone who understands business, geopolitics, international trade, technology, government, climate change, sustainability, and philanthropy.
Trump ascended to office with the Kremlin's help to line the pockets of the Trump family, and support dictatorships over America's strongest democratic allies.
137
Bloomberg and Trump are two sides of the same NY coin. Both are self-assured, arrogant men though only one of them is completely deranged. Both men sought to ethnically cleanse the city and turn it into a pristine white enclave, Bloomberg through recklessly rezoning properties and gifting them to his developer cronies, and Trump through intimidation, redlining, and inflammatory rhetoric. The result is a city increasing sterile, soulless and unaffordable by anyone but the most vapid of financiers - just their types!
1
David:
"It would be wonderful to have someone who understands business, geopolitics, international trade, technology, government, climate change, sustainability, and philanthropy. "
That's not Michael Bloomberg.
"Trump ascended to office with the Kremlin's help to line the pockets of the Trump family, and support dictatorships over America's strongest democratic allies."
There's no evidence Russia (the state) helped Trump win. Hillary gave him a lot of help.
The USA has been supporting dictatorships for 130 years at least.
Oh, and South Korea, certainly an ally, favors the US talking to North Korea in 2018.
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. I was hoping you would do something like this. The money on politics is, of course, insane. But our nation is in grave danger of following in 1930's Germany's footsteps, and the willing would-be executioners must be stopped.
83
I applaud Bloomberg for supporting moderates.
But as far as I know he's not pushing for campaign finance legislation or working against Citizens United, so, yeah. The money is appreciated, but one man shouldn't wield so much clout.
20
One thing at a time. Trump has got to go NOW.
3
Bloomberg's concern is admirable, but I fear that he's missing the point. The more likely it appears that Democrats will retake control of the House, the more certain it becomes that Benedict Donald won't let it happen. Trump knows what he's guilty of--he's going to jail for the rest of his life if he loses this fight. We should all be prepared for a government shutdown in September. It's unclear how this might affect the midterm elections. If elections are held and a "blue wave" is the result, you can count on Trump to invalidate them due to "voter fraud." His base will cheer him on, and Trump could care less what the rest of America thinks.
We should not expect Robert Mueller to come to our rescue. How many divisions does the special counsel command? This constitutional crisis will not be decided in the courts--it will be fought in the streets all across our country.
Bloomberg's millions might be far better spent on a tv ad blitz similar to Tom Steyer's "Impeach Now" campaign. Bloomberg should directly implore Secretary of Defense Mattis to vow that our military will defend our constitution, even if it means failing to obey the orders of their commander-in-chief. We have only a few months left to insist upon the idea that we are a nation of laws.
If the prospect of Trump's Veterans Day military parade immediately after the midterms doesn't already scare the daylights out of Americans, Bloomberg has the wherewithal to sound the alarm and snap them to attention.
8
The president does not have the power to invalidate an election. We are not yet a dictatorship.
3
It should be clear by now that Trump's base will let him do whatever he wants. Our president praises dictators and murderers and insults our democratic allies. The only media outlet that isn't "fake news" is Fox. Steve Bannon predicts that Trump will shut down the government if his border wall isn't fully funded by September.
It's not at all far fetched that Trump will declare martial law some time this fall in order to save his own skin. He obviously can't succeed without the support of our military. So our armed forces will have to choose between the president and the constitution. I find it curious--scary, really--that Jim Mattis has been virtually silent on Trump's sudden infatuation with Kim Jong Un (suspending military exercises) and his out-of-left-field call for Russia to be readmitted to the G7 (8). The Founding Fathers were sagely wary of a standing army, but for over 200 years we haven't really had to worry about our military turning against the American people. I'm not so sure anymore.
So much for being an "independent". In our current climate, one must take sides, and put their money where their heart is. Good job, Mike. Let's pray it works.
57
Yes, please. Flip the House. I would have voted for Bloomberg as president, and I believe he has crossover appeal to many Republicans and independents. Even if we can't turn the Senate blue, they are an inherently more sensible body than the House. If we can get a blue House and a purplish Senate, we can possibly get sensible immigration reform.
If not, time to burn the house down.
78
This is the kind of financing we need to turn Congress across the country in November! As constituents in CD-1, Suffolk County NY, we ask: please help us, Mr. Bloomberg!! Our Congressman, Lee Zeldin, is financed by none other than Robert Mercer, who lives in our district. Imagine those deep pockets! Grassroots activists in CD-1 incredibly active, but we sure could use some Mercer-matching help to bring us back to sanity. (and yes, money matters to those out there who bristle at Bloomberg's offer. That's how our former Congressman. a fine man Tim Bishop, got unseated by an unknown wiling to do Mercer's bidding of chaos and disruption.)
51
The same Mercer whose wealth and fingerprints are all over Cambridge Analytica's cynical and successful attempts to target wavering voters here in the UK's Brexit referendum. We are now in chaos such as I have never witnessed.
These people use their wealth, which is beyond the dreams of Croesus, for their own ends, which seem to be variations of Naomi Klein's "Disaster Capitalism".
Their money deliberately destroy civil society. It is the opposite of democracy, and it must be stopped somehow.
Here we are finding more and more evidence of interference by Putin.
And more evidence of his murders and attempted murders of his opposition in our streets.
What is to be done? I'm a very old Parish Councillor in an old, cold Saxon village in the north of England.
All I can do is give you decent American cousins my moral support. But you have the fight of your lives ahead of you, make no mistake.
Remember that you will be fighting for us too. We also are experiencing vile toads crawling out from under their stones where they had long lain dormant, fearful of ordinary, decent people. Until now.
Your grotesque "government" locks up babies and toddlers in cages. Dear God. Is it really happening in 2018? Utterly, utterly unconscionable. Yet there are apologists galore on the extreme right-wing multi-billionaire Murdoch's Fox News.
He and his ilk are a vile cancer on our societies. How on earth have we all allowed this to happen? What did we do wrong?
Gird your loins, America.
I’m sure all of candidates he plans to donate money to will be those not affiliated with unions. Bloomberg hates any organized establishments. During his long reign, he refused to negotiate contracts with teachers for up to eight years. All of his people sought and got financial opportunities handed to them, but the common person wasn’t even offered fair compensation. Seriously not a person you want deciding future urban educational endeavors. His very profit over people mentality is not what we need.
4
That's nice, but money isn't the answer.
The Democratic Party lacks clear vision, direction and a strong platform. Just being anti-GOP, anti-Trump, full of moral outrage and having a large war chest isn't sufficient.
Trump tapped into the disaffected and turned campaigning on its head, all on a relatively small budget.
14
His electoral college win only means that a minority of voters from a few states were given more power in their votes. He also had help from abroad. It does not mean that the majority of the country voted for him, which it didn't. Over 3 million more voted for Hillary.
10
I am afraid, in some ways, money is the answer. Or at least part of it. It can't do it on its own, but to coin Pearl Bailey: "I've been rich and I've been poor, and I like rich a whole lot better." Defeating this band of half-wits, con artists, and outright criminals will take all we have. And, if Mike Bloomberg wants to help, then gawd bless him.
3
I'm so sick of this talking point. Dems have a very clear platform. If you don't know it, get off of Fox news.
2
I'm uncomfortable with the assumption that money will buy elections. Even if your side is "winning," Bloomberg's charity represents a denigration of our democracy. No one should have the power to decide politics with a checkbook.
13
Andy, we all are uncomfortable; but until the effect of the money of the Kochs, Adelsons, Mercers and others is negated and campaign finance reform is a reality, we have to fight filthy lucre with a-tad-bit-less-filthy lucre.
11
See Citizen's United vs. FEC
See Koch Brothers
See NRA (and Russia money funneling)
See Mercer
See FoxNews and Murdoch
Without a Michael Bloomberg how will the rest keep up with that kind of spending and state media control?
6
I like to think that my contributions to Hillary helped her get the majority of votes. Was diappointed that the electoral college had to chose trump because of outdated election laws that give extra weight to a few states.
3
I'd vote for a sane 78-yr-old in 2020 in a New York minute.
181
Who might that be?
Thank you Mr. Bloomberg!! We need all the help we can get to change the way our Democracy is being destroyed!
98
This is also destroying democracy
Whether it be corporate money or personal wealth, weilding such power by one (unelected) person or entity is neither ethical or moral. The ends do not justify the means. How can Citizens United be a terrible thing, which it is, and has been decried roundly in this very space, yet this man praised to the heavens for doing essentially the same? Exacty the same for the likes of the Koch brothers. How do you get lawmakers to cut off their own lifeline of unfettered money?
12
Good.
A decent man who has seen the shame that these Republicans have put on America. I am of modest means, but I have begun to contribute my mite to getting Democrats elected nationwide. We Democrats need to not seek purity from our candidates, we need to seek decency and electability. There is a lot we need to put the brakes on, and only after we stop our headlong decline as a nation can we seek a new direction.
36
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg. But may we ask you to double that figure so we can take out the trash from Congress for certain?
10
Money may talk but if it has efficacy, he's on the side of the angels, and anything to get the Philistines out and achieve checks & balances as the founders intended. With any luck these reactionaries will be out for forty years. Next time the media may do its job and inform the brain-dead voter.
15
Thank you Michael Bloomberg! The trade wars must stop. Insulting Canada must stop. Please Run for President in 4 years.
12
Would it encourage if Bloomberg ran in two years?
To join so many others: I thank my former Mayor, Michael Bloomberg. There are not many--George Soros is one--who have such vast resources and nonetheless have not forgotten principle, decency, and the now-threatened rule of law.
10
Supporting Democrats is not the best solution to help America. Democrats together with Obama make our country divided. You could bring our citizens back together again. Mayor Bloomberg if you becomes our next president will be a better solution. Age is not a factor to stop you to become our leader. You are the only American could rescue from Trump's slowly destroying our great country. Please do not waste your money on Democrats. You give America hope.
That is SOOOOOO not true. One reason our country became more divided under Obama is because the racists became more emboldened. Trump has only fueled this division.
6
President Obama did not divide the country. It was the racist repubs in congress who did that. The country elected President Obama twice.
It is encouraging that some republicans like Mr. Bloomberg are disgusted enough by trump that they would support Democrats. That is the real measure of patriotism ...country over party. Under this horrible administration, it would be patriotic for honest and honorable republicans to stop supporting trump and, in fact, get involved in making sure he doesn't destroy our country entirely.
7
Bloomberg is a business man. He has ethics. If he wants to be Prez he will have to put his assets into a blind trust. Bloomberg has projects he funds. He has a climate change campaign and an anti tobacco campaign. Let the man keep on doing what he does. We need leaders outside government like Mike and Bill Gates who just do good.
3
Can you imagine the liberal outcry if the story was the Kochs contributing $80 million for GOP candidates? It's always different when it comes to Soros and Bloomberg money.
6
No, there was an article already about how much they are spending. The Kochs are spending much more. There was an more of a SMH moment, but unfortunately this is were we are.
Guess you missed that article, huh?
6
I hope no one falls for this lie. The Kochs will donate more than 4 times this amount to their puppets in Congress and in state houses throughout the country. Just check out how much money the sleazy governor of Wisconsin get from them.
4
The Koch's are trying to pollute our air and water, keep people's wages low and prevent them from having affordable health care. Soros, Bloomberg et al aren't trying to harm anyone. See the difference?
6
Seriously? Care to estimate how much the Kochs and their brethren are pouring into the midterms? $80 million looks like chicken feed.
4
Good! If elections are for sale, we can't let the Republicans be the only buyers.
Anyway, between gerrymandering and voter suppression efforts by the Republicans, it will take many millions of dollars on the Democratic side to begin to level the playing field.
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