Please, not another old, white man (and I'm an old, white woman).
10
From the first sentence of the article
Michael R. Bloomberg disrupted the Democratic presidential field on Friday as he took his first steps into the 2020 race
The word choice of “disrupted” seems more than a little hyperbolic. “Puzzled” would seem more appropriate.
7
Dear Mr. Bloomberg-
Here's how you "enter" the race. Give your support and money to Elizabeth Warren and perhaps she'll reward you with a job in the administration so you can have a little more income to pay your increased taxes!
You've got the 1% nervous, Elizabeth- keep punching!
11
The guy that illegally served three terms as mayor? No thanks.
9
Why isn't he running as Republican? Another old wealthy white dude believes he can save our democracy. Wake up people! Not going to happen.
9
Can't think of anything else to spend his $billions on, that might make a real difference in this country? Typical of the clueless, self-involved rich.
6
Take money out of politics!
6
A white man, former mayor, infamous for stop and frisk, has decided to start his campaign in a state with a large black population. The man is pure genius.
6
No one wil ask impertient question of Bloomberg as to how much any of his plans will cost because he will just pay for them himself.
2
Bloomberg vs. Trump. What a ticket! A once in a lifetime opportunity to compare a legitimate business success to a small time hood.
10
So the presidential election is just going to be a battle of old kinda rich vs very rich New Yorkers? Boy! Does that sound engaging and relevant to me or what!?
10
Dear Bloomberg,
Haha that’s a great one. Best laugh in years.
Sincerely not yours, California
9
Stay out Michael you are a Republican -why can't you be strong enough to run as a Republican you know you could beat trump in their primary. Trump wouldn't have won last time if it had been a one on one primary.
It seems odd that you want to run but to afraid to go against trump in a primary on the Repub side.
8
If Hillary Clinton was too "tied to Wall Street," then Bloomberg is Wall Street.
8
From here in “flyover country”: If people have a problem with Elizabeth Warren because she has Hillary hair, we aren’t going to be able to distinguish NYC mayor Bloomberg from NYC mayor DiBlasio (who stunk up the Dem debates) from NYC mayor Giuliani, or from that other random billionaire late-comer Tom Steyer.
For rational centrism plus experience in a white straight male package you want, you all should have gotten out and supported Tim Ryan or Michael Bennett.
4
Despite Bloomberg’s considerable advantages over Trump, outside of the seaboard states and certain liberal enclaves, I don’t think the country will elect a Jewish president. Especially now with anti-semitism at heights we haven’t seen in decades.
5
Thanks you Democrats for running as socialists in a center right country. Only billionaires can save us now.
2
Where have I heard this before: "I'm the only one who can solve this mess." Or, "I'm a billionaire and a business man. I know how to fix things." Is this some kind of "fight fire with fire" assumption: Our arrogant old white man can beat your arrogant old white man?
The voices being most loudly conveyed in the "liberal" media are those that seem to accept that only a certain type of candidate can compete against this corrupt, self-serving Russian asset. The campaign for president hasn't even begun, yet a minority of "swing voters" who are so fragile they'd rather have a lying, cheating, bigotted criminal in office than change, prejudge against candidates like Elizabeth Warren (who btw, was a Republican) and that's all we hear; "s/he can't beat him." The probability is these snowflake voters will vote for the incumbent no matter who runs against him. I seriously doubt that anyone who can consider that kind of filth and darkness as an option to be open to any kind of enlightenment.
9
If Americans would take 4 years of Trump over Warren with a wealth-tax and a health plan with all the revolutionary fervor of 1960s Canada then Americans have not suffered enough to wake up. A full depression, a war, 8 years of Trump - clearly one of these is needed to effect the societal change, particularly in matters of inequity, that is decades over due.
Bloomberg will buy the Republicans a reprieve from Trump just long enough to reorganize along the marginally-less corrupt lines that obstructed Obama for 6 years, stole Supreme Court seats, robbed the poor for the rich etc. Even now, much of the public is too Stockholm-syndromed to abandon the “R” brand. A Bloomberg administration will just polish that delusion up a bit and in 4-6 years we’ll be right back to where we started. He is the “bull flag” (a stock term he is surely familiar with from his terminals) of our modern politics - false reprieve from a longstanding downtrend which will change absolutely nothing and, in short order, hurt even more people when the downtrend resumes.
5
NEWSFLASH: Boring rich old white guy beats sociopath somewhat less rich old white guy in bid to keep everyone under the heel of the super-rich um, er, I mean save democracy. Yawn.
10
Pick Stacey Abrams as your VP, and you're in, bro.
2
"in God we trust. Everyone else, bring data." Bloomberg's motto made him $50 billion and he's not abandoning it now. He's been polling on running for president for twenty years. He never had a path, and doesn't now. The champion of stop and frisk and Wall Street getting the Democratic nomination? Less than zero chance. What he is doing is pushing the finishing line down the road to prevent any of the current candidates with a path from locking up the nomination. Personally, he can't swallow any of those candidates and politically, he knows they won't beat Trump. By making this splash AND making Super Tuesday his play, he hopes to prevent any current candidate from sweeping the first four primaries and grabbing the crown. Now, in theory, there will still be time on the clock after Nevada. Not for him to get he nomination, but someone closer to him and with a better chance to win in November.
2
Eschewing the traditional, timeless components of American political campaigning, particularly personally and intensely exposing himself “in the flesh” to those citizens whose votes he seeks, this cosseted plutocrat seems to be seeking a bought-for coronation, not the party’s nomination for the nation’s highest elective office. Bloomberg’s “strategy” is extremely off-putting, if not offensive, to our democratic values and norms, requiring an unequivocal rejection by the public. While existing Democratic aspirants are calling for the immediate cancellation of the Trumpian tax giveaway to the Republican corporate/wealthy donor class, it seems highly unlikely that Bloomberg will follow them in seeking any tax equity.
2
In 2008 election, another NY mayor, Giuliani did something similar. He skipped early primaries and bet on Florida primary to propel him forward in the race for GOP nomination. It did not work out for him. Bloomberg should take note .
1
Michael Bloomberg has had a lot of governing experience in running one of the largest cities in the world, and running it well. He is absolutely qualified to run the government of the United States. Yes, he is a billionaire, but unlike Trump and so many plutocrats, he has a moral compass, and he has put his money where his mouth is on gun control, environmental issues, and winning back the House. He is the one who should scare Trump the most. He can take Trump on with one hand tied behind his back, and eat his lunch when it comes to substantive issues. Joe Biden is popular right now, but I see him stumbling when it comes to debating, and it gives me pause about his ability to take Trump on in a debate.
I love the progressive idealism of Warren and Sanders, but we are struggling to regain power right now to just get back to square one with healthcare and environmental issues. There is so much damage to repair, that we have to heal the wounds of the country and restore what has been lost before we can even think about universal healthcare. It took having control of the Presidency, and both Houses of Congress and an iron will on Nancy Pelosi's part to get the ACA passed, and that was when we were far more left-leaning as a country than we are today.
We need to keep an open mind about Bloomberg entering the race. The objective should be to oust Trump, win back the Senate, and maintain control of the House, so that we can end this national nightmare foisted on us in 2016.
9
Dear Mr. Bloomberg,
You are a reasonable and thoughtful Republican.
Why did you not enter the Republican primary and challenge Mr. Trump for the nomination?
Had you done that, you could have given Americans a real choice on Nov 3, 2020.
8
Why is it the job of the Democrats move to the center and unify our country?
The Republicans have been moving the goal posts to the right for 39 years now. And the Democrats have steadily followed them in lock step. Today's centrists are yesterday's conservatives.
Take a victory lap, Republicans. You got your tax cuts. You got your deregulation. You got your conservative judges. What more could you possibly want?
5
Mr. Bloomberg's strategy was made famous by Rosie Ruiz who, in 1980, was declared the winner of the 84th Boston Marathon but had her title vacated eight days later when it was determined she didn't enter the race until about a mile short of the finish line.
It was tried again by none other than Rudy Giuliani when he waited until the Florida primary to join the 2008 presidential GOP primaries. He lost.
I doubt it will work for Mayor Mike either.
3
Why should the relatively small and unrepresentative populations of two states always get to decide the next President?
6
Dear Mr. Bloomberg,
You are the true "Republican Lite" candidate. (And I mean that as a compliment.) You are a thoughtful and reasonable conservative.
Why did you not enter the Republican primary, and challenge Mr. Trump?
You could have saved your party from extinction. We need two viable political parties in America, including a legitimate conservative voice.
Why is it the job of Democrats to represent a legitimate center-right point of view?
7
- Mike Bloomberg is a progressive Republican.
- The Trump Republican Party is composed of regressive Republicans. (They are right-wing radicals, and not true conservatives.)
Mr. Bloomberg, why did you not run as a Republican, and primary Mr. Trump?
Had you done so, that would have given the American people a legitimate choice on Nov 3, 2020.
5
I have mixed views. I don’t like that Bloomberg is a billionaire. There is too much inequality in this country. He needs to prove to me and many others that he would work to change that.
At this point I like Warren but if the Democrats ran a cat for president I’d vote for it. So if Bloomberg is the candidate, I’ll vote for the status quo of being under the thumb of corporate America. It’s better than crazy town trump. He’s off the rails.
4
America apparently still suffers deeply from the “Dynasty Syndrome”. The exuberant embrace of another billionaire by so-called democrats is pitiable. Remind yourselves of who got rid of mayoral term limits because NYC couldn’t survive the economic crisis caused by his bankster Wall Street buddies without him. “Only I can solve the problems of America”. Sound familiar? News to the self-appointed pragmatic electability fetishists in the “center”. Trump will not be beaten by anyone without massive turn-out by progressives, young and old, seasoned voters and cynics, active and inactive participants in our democracy, and I will guarantee that no such turn-out will result if you nominate the billionaire savior of the week. OK, Boomers?
7
As a Californian I rather like the sound of a November 2020 New York Billionaire cage match as its main attraction. Who says there’s nothing to hope for anymore?
2
Thank goodness for an electable candidate.
5
"President Trump, for his part, did not sound concerned about Mr. Bloomberg on Friday morning."
So this tells me Trump is pretty scared. When he's really worried about something he pretends it doesn't exist and gives it a denigrating nick name, like witch hunt. Using the term "little" is always a tip off that he's afraid.
4
I am looking forward to Mr. Bloomberg telling trump, "I am a real billionaire, and here are my tax returns to prove it, if you can't show your returns you are a fake billionaire!"
Compare charities, "I can see trump has recently admitted to fraud, and was fined two million dollars."
On and on, it will be entertaining!
4
The last thing we need is another millionaire/billionaire septuagenarian New Yorker politician. The two running in the last general election have done quite enough otentially irreparable damage to the United States of America already, thank you very much!
New York is poison to American politics.
LEAVE US ALONE!
3
Dreadful mayor - caved to NYC unions and was responsible for huge increase in employees (>300,000 total workforce JUST FOR NYC) and benefits. Not a manager - just a panderer!
1
We've seen this movie before. Bloomberg always "enters" the Presidential race. He never stays in till the finish line.
3
Bloomberg only looks good to some people because he’s new and hasn’t been eviscerated by the media. His personality looks too boring next to Trump and unfortunately many people vote on a personality rather than ability .
1
Bloomberg/ Warren would be a winning ticket that could bring democracy back to the US.
3
Do we need another rich billionaire in power ?
1
Bloomberg is not interested in being President. He is interested in Warren not being President and would rather Trump win again than have Warren. And the idea that Bloomberg is going to win the necessary swing state voters? Just laughable.
6
He spent as much money to win the NYC mayor´s office as obama spent to become President. He has no chance.
3
A large part of the country is not aware or care for that matter of New York politics. Bloomberg to many is an unknown other than his name. I am impressed with so many ready to vote for the new comer to the race. My first thought which I know is shared by many is he's another old white man. On top of that he's another billionaire.
2
Wow, imagine Nov 3, 2020. Bloomberg vs. Trump. An honest Republican vs. a crooked Republican.
"Heads I win. Tails you lose."
I am delighted to see the comments here from honest Republican voters saying they would be happy to support Mr. Bloomberg. I just wish he was running in the Republican primary, where he belongs.
5
How completely uninspiring.
Warren inspires.
5
Another billionaire who thinks he knows the middle class. We are barely hanging on with low wages, no healthcare that a "rich" country should have, Trumpistas who are willing to vote for a suspected child molester than a Democrat or any other party, the subtle racial hatred sparked by our so called leaders and climate change disrupting our little lives. We don't need another business man telling us government agencies need to work towards a bottom line we need the government to protect us from corporations hiring "at will" employees and fleecing the last penny before we all end up in ER because they polluted our air and water. Biden is the past. Warren is envisions a Utopian society that cannot exist now because we still have a violent world. We need a leader who doesn't play the game but has solutions to problems we deal with everyday.
12
Bloomberg's gun control record would make winning Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and North Carolina very difficult.
Local government is simply not reasonable preparation for the presidency no matter how big the locale is. Among many other problems, it can lead to views and problem solving that are so narrowly applicable that they alienate huge portions of the country.
As they might say on the other coast, it just doesn't scale.
3
I’m a moderate Democrat. But I can’t support Sanders. And I am not a fan of Warren’s efforts to radically expand social safety nets and healthcare programs. I prefer smaller tax increases, a public option added to ACA, and maybe the ‘baby bonds’ idea for education.
I do want to see big bold action on guns and the environment. I like that Bloomberg has been leading on these issues - and getting Democrats elected to take action on these issues - for several years. He means business.
I believe Bloomberg’s platform should be all about American Leadership. Once, we led the world in space exploration, human rights, education, medical and technical innovation, and fighting brutal autocratic dictators. Under Trump, none of these things are true.
We need leadership to do great things - for American citizens, and for the planet. I believe Bloomberg can.
14
@L Smolow
I notice you say nothing about Bloomberg's platform addressing Civil Rights -- something he overwhelmingly overlooked during his time as Mayor here, and something that certainly won't get him the African-American vote.
6
Elizabeth Warren is idealistic, brilliant, but so confrontational. I wish she could be elected and somehow effect the transformations she has described. But that's a wish. Even if she were to be elected, I am afraid she would be unsuccessful in making the changes, such as wealth tax and MFA. Bloomberg is smart and savvy. I find I am tremendously relieved that he is entering the race. For the first time I see someone who I think can beat Trump.
8
In a Democratic primary, Biden and Bloomberg could split the vote, opening up a Warren or Sanders majority. As far as a general election with either Warren or Sanders, Sanders can get many trump votes. The Warren supporters will most likely have no problem voting for Sanders, and save for a few Berniebots, vice versa, but the question about whether there are more Berniebots or Sanders trump voters, remains to be seen.
Bloomberg is a spoiler for Biden and himself, and although I am a Warren supporter, I have my doubts about whether she can get past the media frenzy (NYT included) as portraying her as ultra left, which is nothing of the sort, (she is anti-regressive) but the non-critical thinking swing voter may already be too exposed to inadmissible evidence. Sad.
9
@duvcu It drives me up the wall when Warren is described as far left for proposing policies that are totally normal in the majority of the world, including our neighbor Canada. Is Canada some kind of radical communist country? Get real.
4
This is actually the only strategy that gives Bloomberg any hope. If Biden, as Bloomberg people hope, under performs in the early primaries the door will be left open for a moderate/liberal Republican like Bloomberg (he is a Republican after all). If Biden runs strong in early primaries Bloomberg's 2020 run will crash and burn. There are a number of moderate/liberal Republicans that could win a general election against Trump (like Kasich). However, none of them could win a Republican primary and, in the end, Democrats are going to nominate a Democrat and not a Republican.
1
The poorer,female version of Bloomberg ran in 2016. How did that work out? Trump was elected by promising(lying) populism for the masses. The only way to beat him now is to promise REAL populism. Everyone knows that most of Warren's program will be denied in Congress,but it will turn out the voters that failed to show up in 2016!
7
"a niche candidate for moderate elites"
What a wonderfully concise summary. For the moment, Bloomberg is stronger than Biden in the moderate lane but that's not saying much. Timothy Egan was found endorsing a tree stump yesterday. A failing Biden could become a flailing Bloomberg in relatively short order. New Yorkers have long memories.
Also, perhaps voters are simply sick of neoliberalism and elite philanthropy. I wouldn't go so far as to say Bloomberg is buying the election. He does represent a constituency. However, his constituency represents only a handful of people with a vast amount of money. He also shares an awful lot in common with Donald Trump. His entry into the race, at least on the Democratic ticket, seems like a step backwards.
On the upside, Bloomberg might successfully ensure a progressive candidate. Whoever wins the early voting states in the progressive camp, the trailing candidate should exit the race. Either Sanders or Warren enter Super Tuesday with a consolidated base against a moderate faction split between Biden, Buttigieg, and now Bloomberg.
If you're one of those people who truly believes only a moderate can win, Bloomberg is actually helping Trump.
If you're a person who believes progressives are on the right path, send a thank you note to Bloomberg.
4
No, just no. Not another very old, very rich man. The picture with the article alone should be raising red flags for people. It says entitlement, it says control, it says status quo. It also says that the people eager to hitch a ride on his bandwagon want the same thing he does. If you want to live in a democratic republic, you have to be willing to put in the effort to make it so. Down to each individual citizen. His is not the bandwagon I would want to use to travel toward the future American experience.
10
@GMR, sorry but your age bias is showing. I’m in my sixties, far more liberal than many younger friends and family members, got my MBA just 3 years ago and am in the process of starting a business. I travel all over the world by myself. I don’t spend my evenings parked in front of the TV like my 30-something nephew. And I’m here to tell you that age is just a number for lots of us ‘boomers’. While running for president involves a huge amount of energy and one needs the stamina, experience should also count for something.
I hope you have my energy and outlook when you reach my age. Good luck with that.
7
The number one issue is to remove Trump. I am very nervous about the current Democratic candidates. Personally I favor Mayor Pete but again the number one issue is to remove Trump. Look at all the reasons why America won't vote for the current field! Now look at Michael Bloomberg.
6
Not surprising that the insular political class of tiny hamlets in New Hampshire and Iowa care only about protecting their coveted, but meaningless, positions on the election calendar.
6
Has Bloomberg announced any policy positions? Or is he just sailing under the flag of "competent administrator"? I suppose we should keep an open mind, but it's telling that he thinks his mere arrival is of greater importance than anything he might actually do as president.
Joe Biden is lagging now because the campaign season is too long and people are bored with it. I don't even plan to watch the next two debates.
Right now, voters are window shopping. Biden made a splash with name recognition, now voters are flirting with Buttigieg and Yang, and now here comes Bloomberg lighting off a sparkler stick. Until spring, it's all just chatter and coffee.
John Kerry seemed the least likely at this stage, but he ended up sweeping everybody. Kerry was Swift-boated. Trump pulled the same trick and he's being impeached for it. It's a safer bet that Pelosi will put Trump in prison than that Biden will lose the nomination.
3
The Democratic Party may feel comfortable triangulating with Bloomberg. The centrists and Never-Trump Republicans may be rejoicing at his potential entry into the race.
But the DNC needs to think long and hard on this. They will lose most of the youth vote and the progressive end of their base over this, possibly for good. Why support a party that doesn't address your concerns and is stuck in the 90s? That offers up a billionaire when the base wants to take on the astronomical income inequality that has crushed the working and middle class?
Bloomberg likely won't have the support of African American voters in the numbers needed to win either, especially the urban voters: "Stop and Frisk" was a Bloomberg signature policy and his legacy, after all. If the Democratic Party ignores their base again and favors a billionaire as their candidate - which they inevitably will, propped up by the corporate mainstream media - we will see a 2016 redux.
Michael Bloomberg doesn't want a wealth tax on billionaires and that is why he is running. Even though at 77 he will still have enough money for a thousand luxurious lifetimes even with the proposed tax.
Greed and a worship of money has destroyed our country. Unfortunately I think it is going to take another full-on Great Depression for the billionaires to loosen their stranglehold on our nation and for the people to have any power or a fair shake again. A Bloomberg presidency would cement the Democrats' acquiescence to oligarchy.
8
First, Bloomberg hasn’t even announced his candidacy and yet the unbridled enthusiasm for him clearly transcends that for any other candidate who’s been debating and campaigning for months. Taking nothing away from these highly qualified folks, if they can’t ignite the electorate, there is a risk that, in spite of his inevitable impeachment, he could get a second term. What if Bloomberg either doesn’t run or runs and is not successful in obtaining the nomination? It may result in palpable disappointment by a significant section of Democrats, independents and even some middle of the road Republicans thoroughly disenchanted with Mr. Trump.
The second perspective is the negative view of his candidacy because he’s rich. In my view, that is a silly reason to find him unacceptable. Don’t compare him to Mr. Trump.
Bloomberg has contributed millions to support progressive causes and progressive candidates. Trump has no charitable proclivity. Just recently he was fined 2 million as a penalty for one of his false charities, added to the 25 million paid to settle his fraudulent “university”. He ran thinking he would lose, but believing he would increase the value of his brand. Bloomberg doesn’t need or want more money.
Bloomberg may not be the nominee and if that’s the case, this conversation is moot. If he does, however, and if he has the best chance to defeat Mr. Trump, would you not vote for him? Could you conceive Bloomberg calling Zelensky and extorting him?
3
@Regards, LC There is unbridled enthusiasm for him in people making over 250k a year. Young people will stay home. Trump will be re-elected.
2
@Regards, LC LC There is unbridled enthusiasm for him in people making over 250k a year. Young people will stay home. Trump will be re-elected.
Winning the Presidency and addressing income inequality are our most pressing issues. A billionaire is not the right person to lead a movement of change.
5
It seems to me that as soon as he hears of plans to tax his wealth up to 2% he suddenly jumps into the race. He's just more of the same. Maybe not as crazy but certainly with a similar tax plan as our current President.
3
Bloomberg might be the best choice, but the prospect of two New York billionaires contending for the future of America feels ironic at best.
Warren and Sanders are too far out there. The rest lack street cred. Bloomberg will be a good candidate and would most likely be a good president, especially if he is woke enough to appoint Warren to be the Secretary of Treasury or some other cabinet-level position where she can go after financial miscreants. Throw in a commitment to a solid public option and a reversal of the recent tax cuts and it wouldn't be too bad. I'd vote for him.
Still, the thought that our next choice could be between two New York billionaires feels weird, as if the only thing that matters is how much money you have.
5
If my memory is correct, Bloomberg was a Democrat. The only reason he switched to being a Republican was to run for the office of mayor in NYC in a
Republican primary devoid of any real competition.
He then went on to handily defeat his Democratic opponent.
Bloomberg is a true Democrat, who brilliantly ran NYC.
Toward the end of his third term, he did become somewhat of a “nanny” with his obsession on attempting to enforce lifestyle regulations upon the city’s residents. Probably his most challenging effort was to limit the sale of supersized beverages sold by fast food establishments.
Whether he can defeat Trump is an open question.
2
Bloomberg is a Republican! It would be like having two republicans run for the presidency if he were to get nominated.
My husband from the red state of Wyoming says it was really common for people who were democrats at heart to run and win as republicans in order to get something (anything) progressive done.
3
Dear Republicans,
Mike Bloomberg is a reasonable and thoughtful Republican. Speaking as a Democrat, if your party offered candidates like Mr. Bloomberg, I would seriously consider voting for Republican candidates as a viable election choice. (I have felt the same way about John Kasich, John McCain, Jack Kemp, and George H.W. Bush, among other Republicans.)
There are other Republicans whom I respect, despite my strong policy disagreements. For example, Jeff Flake and Ben Sasse. They don't cause me to worry about the future of our nation.
Sadly, your party has lost its way. The Trump Republican Party has jumped the shark.
Our country needs two viable political parties. We need a legitimate conservative voice. It is up to you to find candidates who offer voters this choice. If you don't, your party will be doomed to the political wilderness for the next generation.
===
By the way, I write this not as a moderate or centrist Democrat. I do not care for labels and buckets, but based on my personal political views on the issues, most people would probably characterize me as a liberal or progressive Democrat.
6
Never mind the candidate how about the brilliant strategy? By starting in the big states you can focus on their issues and their concerns in other words on the big stuff! And - even better - you can't be eliminated before you even have a chance to compete in the big states. Wouldn't it be great if all the candidates just ignored these overblown small states and focused on the big states where the majority of the population actually live? Bring it on!
4
It baffles me? All these complaints about "extreme liberal candidates". I want us to be a democracy, not a plutocracy. I want Wall Street to be reined in. Is Bloomberg afraid it will be? Is that why he jumped in at this late date? Not an attractive idea.
6
Beating Trump is of course very important. But changing the conditions in America that got Trump elected in 2016, despite what we all knew about Trump's very flawed character, is the most important factor that will decide the direction America will go in the next decade.
1
Bloomberg should have challenged Trump as a Republican.
Instead of splintering the Democratic nomination process, which already is turning in to a carnival, Bloomberg would be a much needed counter candidate for moderate and rational Republicans (yes, they do still exist). I doubt he would beat Trump, but he could seriously cut in to his support and make him burn down a lot of money.
Also, going in to the general election, where Bloomberg will likely run as a third party candidate once he can't get the Democratic Party nomination, it would then be up to the Democrats to have the most viable alternative as their nominee.
A la 1912 when it was Taft, Roosevelt and Wilson, Taft and Roosevelt split the Republican and moderate independent vote, handing the election to Wilson. We could see the same in 2020.
In 3-way general election with Sanders or Warren as the Democrats' nominee, Trump will win over either one and Bloomberg. If its Klobuchar (or maybe Buttigieg), the Dems have a shot at beating Trump and Bloomberg.
(IMO - Biden will drop out after the first few months of primaries.)
3
What does Bloomberg now offer to the Democratic presidential race for POTUS besides another name to add to the already overpopulated list of candidates? Do we really need another New York "businessman" trying to become CEO of the executive branch of the American government? In the 21st Century we already have had George W, Bush and Donald Trump (Bush2 at least had some governmental experience as Governor of Texas) Haven't we learned our lesson about what happens when a "businessman" becomes the Occupant of the Oval Office?
4
Trump, and his Republican enablers who have violated their oath to protect this country from all enemies foreign and domestic, pose an existential threat and must be defeated in 2020.
If Bloomberg is the Democratic nominee, I will certainly vote for him. But I will not vote for him in the primary and I doubt very much that a 77-year old man worth $56 Billion will win.
I think his entry will destroy the Biden and Buttigieg campaigns and ensure a Sanders or Warren nomination. While I would be happy to vote for Warren or Sanders and believe either's ascendency to the Presidency would be a healthy (and long overdue) rebuke of capitalism gone wild, I am concerned about their feckless foreign policy platforms (Buttigieg's has impressed me) and concerned about their ability to defeat Trump.
I'd been hoping that a truly inspirational candidate would enter the race and remove all doubt of a Trump reelection. But Bloomberg is no Michelle Obama and his candidacy could well skew the election in disastrous ways.
If he does enter the race " to save our country," he should prove it by comitting a significant amount of his fortune in support of whomever is the nominee.
5
To paraphrase Lincoln, "The government of the oligarchs, by the oligarchs and for the oligarchs shall not perish from the earth." Unless the money runs out first.
We already have one billionaire as president, do we need another? How many members of Congress are at least millionaires? The cost of campaigns nationally is beyond outrageous, such money could be redirected toward helping the homeless, for example and improve their lot considerably. To expect these stratospherically elevated economically elite to be able to relate to the families struggling to get by on two jobs, have health care bills with the wolf of bankruptcy howling just outside the door is absurd. Further for Bloomberg to want to jump the line and not pay his dues by going the process as the other candidates have is uncouth at best. True, there's nothing that would prohibit him from doing so, (other than courtesy for the political process as we have it), but also one has to ask is adding one more voice to an already overcrowded field even necessary?
5
Bloomberg running an "unconventional campaign" is just the beginning.
Face it.
Anyone with his amount of money can run their campaign any way they want to.
And he will.
In fact, this is quite typical of the way he does things which doesn't make him too dissimilar from another billionaire politician who acts unilaterally, when not vacationing in Mar-a-lago.
This is also why it would good to remember that certain limitations means nothing to Mayor Mike, who quite unceremoniously treated himself to an unprecedented third term as Mayor -- even when the city was tired of him.
Americans desperate to get rid of Donald Trump by welcoming another tycoon in this race just might want to think twice before getting more of the same.
7
Some commenters pompously declaring that Warren’s not “entitled” the presidency. Really odd. I’ve only heard that used as an invective against one other candidate, HRC. It’s not reasonable to suggest that Warren is being groomed by the DNC, folks.
I like Bloomberg, but unlike Warren he won’t take on corporate America. He IS corporate America.
5
He would totally destroy the energy of the progressive wing of the party, which based on polls for Warren and Sanders is around 40%. Turnout would suffer and a Trump win would be guaranteed. He’s a rich guy who wants to protect his wealth and that of his friends. Another version of Trump.
4
Mr. Bloomberg shouldn’t be counting California as one of his wins. We are a rather progressive state and I suspect will vote for Bernie or Warren. The trick for us will be to not get our votes split between the two and have a Biden or now Bloomberg sneak through for a win. Many of us like our former AG Kamala Harris, but were afraid that would give the lead to Biden. Now we will have to rethink our voting strategy. I do wish Bernie and Warren could combine their campaigns and decide with a flip of coin who would be VP. If we get this wrong the worst most criminal president will win 4 more years to terrorize this nation.
4
He doesn't stand a chance as a Democrat. He would be better off running as a Republican to challenge Trump. He's the king of data. He got all the money to buy off recalcitrant Republicans who resent Trump. He has to appeal to blacks in the Southern states to even come out ahead. His record on stop and frisk and violating the rights of minorities and giving the police carte blanche to do what they want on the streets of NYC has not been forgotten. I remember when he was nicknamed "the little emperor." Kind of a Napoleon complex. He paid off city council members to amend the city charter so he could get run for a third term and they would also benefit and most of them shamefully went for it including Christine Quinn, who was the then speaker of the city council. He took over the Board of Education and renamed it the Department of Education. While it's true there was corruption and cronyism on the local level at least parents could go to the superintendents to have a discussion about their kids. Everything became centralized taking away the power of the local boards where the central board ran an opaque operation. He installed Cathie Black as chancellor who lasted 95 days and showed the highest degree of incompetence and cronyism as to why she got the job.
He used to secretly take off to his hideaway in Bermuda every weekend without the media knowing. One weekend he was away when a snow storm left the city incapacitated. People died due to stuck ambulances, and buses. More!
8
@Wayne
FINALLY! Someone who has a working memory of Bloomberg's terms in office.
And it wasn't Disneyland.
Is it any surprise that we could essentially expect more of the same as Trump with him as President?
Money has its privileges -- and cronyism has its rules.
2
A billionaire who is beholden to nobody because of his wealth and believes in two nations— one for the rich with their own set of rules and one for the rest— with a not very good record of dealing with minority issues who is going to buy his way into politics. And there’s always the existing population with Stockholm Syndrome for plutocracy, ready to embrace him. Where have we seen this before?
5
Mr Bloomberg is obviously a very intelligent man and a capable executive, but is a country mile from a Democrat. Bloomberg TV spouts Republican talking points and all the pro Wall Street/Bankster nonsense 24/7/365 without apology and he could end that with a phone call.
He also carries the baggage of being someone who “is not a Democrat” - just ask Bernie about how many times Hillary supporters pushed (and push) that line to this day. Mr Bloomberg was elected mayor as a Republican and later as an independent, but never could quite bring himself to running as a Democrat in a very blue city.
Then there is the whole running for a term against the established term limits. That is as undemocratic as anything done by Trump & Company.
He will not get my vote or my blessing. Maybe he should sit down with Senators Sanders and Warren and hash things out. One of them is likely to be the alternative to Trump next November.
3
Trump, and his Republican enablers who have violated their oath to protect this country from all enemies foreign and domestic, pose an existential threat and must be defeated in 2020.
If Bloomberg is the Democratic nominee, I will certainly vote for him. But I will not vote for him in the primary and I doubt very much that a 77-year old man worth $56 Billion will win.
I think his entry will destroy the Biden and Buttigieg campaigns and ensure a Sanders or Warren nomination. While I would be happy to vote for Warren or Sanders and believe either's ascendency to the Presidency would be a healthy (and long overdue) rebuke of capitalism gone wild, I am concerned about their feckless foreign policy platforms (Buttigieg's has impressed me) and concerned about their ability to defeat Trump.
I'd been hoping that a truly inspirational candidate would enter the race and remove all doubt of a Trump reelection. But Bloomberg is no Michelle Obama and his candidacy could well skew the election in disastrous ways.
If he does enter the race " to save our country," he should prove it by comitting a significant amount of his fortune in support of whomever is the nominee.
1
Mr. Bloomberg has a real chance to beat DJT and his band of merry men. His work in NYC and his views on climate change, equality and changing the system could attract many, even some millenials. If only he was 20 years younger....maybe he can ask Mayor Pete to be his running mate. We would have two mayors running for America!
1
Don't forget he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in July 2016 and called Trump a fake billionaire. That moment was priceless. Thanks Mike!
3
Yet another Independent running as a Democrat. The fact that he became a democrat a year ago doesn't mean much but he's different from Sanders in that he doesn't need DNC's financial support. Another thing... we now have another Tom Steyer. It must be nice to spend millions of your own money on the media industry. Why not use all that money to endow public colleges and universities instead who never get enough funding from the states?
To be fair, if Bloomberg wins, I hope he exercises true empathy for all Americans locked in the throes of social hate and anger. Show love and others will as well.
3
Another billionaire autocrat wannabe who thinks the law (such as term limits) shouldn't apply to him. And he'll certainly bring out the vote in minority neighborhoods.
He'll have a great time with Congress as well; they won't be nearly as pliable as the NYC council. Think he'll have a bankrupt before opening mall built on the Mall, along with a giant, beautiful ferris wheel?
I'm glad he's following Rudy's strategy of sitting out the pesky early caucuses and primaries because it's just obvious he'll burst out and prevail in the long run.
Sure I'd vote for him were he the nominee. That he'd be a better president than Trump goes without saying. But could he beat Trump? With little to no minority support, in a virulently anti-Semitic USA, my guess is no.
2
If Bloomberg could be appointed president it would be great for the country. While hardly bereft of hubris, Bloomberg is a data driven guy whose decisions are rational. What a breath of fresh air that would be!!
But presidents are not appointed. I don’t think Bloomberg can win a national election. I don’t seem him motivating the base to come out in droves next November.
Most of those who have chosen the conventional route, eating corn dogs in Iowa, for instance, have lost the nomination. Evidently there's nothing about campaigning in Iowa that assures success.
1
The fact that he waited...shows his political chops. Seeing Biden flounder, likely prompted him to make the decision. Don't worry about him being a billionaire (as long as he paid his taxes), go with the candidate who will trounce Trump. I would go for a Bloomberg/Buttigieg - would that work?
1
Just what we need -- another billionaire who wants to be president.
1
Personally, I am grateful to Mr. Bloomberg for spearheading the law to ban smoking in restaurants and bars in NYC. I have worked as a musician in many of these establishments for decades and this law has drastically improved my quality of life and conceivably might have even saved it. That being said, I believe the American electorate responds to a candidate who inspires. Is Bloomberg a great orator? No. Obama he is not. Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Al Gore and Dukakis. All Democratic losers who failed to inspire. We know Trump unfortunately inspires. To win we need not only a competant manager but someone who will bring people out to the polls.
3
Can he beat Trump in the swing states that control the Electoral College? That is all that matters to me. If he can’t, then all else is moot. This is no time to be picky; this plane is headed for a mountain side. Trump must be removed.
2
So it comes down to this: Battle of the Plutocrats. Nothing like having billionaires running the country and its peasants. What could possibly go wrong?
Bloomberg running is simply Establishment Dems trying to scare the citizens away from Warren and Sanders. The tactic might be too late! The middle class is no longer wowed by billionaires! They are seeing how their lives have been damaged by the unique pursuit of greed and corruption. They are starting to understand how the central banks are starving them to protect the stock market. How the Fed Gov itself is destroying the future of young people with high interest student loans debt. How universal health care is a no brainer, and finally How regime change doesn't equal security. America is not being made great again, it's on oxygen! We need to unite and fight again for our freedom: African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Caucasians middle class = VOTE in 2020! And if you need inspiration, look at the kids in Hong Kong!
1
Bloomberg would be the elephant in the room full of donkeys. As a moderate and Washington outsider, he would have a broader appeal in the general election than the others. And as for Biden, Pelosi threw him under the bus by making Ukraine the main focus of impeachment. And he is the consummate insider who has accomplished little in his long political career. Bloomberg should announce early on a slate of preferred moderate running mates, to include the likes of Gabbard, Buttigieg or Klobuchar.
After electing a billionaire who promised to run the country like a business (and instead turned it into his personal fiefdom for corruption) Americans have learned their lesson and will elect a billionaire who promises to run the country like a business.
1
Bloomberg has my full support. We finally have a great presidential candidate.
Enough of the “he/she claims to be worried about climate change, but he/she flies in a jet”. Well, duh. We live in this society. We need *collective* action. We drive cars out of necessity, we live the life we are given. Environment/climate change is my number one priority. I still fly places. We’re all locked in a collective delusion, and need collective action to fight the fossil fuel, unlimited growth rabbit hole.
It’s as if Bloomberg spent his political life in a political pinball machine. Republican, Republican, Democrat, independent, Democrat. He has no loyalty, not only to a party, but to a philosophy.
Let’s see what 54 billion can buy.
28
@David J
No "loyalty" to the Democratic party? Like Warren, who was a Republican for most of her life? Or Sanders, who never even joined the party?
2
If Bloomberg can develop and promote a major income redistribution proposal, like a universal basic income, an enhancement of the earned income tax credit, or an introduction of a public option on the Affordable Care Act exchanges, he could make inroads in the Democratic primaries and especially in the general election against Trump. Wealth tax-based income redistribution programs, supported by a billionaire, would have a significant impact on the race and be deemed as more legitimate than the far left liberal position.
2
He was a lousy mayor. He extended his mayoralty to three terms. And many people, including myself believe that he screwed up Brooklyn forever. He coddled the real estate industry at the same time that private equity instead of banks were financing the explosion of high end residential real estate development in Manhattan and BK. Much of that money is thought to have been laundered by Russian oligarchs and mobsters, Chinese oligarchs and many of the Panama Papers tax shelters. So, stay home Mikey, and pay your taxes.
8
Much as I admire him, I don’t think his entering the race at this point is helpful to anyone. The Dems have had too many candidates, some now having dropped out. The current field seems to have Joe Biden as the consistent front runner in polls again Mr. Trump. I think Biden is the candidate who can beat Trump. He can probably do well in some of the red states as he, himself, is from a working class family.
Mr. Bloombergs entry into a still crowded field just dilutes the mix.
it would be great if he would donate some of his considerable wealth to the Democratic campaign.
5
Finally, someone I can vote for. I know some of the Presidential hopefuls are accusing him of attempting to "buy the Presidency" and I know we are all tired of billionaires running the country. But those criticizing him for his wealth while doing nothing more than pandering to lower income stratum, making promises of what is probably an unconstitutional wealth tax that will never pass and an ill conceived unworkable plan to finance universal health care. How are they any better? We have to do something now or we will have four more years of what we currently have. Mr. Bloomberg is a proven leader in a tough and unforgiving city. None of the other hopefuls have shown me any leadership qualities (including Mr. Biden). Call me selfish (I don't care), but I worked very hard after growing up in poverty in the slums of Brooklyn in the '60's to put myself through Undergraduate, Graduate and Law schools without loans. I have a moderately high income (actually low for an attorney in NYC) and I worked for it. I would not be adversely affected by any of the tax-the-wealthy plans (tax the wealth plans are non-starters but wouldn't affect me in any case) and I do support increasing their rates and to actually tax the large corporations. I am not ready for Socialism or even Socialism-lite. And now I have someone I can vote for.
5
I hope you understand that these days, it is absolutely impossible for anyone to pay their way through undergrad and graduate schools without taking loans, unless they have rich family members. Good for you, but today’s college students can’t do what you did, regardless of how hard they work.
Bernie just wants college to cost what it used to, before they started treating public universities like profit-driven corporations.
5
As much as I may want to see a President Harris, Warren, or Buttigeig , what is more important to me is that I do not see Trump reelected.
Policy matters but what is more important to me is that Donald J Trump is defeated in 2020. The Democrat that we elect President in 2020 will have to spend their time Making America Normal Again, cleaning up Trumps mess, fixing the ACA , mending our relationships with our allies, building bridges and roads 'not walls' and trying as hard as it may be to bring civility back to our political discussion. I recognize that the Democratic base that I consider myself to be a part of are not entirely representative of the majority of the Democrat and Independent electorate. This is why like Mr Bloomberg I feel that Senators Warren or Sanders if they win the nomination may not cut the mustard in states that Democrats need to win.
Joe Biden will in all probability not win the nomination so having a Michael Bloomberg in the mix as a second moderating option is not such a bad thing .
Again what we Democrats have to focus on is beating Trump,in doing so we may have to choose the Best not what we consider the Perfect candidate. Mike Bloomberg with his experience in business and running the largest city in the country may well be our Best option.
28
I totally agree and am shocked by the negative reaction by many with Bloomberg entering race.
1
@Britl: Make America Normal Again (MANA). I like it! I can't wait to see it on a blue hat.
Telling people to vote for who they think can win over voting for the person they like the best in the primary is wrong! The DNC tried that in 2016 with Hilary and look and how that turned out! Had that and the mysterious 785 superdelegates not been a factor we’d be into year 3 of Sanders presidency.
I read some of the "Picks" and their great reads! I agree with most of their import. I just add I liked the way he arranged the desks in the main office at City Hall. His desk, or some vantage point of his, was right in the center of the room and he could stand and perhaps "see" his government in action. I thought it was pretty cool.
11
For anyone who thinks Bloomberg is supportive of fighting climate change, let us recall that as mayor, and, I assume, since he left the office, he flew away to another one of his homes in his private jet.
Yes, he may have given money but when it came to something that was a real sacrifice, he viewed it, as Leona Helmsley did about taxes, as something only little people did.
If he worries about Warren and Sanders, it isn't because he is so worry about the country under another Trump term but because he wants to be president and fears they would come after billionaires like him and force them to once again pay their fair share of taxes.
15
@Steve
Bloomberg is most definitely NOT worried about Warren & Sanders "coming after billionaires like him." Unlike the Warren & Sanders supporters, Bloomberg is smart enough to know that, even in the unlikely event either one could win the general, none of their plans would ever get thru Congress. Rather, Bloomberg knows that the current slate of "progressives" is going to lead the Dems to a crushing defeat in 2020.
2
I keep thinking of a Bloomberg/Warren ticket should both demonstrate substantial support in the upcoming elections for the nomination. It is not merely male/female, New York/Oklahoma or moderate/liberal and the prospect of unifying the nation. Both are self-made Americans. Both bring intellect, expertise, political skill and curiosity as well as integrity, honor, experience and success to the table. In addition, I think both can exchange important ideas with each other about the future of the nation and then act on them. We would truly have the best and the brightest
6
Put bluntly; If Bloomberg is a Republican who wants to win against the incumbent Trump, why would he change party affiliation to endure the rigors of multiple Democratic primaries and candidates when we all know he would easily defeat Trump running against him as a fellow Republican? I question his motives for changing to the Democratic party.
I believe the wealthy class Republicans are employing unorthodox campaign strategies to win either way.
17
@PATRICK
“...we all know he would easily defeat Trump running against him as a fellow Republican...”
I don’t think we all know that. In fact, I don’t think anyone has a chance of beating Trump in the Republican primaries. Trump has a small but fervent base that any Republican would need to prevail. And they seriously would continue to back Trump even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue.
1
@Patrick: For that matter, why did Trump, a previously reputed Democrat, become a Republican? The field at tat time may not have been as big or as muddled, but they turned out to be just as weak, to be beaten by Trump.
I'm a Warren supporter, but she's already the victim of the usual hatchet job by vested interests threatened by her seriously progressive platform. So much so that I doubt she can beat trump, which is of paramount importance. So, if Bloomberg can demonstrate electability running on a centrist-progressive platform he'll have my enthusiastic support. I'm sure there is a measure of ego behind this move, as there is with virtually all pols these days, but I also believe he shares our sense of alarm for the future of the country, and wants to save it. I say run - and remove the cancer from the White House before it consumes us.
13
@Michael
I like Warren too, and would love to see her become president, but her problem is not that anyone has done a “hatchet job” on her. Her problem is that she is too far left for the five states we must win to prevail in 2020.
2
Mr Bloomberg was motivated to run for office I suggest to sabotage any chance that Warren might win and take on the banks and 1% - Bloomberg has no expectation of winning...
In fact if he ended up running as an independent it might ruin any chance anyone has of beating the GOP/Trump or whoever they have run.
Sadly, his entrance into the race - is almost a guaranteed win for the GOP.
9
@friend for life Sooner or later, America needs a third party so we can have true choices, not just having to choose between Tweedlededee and Tweedlededum.
1
Great another billionaire running to save privileges for corporations and super rich. Exactly what this country needs. Don't be fooled. He is joining because people like Warren and Sanders are an existential threat to oligarchy. And his is perfect evidence that US has become one. A single person being able to fund a presidential campaign without any grassroots support. Money>People
19
Blame SCOTUS and Citizens United for the money in politics, not Bloomberg. It is what it is. We have got to get Trump out of the White House. The Democrats need a candidate that can win. Bloomberg is entering because neither Warren nor Sanders can beat Trump and Biden is flailing and running out of money. Then when Bloomberg wins, let’s get our country back on track by getting Citizens United reversed, Glass-Steagull reinstated and the fair media law reinstated and big tech categorized as media companies. But right now it is what it is and we have got to get Trump out.
1
At last a candidate I, an establishment Republican, can vote for. Bloomberg cleaned up New York City and was unapologetic about his policies. The very fact that he was a three term mayor is a testament to his leadership skills. He took a city that was in disarray and brought back law-and-order and respectability.
Bloomberg will not fall victim to the fantasies and follies of the far left progressives nor cower at the attempts of the far right to return our country to the 1950’s. He is rational and reasoned and can fix the mess that Trump has created both in foreign and domestic policy. As a successful business man he understands our economy and will set sensible economic policies.
No matter what childish nicknames or tricks Trump attempts to employ against Bloomberg he will stand up to bully Trump and expose him for the fool that he is.
Unlike Trump the buffoon Bloomberg is an accomplished class act.
26
@KJS
Bloomberg has his positives, but don’t forget stop and frisk.
KJS. Sorry to disagree he employed racist tactics, ie: stop and frisk among others to make the city a playground for the upper crust. He is simply Trump with a better vocabulary
Bloomberg, a good idea. Simply Put: The Democratic 20+ candidates, most looking to score face time with the public, for reasons not relating to the election, have worn out the generosity of the party, and the public.
If he can win the contest this way, so be it.
3
Literally and figuratively diminutive compared to Bernie. He would need to literally and figuratively stand on stacks of his money. If this man is immediately cast aside by the voters I will consider there is hope for us as a country. It will tell me that that country has finally realized how tone-deaf the politicians and the media are.
13
@Ross: So you think it's okay to discriminate against short people? And do you really think that Bernie will accomplish anything as president if the Senate is still majority Republican? Even if the Senate turns Blue, it will still be far to the right of Bernie.
1
Here is what I find funny, the most enthusiastic and vocal supporters of a Bloomberg candidacy come from the exceptionally small pool of never Trumper Republicans. Why don't they put their support behind a candidate within their own party? Is there no one in their party to compete against Trump for the Republican nomination? Or perhaps their party is so irreparably lost that they have to look to the Democratic party to nominate a conservative of their liking? It's not the Democrats' responsibly to save conservatism. No to Bloomberg!
21
Bloomberg’s steady, monotonal voice, and steady, experienced leadership was exactly what New York City and the region around it needed in the run-up to, during the devastation of, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. During a crisis, you can tell who the true leader is, in the roomful of people who are charged with managing that crisis: the true leader is the calmest one in that room. Monotonal Mike was all of that and more, during Hurricane Sandy and during many lesser crises. He was consistently masterful.
He’s an uncharismatic speaker and a superb leader. It’s no surprise that so many people he mentored in his business and governmental careers have themselves gone on to become excellent leaders. Enough with the periodic eruptions of Great Plans & Panaceas from Warren, Sanders, and Biden. Bring in The Great Pragmatist - Bloomberg - who’s the only one Trump has any reason to fear.
This country is in desperate need of steady, calm, and strong leadership, to replace the unstable, frantic, and weak reality-show melodramatics in the White House. Mike’s the guy to provide that leadership, with a team of proven, outstanding, battle-trained leaders who will make personal sacrifices to work for him again.
17
Democrats and independents should have their focus on providing Mr Trump his well earned retirement in Florida sun and play golf in 2020. Sanders has been successful in energizing a group of very liberal minded folks. Warren has correctly identified the ills of capitalism in its excessive greed and total disregard of ethical behavior. But their radical ideas will not pave the way to the White House. Others in the pack low in the poll's totem pole ( pun not intended) will not cut it either. That leaves us with Biden. Though Biden is well prepared for the job, so was Hillary. The issue is who can energize a large enough base to propel him to the finish line. That was the lesson of 2016. Otherwise how else can explain the ascent of a man whose only qualification has been to amass a wealth by wheeling dealing both straight and not so straight way? Biden has some baggage that Trump has dumped on him. Bloomberg may be the fresh start that we need.
6
Mike Bloomberg understands the critical importance of fighting the climate crisis. He would tower head and shoulders above all other candidates with respect to accomplishments in this area, which arguably is the most important, most complex and most challenging issue influencing our ability to survive on this planet. He also understands that fighting gun violence must be a priority in the United States. So, if we care about our survival and the survival of our children, Mike Bloomberg is the obvious choice for President. Hope we don't get distracted from what ultimately matters most to all of us.
5
Carol. The first step would be to give up his private jet. Otherwise he is just another rich hypocrite
1
People should know that he is entering only because Biden is faltering badly. He is a true patriot and team player who stayed out as long as Biden was the front runner. He is not doing this for his glory and he is doing this to save the country from the nightmare of 4 more year with Trump. Sanders/Warren nomination will guarantee it.
13
Sorry, but we need a young candidate. The world has changed too much in the last 20 years. Seeing these old men (Biden, Bloomberg) with their fancy, well-done facelifts doesn’t mean they are younger or have a grip on what’s needed for the future. Mr. Bloomberg has many attractive qualities, but at 77 he’s too old. I’m a senior citizen and I want someone who grew up with the internet and it’s possibilities, from a very young age, in this modern, connected world.
8
Bloomberg has experience in actual governing having been New York City Mayor for three consecutive terms. He is not some one who makes outrageous comments or promises that could never be kept. Bloomberg is someone who can bring things back from the brink and re-set the direction of where this country should be going. Some people put too much credit in the debates which are anything but a real political debate instead they are just a circus. The second largest group are those of us registered as Decline to State having had our fill of the 'organized' political parties. If Bloomberg enters the race I'd vote for him.
5
I applaud his strategy. Maybe this will force these essentially ‘nothing’ states from having such powerful control over presidential contenders.
4
Bloomberg will only accept rule by Plutocracy - he’s not running because he doesn’t think that Bernie or Liz will win, but precisely the opposite. He’d rather blow up the Democratic primary and hand Trump four more years than contribute his fair share in taxes.
11
Personally am very excited at this prospect. I agree with michael Bloomberg on nearly all the big issues.
9
There's ample precedent for 'winning the presidency after an unconventional campaign'. It's called: 'look who currently occupies the White House'.
For the same inverse reasoning as 'none of the usual deal-breakers' ( e.g. John McCain, disrespect of armed forces, personnel, the Access Hollywood tape, et al ) resulted in Trump's losing, Bloomberg will, if nominated, have a good chance of winning the general election by reason of the number of Republicans who - even though they will never publicly acknowledge this - are going to be more than willing to vote for a person with Bloomberg's qualifications as an alternative to the embarrassment that DJT presents.
They won't say this publicly, but - if he ( Bloomberg ) is nominated - it will prove to be the decisive factor behind a Trump loss in '0-20 . Democrats will not put Bloomberg over the top. Republicans will.
On the other hand, a Biden candidacy would inevitably shift the focus of the campaign to his son and Ukraine ( which Trump is very good at ), with predictable results, and a Warren candidacy may be perceived as unacceptably too-far-left. She would receive zero Republican support, and may very well see otherwise-Anti-Trump Democrats and independents just stay home, rather than vote for her.
Hopefully, reason will prevail, before the nominations are finalized.
4
Iowa has always had way too much influence on the lives of all Americans. There has to be a better way.
6
No matter Bloomberg's chances of becoming the Democratic candidate, he will most certainly upset Trump's foul applecart by going under his skin.
During the White House Press dinner where both Bloomberg and Trump were present, President Obama said "We have a real billionaire form NYC as a guest today. Welcome, Mayor Bloomberg". Trump looked as if a teacher just kicked him out of the classroom. He was not amused.
6
Bloomberg did not get where he is today by doing stupid things. This guy knows what he is doing. So excited that he decided to run. And to the billionaire-bashers - this guy does not have to run. He has enough money to do whatever he wants. He's not doing this to stop Warren but to stop to Trump as he knows like the rest of us moderates that Warren can never beat Trump. That's why he is getting in. And thank you! Finally some sanity. Finally some hope! Bloomberg 2020!
12
@Sarah99
It’s not about money. It’s about controlling people in a more direct way. That’s why he became mayor. He loved telling the little people “no”. You can’t have a pension, you can’t have a raise, you can’t get on the subway without a pat down, you can’t eat that or drink this. It’s about power.
1
Great. Another ancient New York billionaire running for president. I think it is arrogant and disrespectful to think you can muscle your way into the middle of the nominating process due to your vast wealth. The outsized power of the wealthy has been one of the very things the party has tried to address in this primary season. His candidacy is a hard no for me. If he is nominated, I’d be done with the Democrat party.
7
@Pat Brown Same here. I'm only registered as a Dem because otherwise I'd be locked out of the primary in NY state.
It really is disappointing to see all these Democrats in the comments here who somehow truly believe that Michael Bloomberg, a wealthy NY state technocrat with close corporate/Wall Street ties, will somehow fare better than Hillary Clinton, a wealthy NY state technocrat with close corporate/Wall Street ties. We already tried this and it didn't work. Are these people really crazy enough to try it again?
I was a Bloomberg fan, but the way his money has twisted local elections in Virginia has turned me off.
1
Consider first ".....his own vulnerabilities, such as his support for stop-and-frisk policing and charter schools, and his opposition to liberal economic policies that involve taxing large private fortunes and breaking up banks and other big corporations. "
Then consider Westen's First Law: "Successful candidates are those who set the emotional agenda of the electorate."
Issues play a major role; nevertheless ".....every presidential election since the advent of modern polling has shown that successful candidates are the ones whose personal stories , principles, ways of talking about their virtues and concerns for the nation,and personalities capture the imagination of the public (or create enough doubt about their opponent to win despite a less compelling story of their own.)"
Risky. Only someone w his record can bypass such important primaries.
3
I am going to add to a previous comment I made about Mike Bloomberg. During his first term in office Bloomberg became obsessed with getting the 2012 Olympics to be held in New York City. On Fridays he disappeared on his private plane to spend a weekend at his beach house in Bermuda. Bloomberg ignored traditional public schools. He made sure Eva Moskowitz and her charter school cronies got the cash meant for public schools. He earned the nickname Nanny Bloomberg because he wanted to ban Big Gulp sodas and control the salt content in fast food. Yet normally cynical New Yorkers fell for his Man of the People image again and again. And he's doing it again by picking and choosing the states he wants to run in. Running for president doesn't work like that. A presidential candidate has to go to every state and meet the people.
Convinced? Well Bloomberg is older than Trump.
6
@sharon5101
I thought the soda ban was a great public health measure to take on obesity and diabetes, especially in childhood. He (I believed) banned the use of deadly trans fats in restaurant foods and got restaurants to post calorie counts. He made life infinitely better for non smokers who had been forced to endure smoking in public and even in our workplaces (cough cough). All of this made New Yorkers healthier and thinner. What is wrong with that?!?
1
Trump number 2, make no mistake, the rich protect the rich. Higher taxes is really his only concern. Egoist and it smells just as bad as that old perfume of the same name, and. just as obnoxious.
6
Bloomberg better hope he gets lots of Republicans to vote for him in the general. Progressives will stay home. Hows that play out for the down ticket?
1
It’s a no-brainer. The fairy dust (and mathematically impossible) policy proposals of the Warren/Sanders camp are positively frightening. The conduct of the current occupant of the White House is breathlessly contemptible, and in case anyone hasn’t noticed, this “great economy “ that he and he alone created is right back at the GDP growth and hiring levels in place when he took office...with the deficit doubled and still exploding.
Bloomberg is a centrist’s dream. Fiscally responsible and right center, socially in touch and left center. He stabilized New York’s finances and budget, which were a train wreck when he took office. No small task. I lived in Westchester County during Bloomberg’s tenure as NY mayor, and he showed that he’s plenty tough when he stood up to New York’s public unions. And won. And in contrast to the red meat dog whistles employed on a daily basis by Donald Trump, he stood up as best man at his gay deputy commissioner’s wedding.
After watching Democratic candidate after candidate fold like a house of cards to pressure from the left, starting with Clinton (Hillary, that is) and now Biden, those of us in the center see Michael Bloomberg as a breath of fresh air. Plenty rugged enough to withstand the pressure from both ends, but with a sense of moral values that the country is currently starving for.
Mike Bloomberg in 2020. Even if he doesn’t win, I’m writing him in anyway.
6
Didn't some guy named Giuliani pursue a similar strategy in the 2008 Republican primaries? While he may not have literally skipped the earliest states, his focus on Florida failed miserably when he finished third in the state and was essentially done.
2
Politics was messy, but presidential candidates did not stoop to conquer with John Q, citizens did not hug them, take selfies, and they did not pander. Lincoln took the train to DC to get sworn, walked alone to the swearing, there was no secret service, he trusted.
Wow, the Wall Street workers and the investment advisement crowd in NY is all pumped up about 'Mayor Mike'. With their $400,000 per annum salaries, medical insurance deductibles are a minor irritant to them. They all want to keep the wheel spinning and making more money and pocketing more of their vapor dollars moving money around from account to account and 'investment' to investment' and keep their gravy train going. They are all scared silly about what a Warren or Bernie in the Whitehouse will do to their pocket books. Lets face it, New York will cease to be what it is once the TBTF banks are broken up, the carried interest loop hole shuttered and finance ceases to be the magic genie showering dollars on New Yorkers. I would argue that NY with Wall Street is actually a parasite and leech on the hard work of the rest of the nation. They have managed to do this ever since Hamilton by controlling the purse strings via Wall Street. It is time to dynamite this feeding trough and get all New Yorkers a proper job doing something useful instead of riding on this gravy train of financial speculation with other people's hard earned money.
5
@Paul Art
I remember being a freshman in college. Fun times . . .
Mr. Bloomberg already has my vote. I was planning to vote for him long before he decided he wanted the job.
If the Democrats don't nominate Mike Bloomberg, we will be stuck with Trump for another 4 years.
Bloomberg or Trump. Take your pick.
4
I guess when you are a rich New Yorker you can skip the debates and early primaries and cut to the front of the line for the win.
Sounds like trump to me.
10
Watch Bloomberg buy the Democratic nomination.
Really shows how money owns not just the Republican side.
4
Everyone getting all excited about Bloomberg seem to have forgotten when he single-handedly bought his way into a third term in NYC and took the voting rights away from the people. And this is the man people are saying will work for the people. He destroyed the NYC public school system, his agenda is built on what it always is built on - MONEY. Why is he allowed to skip all the debates so far and just thrust himself into the race? Because he knows he would be grilled by everyone about his money and power and Wall Street ties. Money, greed, narcissism. Bloomberg is another version of Trump.
4
The writing is on the wall. Not one of the leading democratic candidates presented are electable. Trump is off the rails Bloomberg to the rescue.
3
Finally! A track record of competance, leadership, and common-sense policy.
The circus of unrealistic and embarassing grandstanding, on both the left and the right, needs to end.
5
Other surprises and unintended consequences of the impeachment process likely lie ahead...
While is certainly a more moderate progressive which the democrats need to win back the WH, he has at least one big thing going against him.
He views on gun control. Instead of working with moderate congressmen from purple states, his the NRA is the sole cause of the problem (instead of our national, cultural gun sickness suffered on all sides including the inner cities) will kill him in purple states.
So far the polls agree, he barely registers.
3
The Billionaire Class, as Bernie Sanders states, is "scared", in fact absolutely terrified that Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren will be our 46th President, and they are now organizing desperatelyto stop the groundswell which will shake free the trillions of dollars they have stolen from the poor and the middle-class these last fifty years.
Bloomberg is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, and while in the past he has laid claim to these political persuasions, solely for financial benefit, knowing that the unwitting masses are always fooled by such deeply engineered fake representatives of the people, he and the Pelosi Schumer democrats are secretly working together to create a Democratic Presidential persona to be ready if Biden implodes, which is likely.
Corporate America and the wealthiest Americans are the owners of our Democratic Republic, and began their takeover in earnest when they installed Reagan and their "trickle "up"" agenda.
The battle for final control of the economic value of the people and resources of the United States of America, has been joined with this announcement by this charlatan, and if "we the people" fail again, as occurred with Trump, to stop them, then we do indeed deserve the future they are creating for us, a future of economic slavery and penury, a future of constant fear and want.
Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren are our generals in this final battle, and we are their soldiers; do we surrender again ??
8
... the deciders that gave us Richard M. Nixon, who lost to Jack Kennedy when 600,000 votes came from Cook Country to Springfield, as Mayor Daley took care of his pal that owned the Merchandize Mart and fixed things for the bootleggers and all that.
1
Bobby Kennedy also entered lat in the primaries of 1968. He became the front runner before his brutal murder the night he won the California primary. Bloomberg will defeat Trump by a wide margin and our long national nightmare will come to an end.
2
What an egotistical move from the man who helped further ruin New York City. That people like this plutocrat is evidence that this country just does not care about poor people at all.
Bad idea Mr. Mayor. Democrats don't need another moderate in the field, especially a very rich white one. Use your ample fortune to continue to support climate, gun legislation and women's rights. That's where your money will do the most good.
3
I have been waiting for you mr Bloomberg. It is as if the window opened, the sun came shining in. Mike Bloomberg is the real deal. Not some tin plated performer who can barely tie his own shoes. Mike Bloomberg May be the last Great chance at saving our democracy and our planet.
3
Unconventional? Really? Dwight David Eisenhower never showed up in the primaries. Not one. He did not visit New Hampshire... Robert Taft did not do so, either. Voters did not demand attention. They read up on the candidate and voted... sort of. Then, there were the back room boys, smoke filled...
1
Why, America, are we letting an old man take up so much of our time in these last three years? Donald Trump is only a man like half of us, and yet we use up so much of our life talking about his guilt or non-guilt in corruption, immorality, sexual abuse, lack of empathy. Why not fire him, hire another leader to keep our ship afloat, to sail forward? Hey, it's our nation, so we should act like it, own it, keep it!
1
I see no reason to dismiss someone just because he/she has been successful. Though a lifelong Democrat, I know none of the current crop can beat Trump. We need a moderate. The African-Americans here in the south will not vote for Mayor Pete but stay home instead. Please, please consider Michael Bloomberg, fellow Democrats.
2
Bloomberg the Moderate; the Great Trump Trouncer. The Back-to-Before Candidate!
Bloomberg, get out the way. Your time is past. President Warren will make you Secretary of Interior, or something useful. You are not what American needs now; society has gone too far; we need, demand balance in healthcare, wealth distortions, educational opportunities....more!
It’s simple! Bloomberg should go after the Republican nomination...
5
I suppose a Bloomberg/Warren ticket would be out of question?
2
Bloomberg- the Wall Street candidate.
1
Like I said, now I think I can vote for somebody — democratic — as always, but he won’t have to worry ‘bout having me donate to his campaign.
He will say: My tax returns will be published, for all to see. My charity is not bogus, everything I do is in the open. When I come in my plane, I will have a copter I can fly, and I will land on your lawn for lunch. You want to get to know me, pay attention. I will not pander to you. I will ask you to take solid food with me... we have tons to do and not much time to do it...
1
Democrats are in disarray. Their far leftwing candidates are damaging their appeal, so they've brought in a billionaire as an antidote?
2
Testing, testing, testing, and nothing happened last time. What is the difference this time around?
1
Other than possibly Harry Truman; they are all wealthy. All of them. Get over it.
1
Progressives, if Bloomberg is the the nominee, just don’t vote for him in protest. There, problem solved. A NO BRAINER......literally.
This election is looking like the attack of the geezers! All this last-gasp striving is really too much. Mayor Pete is looking better and better.
1
""Michael Bloomberg on Marijuana: Legalizing 'Another Addictive Narcotic' Is Perhaps 'Stupidest Thing Anybody Has Ever Done""
This is from January of this year. If his stance on this has not changed his efforts here are null. Frankly the man sounds ignorant to me. But hey, who wouldn't want to be an ignorant billionaire?
2
It would be a sight: registered Democrats obeying the party line to elect a Republican.
4
These two-year election cycles are just another TV show to entertain the masses. And now Bloomberg is the "wacky" new character brought in mid-season to goose up the ratings.
Now imagine another year of this drivel...
Ho-hum.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
I will vote for you or Warren. Please convince me.
1
Today, Mike is saying, you know all you need to know, and I will do my best... do you want me to compete with Beto? Do you want me to chase around screaming about the wealthy?
He will say: My tax returns will be published, for all to see. My charity is not bogus, everything I do is in the open. When I come in my plane, I will have a copter I can fly, and I will land on your lawn for lunch. You want to get to know me, pay attention. I will not pander to you. I will ask you to take solid food with me... we have tons to do and not much time to do it. Warming is real, too: real trouble. We will educate you. Vote!!!
1
The race needs a shakeup, and Bloombito is just the man to unite us all behind Elizabeth Warren.
2
As a New Yorker, I appreciate everything Bloomberg did as Mayor and post-office through his philanthropy. He has my vote.
But the thought that our national election could come down to two NYC billionaires battling it out seems a sorry state for American politics and I’m afraid would further divide the country.
1
YES! He has my vote. I trust him. Will the rest of America? I don't know. But in one candidate we have finally gathered all the elements that made the other candidates separately attractive. He is a combination and progressive and a conservative. He will work with the policies that matter to conservatives and make smart compromises, not scare nor repulse them. He will be progressive on issues that matter to liberals (environment, health, civil rights, human rights, equal pay, investment in education, alternative energy, science, livable cities, infrastructure, therefore jobs) The financial institutions will support him. He is well known and liked by minorities, he is known as a fair and insightful man. He is ethical, capable and a very intelligent man. The exact opposite of Trump in every way. But the real Washington outsider and the real billionaire the red State voters were looking for.
8
Among supporters of this or that candidate in the Democratic primary race, no one will vote for Mr. Trump, no matter who gets the nomination. But some might just stay home. That's what happened last time, and you know the Russians will again be circulating stories that the Democratic nominee once sold human babies in order to buy pizza (or whatever). So we need a nominee who'll energize the most Democratic-leaning voters. Whether or not that's the case with Mr. Bloomberg, I don't know. The way he does seem to shine right out of the gate is his potential to attract the votes of some people who otherwise would actually vote for Mr. Trump. I'm thinking specifically of those who bought the "successful, self-made businessman" myth about him and who considered that to be the most important qualification for the presidency. They'll be relieved to have the opportunity to support someone about whom that's really true.
1
I am a huge Warren supporter. I think she is brilliant, knows the economy inside and out, and will help working people and save the middle class.
As a lifelong citizen, New York City, under Bloomberg the city never looked better. I always admired his practicality and skills as a manager. He saved the health of millions of us by banning smoking in public. I also admire his support for liberal causes like climate change and guns. I believe he is invested in the common good and I trusted him to do the right thing by NYC.
Both of these feelings are true at once. Now I feel we have two good candidates.
11
Neglected public housing. Favored his real estate cronies over the middle class. Presided over the largest income inequality gap. Yeah sure, NYC looks better if you are white and rich.
The fix is in. The people transmitting on the power lines or railroad tracks supported Trump for years and now they indicated support for Bloomberg. It's kind of like hearing a radio station in your filling.
Like I've been telling you; I've had my ear to the rail for more than three decades. The loudest I ever heard it was driving over the railroad tracks on Elm avenue in Glen Cove NY around 1989.
2
Whenever I hold a radio antenna with my hand, the radio reception increases dramatically. Does that happen to you folks?
I just put something together; Trump likes coal. Coal is used in power plants that energize the power lines. Republicans are behind the transmissions as I thought.
Trump is buying the power company's silence.
1
@PATRICK Just my left hand...why is that?
Oh great everyone - a very rich white older man will finally save the nation!!!
26
Another hit on Warren. Another male to "save" the general because a woman, who is presenting solid policies to help the people most crushed since the 80's, who is laying out the math, and rallying the party, is mysteriously not electable.
This is the same mentalility that elected the most corrupt, low class liar to ever set foot in the oval office, over an experienced candidate who served the party for decades.
How different this would all be if Elizabeth Warren looked like Tulsi Gabbard. What an atrocity!
Our daughters should all leave for countries that allow qualified women to lead.
16
Just because people don’t support Elizabeth Warren’s policies doesn’t mean it’s misogyny. Personally, I think it’s the wrong time to sell voters a radical change in healthcare when ACA is popular. And raise taxes to do it. Trump will hammer that in in the general election. She’s already underwater in the battleground states and black vote. She’s got big crowds though!
16
This is not about warren being a woman? Hillary was the nominee in 2016 so dont make it out to be about women. Come one that is not helpful at all. Nancy is the speaker of the house - an amazing leader. And so is stacy Abrambs. But they are not running. Its Warrens policies - they have merrit but they will not fly in the general. And thats what it comes down too. Not winning NYC or Boston or LA. Its America - and I just dint think that Liz or Bernie can win.
8
@AP Did you miss that large contingent of misogynist voters? Consider how few women are in Congress - is it for lack of suitable candidates. Even comments here often revolve around just needing a woman in office as if they will have some magic wand to govern differently (which isn’t the case when they do reach a top office).
I welcome this disturbance in Democrats - me as a Republican.
We, republicans, were there 4 years ago - not knowing who would win the nomination.
Our leaders were dead set against Trump - truth be told - for the first time in my life - I abstained.
But I was wrong along with many other Republicans - and happy that we were proven wrong.
The other day, a brit newspaper published a sly comment from Hillary - saying "she knows who the nominee will be."
Of course, she could be implying herself as the paper speculated.
But knowing how much Clinton's love money - she could be hinting at Bloomberg.
My one advice for him would be to move to West Coast or something - because NY folks don't treat their favourite sons well.
Just ask our POTUS.
2
Sure, compared to Trump, he's a godsend. But do we really need another old white male billionaire buying his way into the White House?
541
Our only need at this juncture is to elect someone other than Trump. Everything else is a want, not a need.
98
@Ed H. - what's wrong with being old, white, male or a self-made billionaire? I can't think of anything. Sounds like ageism, racism, sexism and class-ism by you.
189
Never in history has someone bought their way into the White House. Neither money nor ideals win the presidency, for that you need votes.
23
This is depressing.
For thirty five years, I have voted in all but one election or primary for local, state and national elections. I have had to hold my nose only once - the Weld-Silber election in Massachusetts in 1990.
I would have to hold me nose so hard that I would barely be able to breathe if it came to a Bloomberg-Trump election.
Bloomberg is an old entitled white male plutocrat. His support for charter schools and stop and frisk reveals his unsubtle racism. He will be a non-starter for Black voters, who make up a huge Democratic constituency.
Sickening.
437
Even if your last paragraph is true, which certainly is not a given, Bloomberg is still head and shoulders more qualified than Trump to lead the country. And, in spite of your assertion, would certainly be better than Trump for minority communities.
36
@Cousy. Your logic is confounding. Donald Trump’s candidacy was compromised by his wealth? He won! Against all odds, and bringing zero qualifications, he still won the electoral college. Clinton’s fund-raising topped all other Democratic challengers, including Bernie. Does this mean she was the best candidate? I would argue we Dems could have and should have done better than Hilary Clinton, her formidable fundraising notwithstanding.
15
@Cousy
When people decry Trump's "gut", it pays to recall Bloomberg's choice, over many objections, of Cathie Black to be Schools Chancellor. Her only qualification being she and Bloomberg attended the same cocktail parties, and pretended, like everyone else, to laugh at his lame stabs at humor. Fortunately, her tenure was a short one
Bloomberg is touted as a data-driven technocrat, but he is no less an egomaniacal crony capitalist, and crude misogynist than Trump. If it suits his purposes, data be damned, he goes with his gut.
32
A very sad day in this nation.
Another white male billionaire thinks he can come in at the last minute and unseat a woman from victory.
We don’t want billionaires running our country into the ground.
Stay home.
You are not entitled to power.
Sick of this.
480
Your post makes it seem almost like Warren is entitled to the nomination and Bloomberg is trying to take her earned, or God-given, position. But, if Warren is the nominee Trump wins again. We cannot take 4 (or more???) years of Trump.
98
@Platter Puss I would say that reverse bigotry is a thing. You cannot put all wealthy people together...don't think many realize that this country only has safety nets due to many very generous billionaires and donations via churches/their work, etc...
Pls look at each person as a person. Bloomberg and Trump have VERY, VERY little in common. It is frustrating for us that don't fall into a special group yet due to moral beliefs we fight for all those with less agency/power/wealth (and not as a mega-rich person but as a fell member of humankind)
22
@Platter Puss
So "at the last minute" means "before the first primary or caucus has even taken place"? And Bloomberg is "entitled" because he's a billionaire, but Warren isn't "entitled" because she's a woman?
35
Very encouraging news. Job #1 is to replace Trump and the best way to do that is with a moderate Dem. This is our person. The Dem party is shifting too far left and Trump will win again in that case. Bloomberg is our best option.
376
@mark Shifting too far left? No. The GOP has simply changed the definition of Center. Even our Dems are considered Right in Europe and on a global comparison of party leanings.
Believing in healthcare, equality of justice, and strong infrastructure and education are not hallmarks of an out of control leftist leaning party. America, sadly, is on the decline. Just what Trump and his cronies wanted.
119
@Andrew Lee who cares what our Dems are considered in Europe or globally? We need Trump out, first and foremost. And Bloomberg will be a FANTASTIC President!
21
@mark
If Bloomberg is the nominee, voting against Trump will be the only reason to vote for him for many millions of people who want real progressive change. Many of us will be unable to stomach putting another billionaire in the White House, and will vote third party, or just not show up on election day. That's just the way it is. Bloomberg would be a sure loser.
16
Run Mike, run!!!
3
Reagan: 6’1”
Bush I: 6’2”
Clinton: 6’2”
Bush II: 6’0”
Obama: 6’1”
Trump: 6’3”
Sanders: 6’0”
Biden: 6’0”
Bloomberg: 5’7”
Bloomberg doesn’t stand a chance.
Sorry, but heightism is real and it is powerful, especially among men. In fact, it is probably worse in today’s age of visual media saturation.
5
@John
Forget his height. The country will never elect someone who sounds like Bloomberg. Trump's New York accent is relatable for millions of Americans. Bloomberg's is whiny, nasally and off-putting.
2
@John --Speaking from the hinterlands---height has little to do with it, Bloomberg seems from afar to be smarter than all the above mentioned put together.
1
@John
I always thought the one with the nicest haircut was the one who got elected, but you may be right.
P.S. Anyhow, I prefer Elizabeth Warren's haircut/hairdo, and she is pretty tall too, isn't she? (5'8" if I got the correct information)
Bloomberg hasn't just disrupted the Democratic presidential field. Trump and Giuliani are scrambling too. Here they went and did all that work to invent fake dirt on Biden. Now it's back to the drawing boards! Golly gee.
6
Giuliani 2008, The Sequel
Ok, here goes. 69 year old, white, male, college, registered Democrat, works on local and national campaigns. NO NO NO! This Democratic Primary race needs another old white guy like it needs a hole in the head.
2
Mr Bloomberg, with respect, what on earth qualifies you to assume the role of POTUS? There is already one self-obsessed imposter in place. Do you seriously think America needs another? Stick to your day job, please.
3
Enjoy your retirement Mike
5
It's hilarious how many paid by Bloomberg messages are plastered on here. It's a little obvious they're fake guys lol.
2
Mike Bloomberg:
The Hillary Clinton of 2020
4
@Peter
Hardly. Bloomberg is a highly intelligent, self-made billionaire. Hillary is someone whose name we never would have known had she not had the good fortune to marry Bill.
Just what we need. Another old white man! No way! Sorry, guys, you've had the past 244 years and you've failed miserably in running this country! Time to let the women handle it!
3
I'm exhausted.
Yay!
Hey, this strategy worked great for Rudy in the GOP race he "ran."
I thought Mike was intelligent?
1
Yayyyyyyyy! A candidate that cares about the nation and its occupants!
1
If there is any politician with the potential to be a dictator, it's Michael Bloomberg. How quickly New Yorkers have forgotten 2008. Heard from Christine Quinn lately? Do you have any idea why her mayoral candidacy in 2012 got her laughed all the way back to New Jersey?
2
I like Bloomberg. He is infinitely better than Trump - as a real billionaire, as a politician, as a person. But why did he wait so long? We have an insane system where people need to campaign literally for years. But given that system, it’s simply wrong that a billionaire - even an admirable billionaire like Bloomberg - can buy their way into the election process.
I love just how panicked the billionaires are - even “good” billionaires like Bloomberg and Gates - are freakin out that Warren may get the nomination and then beat Trump and become President with a Democratic House and Senate (and eliminate the filibuster) and use billionaire class wealth to finally invest in the middle class and poor for the first time in 40 years.
Vote Warren 2020!!!
1
The bottom line in all these comments:
"I'm white and I am conservative and since Bloomberg is okay with me, that means th at the Democrats must nominate him."
How about all you white conservatives demand that Bloomberg run as a Republican. His policies are no different than Richard Nixon's. It is your Republican party that has turned into the hard right neo-Fascists. Maybe you should work to bring it back to conservstivism by nominating a REAL conservative and not a John Birch Society far right winger - Mike Bloomberg.
7
Bloomberg..Klobuchar. Sign me up yesterday.
2
Where have I seen this story before? A New York billionaire is going guide the country to a better tomorrow?
Democrats, this is an excellent time to panic. Two of the leading candidates in the primary seem hell-bent on out-lefting each other. Michael Bloomberg's sudden appearance is confirmation is the front-runners are weak.
Mystifyingly, Senator Amy Klobachar -- an intelligent, well-spoken, moderate Democrat (with a wicked sense of humor) remains overlooked, particularly by this newspaper.
Don't get me wrong, if [fill in the blank] is the nominee, I'm on her team. But after nearly four years of purgatory, maybe we should try to get it right this time and win.
5
@DeepThud
Klobuchar, a rational democrat, is far too moderate for progressives. They insist on a far left candidate and have zero awareness that the country rejects their policies.
4
I find his arrogance and entitlement insulting. He thinks he can ride in at the last minute and ‘save’ us? An old white billionaire? Come on!
3
No more billionaires!
8
He gets the billionaires’ pass on a Iowa and New Hampshire. He is a Republican.
5
Michael Bloomberg rode the subway to work as major of NYC.
1
Another “Common Man” $50 Billionaire.
1
It’s incredibly ironic that, despite the tall mountains of evidence and facts, this nation is still having the “Democratic-candidate electability against Trump” argument! For crying out loud, the man in the Oval Office is about to be impeached for several counts abuse of power/office! Any of the current Democratic candidates pre-Bloomberg, with a couple exceptions, would make a wonderful POTUS.
It’s as if we live in fear of Trump’s cult of personality! Also, it is depressing that a profoundly corrupt, criminal, treasonous, vulgar, dolt as POTUS does not strike fear in American’s hearts as much as M4A, free state colleges/universities, expecting the uber rich/ their empires to pay their fair share of taxes, and anything that can help the middle class catch a break they haven’t had in several decades.
The audacity of American stupidity should never be underestimated. If Trump re-elected it’s because truly deserve him and his government!
5
This man would be a great president.
4
The NYC press glossed over many ignorant things Bloomberg said.
When he increased the Real Estate Tax, Bloomberg repeatedly said some odd things, like:
1) The federal government never raises taxes because it prints money to erase budget deficits.
2) He said that businesses do not pay the Real Estate Tax, just the building owners - meaning: he didn't know that business leases have a pass-along clause for tax increases, so businesses renting space do in fact pay it.
More:
3) After a disastrous utility explosion explosion that left parts of the city blacked out, he said that the government should not fine Con Edison because the utility will just raise their electric rates to pay for the fine - not knowing that a) Con Edison dies not set its own rate increases and b) fines are excluded from rate increase calculations sent to the appropriate government agencies
4) He has said that tourists from overseas come to New York City and save money by staying in the City's homeless shelters - a truly bizarre notion. Later he added that the homeless from all over the world flock here for the shelters.
5) Then there's his Foot in Mouth Disease:
https://www.newser.com/story/111802/michael-bloomberg-in-dutch-for-drunk-irish-quip.html
6) When trying to woo the Olympic Committee into holding the games in NYC, Bloomberg gave celebrity-filled dinner at one of his many homes - and passed out drunk at the table. "Mike Has Vino Moment" (NY Daily News Michael Saul 2/26/05)
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
Warren doesn't have the academic pedigree to be elected. America elects only Ivy presidents. You can say Trump bought his way into UPenn. That may be true.But he has a diploma from UPenn. Bernie attdened Chicago, which is just as good.
Nobody wants to admit this, but it's true. AOC attended BU, which isn't good enough.
A candidate has to be more or less Ivy league to get elected. warren maybe very intelligent, but her academic background is not presidential. You simply cannot get elected, unless you are Ivy or military (Jimmy Carter).
@Anti-Marx
Remind me: from which Ivy-league school did Reagan graduate?
1
Why is he afraid to run in his natural milieu, as a Republican? If he enters as a Democrat, he disqualifies himself as a walking savior-complex.
4
All these people except Trump really mean well. A few like Bernie and Elizabeth scare the bjeezus out of some people. For others they are saviors. We all know one thing. we must get rid of the poison in the White House before we can move on. Then, let's just get together and hash it out. We can do this!
7
HE would be great. Run!
3
Wow! A real Billionaire running for President! A first for America !!
1
Ah yes -- the right man at just the wrong time. What's with these delusional bajillionaires? Is he polling landlines or something? He'd be perfect for the job, except that virtually no one wants him to do it.
Also, consult your mayoral predecessor on how the strategy of bypassing Iowa and NH works. Maybe someday you too can be "shadow" Secretary of State!
3
Images the 2020 debates between two NY billionaires? Getting the popcorn ready. It will be great entertainment
3
Just what this country needs...another rich New Yorker with a vanity project.
13
Primary Trump, Mayor Bloomberg.
5
As a NYC resident I know Bloomberg has the right proven leadership qualities to become President and certainly has run 3 successful mayoral campaigns here using tons of his own money. The rub about Bloomberg is that he is another Billionaire who doesn't see the little people, their needs and has proven to be heartless. Another issue that he will need to tackle and not afraid to do so is he will become the first Jewish President if he succeeds, so be it but in many non-urban areas with few Jewish voters will be suspicious of him. The left is powerful enough to cut Bloomberg's off at the knees, this is new territory for Bloomberg and his age is the same issue that Biden faces "just another old white male" running will not please anyone of color. Bloomberg has personal baggage. Apparently the work place at Bloomberg was notoriously rough on women professionals. Finally go ask anyone how he hijacked a third term of office in NYC despite term limits which will leave many voters pausing......
5
Amy Klobuchar is the Obama like candidate.
3
A cool headed normal sane person is exactly what I want! That's how low my bar is by now. After 4 years of having to turn the tv off each time that creature from the White House comes on please please please give me normal. Let's turn decidedly left once that menace has been removed but for now let's just go straight and let's become normal again.
4
It is evidently en vogue these days in America to believe that you will live forever, albeit with a healthy mind.
2
Bloomberg is getting into the race to keep progressives out of the Whitehouse .
I will stay home.
8
With one supposed billionaire in the White House and two other billionaires, Steyer and Bloomberg in the race and Starbucks billionaire Howard Shutz considering running as well, can we all admit now that the United States is now an oligarchy?
Curious, I looked up statistics about billionaires. There are about 2400 billionaires in the world. There are about 560 billionaires who are American. 88 percent of billionaires are men.
8
As a former New Yorker, I thought Bloomberg was a disaster. He was the governor of Manhattan below 125th. He built a Potemkin village of clean subway facades and left the archaic switching system in place. New Yorkers are now paying the price for Bloomberg and Giuliani's deferred maintenance.
The only good thing about this will be to see Bloomberg get his comeuppance -- can't wait to see him join Hickenlooper and Steyer in the billionaires who tried and failed to buy elections club. May they drown their sorrows in champagne.
12
@DanInTheDesert The MTA is controlled by the state. Mayors do not have the power to overhaul the switching systems or any other MTA infrastructure on their own.
3
So if elected, will he disavow running for a third term?
3
Dystopian images become reality, when billionaires buy their presidency and dictate the course of the nation for everyone else. Really disturbing as these men are not grounded in real life, with ego's as big as their fortunes.
Medieval times 2.0!
6
Bret Stephens seems to support Bloomberg's candidacy. It says it all...
3
Mike is the best NY City mayor in my lifetime. He’s honest, compassionate, believes in climate change, disdains the NRA, pragmatic, has liberal moral values, etc, etc. What’s there not to like? I would certainly vote and maybe even campaign for him.
4
Why not Bloomberg in third party run. This would be best bet for no reelection of Trump
1
Interesting thought but he’d possibly split the democratic vote too.
Who would he nominate for the Supreme Court?
Ugh
Another old white guy whose standing is based on him looking like a strong minded power wielding god who will smite Trump.
I want to see Trump being taken down by Elizabeth Warren, a polite, intelligent person who does not carry power or entitlement as a weapon. Her gravitas is not based on force or domination, or entitlement bestowed upon her by a misogynist society. She got it all herself by doing the wrk and learning along the way.
An authoritarian entitled male such as Bloomberg, no matter how he can beat Trump, is yet another brick in the wall for women, bringing yet another entitled male into a position that should be, by dint of hard work, support of the people, and good reasoning and sheer strength of character, Elizabeth Warren’s.
I would like to see progress here. Medicare for all is reasonable and justified. Corporate ownership of America, using Americans to line their pockets, as the healthcare industry in America does, is criminal and should be ended. It’s killing people and destroying lives on a daily basis.
Bloomberg with his money, (does he have investments in American healthcare moneymakers?) and his white male entitlement and lack of support for the most basic need in America today, healthcare, is not the answer to the future that Americans need.
He is not going to bring out the millennial vote.
Warren is going to bring out the millennial vote.
7
"Honey, I think I'll run for president this year, it feels like the right time." "Why that's a good idea Michael! Oh, should I reinvest the $2b in Apple before we leave for the Seychelles? Or push it over to automobile-loan derivatives?" "Stick with Apple, for a month at least, then short the automotive paper in Dec. Oh by the way, I might be away for a bit during September and October of 2020 but rest assured sweetheart, I will not force you to live in the dreary White House like that monster Trump has done to Melania. That is unforgivable."
5
@Melanie
This is why people don't take progressives seriously
Well this certainly helps Bernie Sanders the most.
1
The wrong person for the wrong time. Steeped in the corrupt infrastructure of New York City. Self-important clueless billionaire. Continue being a philanthropist. Stay in your lane!
4
Disrupted? Let's boo the use of this silicon valley cliche. There is nothing unusual about drop-outs, like Beto, or drop ins, like Bloomberg. The later seems to be running a vanity campaign on the Steyer model, but nobody, as far as I know, thinks Steyer disrupted anything except his billions in the bank.
1
Yeah we are supposed to give our votes to a guy who spent 8 years as a republican mayor? I don’t think so. He will invite chaos and destroy the natural course of selection because all the pundits will be shoving him down our throats. He would make a good ambassador to the UK or cabinet member, but that’s it. He should stay out of the race.
1
@GO Bloomberg served as mayor rod NYC for 12 years not 8. He had the law changed only for him!
Suggested campaign slogan for Bloomberg should he go up against Trump:
“He really is a billionaire.”
2
Most billionaires don’t get there by being good humans
2
I thought he should have entered the race from the beginning. The late entry will no doubt hurt his chances. If Trump was impeached last year, Bloomberg would be the Republican party favorite. I would vote for him regardless of which party he is in. But NYC mayors have had a bad run at the office...maybe he can break the bad streek
3
Again, no no no no no. Not what this country needs and certainly not the antidote to trump like so many here say. It’s more of the same and like I said yesterday just lipstick on a pig. We need a real progressive change. What he’ll be should be doing now is aligning all his other billionaire friends with Heart behind Elizabeth Warren & Bernie Sanders and or there that want to make real change and still keep this country A democratic capitalist country but one with the heart that list everyone up not just the rich. Reach high or go home. Learn your lesson America!
Note to New York Times. Enough Free Press about Bloomberg already you did this with Trump now here you go again stop it you’re part of the problem!
4
Unlike trump, he is willing to part with his $$ - he is worth a ridiculous $53 billion so a billion here or there would not matter much, I'm sure.
Yeah, great idea - another billionaire from New York.
1
Finally! A president that would be the president of all American billionaires.
5
I didn’t mind Bloomberg as NYC mayor, until he finagled a 3rd term for himself. The megalomania of it!
1
Bloomberg would better serve the nation by putting his money behind some other candidate, rather than make this ridiculous run for the glory. I'm from the Midwest. I wouldn't know Bloomberg if I tripped over him. We have plenty of great candidates who express every aspect of the Democratic Party platform. A few of the more radical folks like Warren and Sanders now lead the race, but they will collapse under the weight of ideas (Theirs...the ones that won't work.) In the end we can do well with a ticket built from the excellent group already running.
2
Exactly! wish he would put his money behind Senator Sherrod Brown!
Bloomberg is the true adult in the room. He has proven himself a beyond able private and public sector executive. He has not sold his political soul to anyone. He has backed serious initiatives like gun control. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have a real, professional manager running our federal government for a change after many, many years of ineptitude?
2
For those who object to Bloomberg because he was a Republican, or because he’s rich, or because he’s an opportunist, take a close look at our country’s political history.
American politics has always been corrupt. The bane of our American democracy is that it’s freedoms have always been used to corrupt the country.
The only difference with Trump is that he is more transparently corrupt which Americans are not used to. We expect our corrupt politicians to be more circumspect and discreet with their corruption.
The beauty of Bloomberg is that he is less corrupt, mostly progressive, highly experienced, and, most importantly, he can beat Trump.
Please celebrate the fact that Bloomberg is willing to sacrifice himself to save us from another four depressing years of Trump.
2
Bloomberg would have my vote. I love Elizabeth Warren, her determination and commitment to universal healthcare, but I am uncertain about how she would govern in a broad economic sense. I love Joe Biden and his experience in getting things done and his understanding that capital gains need to be taxed, but he is slipping up when he speaks. Sanders has health concerns. Bottigeig is too new. Trump is a fraud and a crook.
A Bloomberg administration with a Democratic House and Senate - now that would make me smile.
I want a federal government that will strengthen our commitment to democratic values, address our federal debt and deficit spending and issues like our struggling middle class, access to healthcare, gun violence, climate change, and who understands why trade, immigration, and new technologies are good. Bring back facts, knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and respect.
So now instead of just Buttigieg and Biden vying for the Republican wing of the Democratic party it's now a three way rooster fight. As a Sanders/ Warren supporter that sounds fine to me.
The only way ordinary Americans, all Americans, are ever going to have quality health care that doesn't bankrupt them, be treated equally under the law and fairly at work, to have a prosperous future, is for the Democratic party to openly and unashamedly stand up for the interests of ordinary Americans. That's just what the GOP has done with tax cuts, special legal treatment for the "job creators", and the rest of the billionaires wish list Seems to worked pretty well for them.
Incremental change by electing a "moderate" Democrat as President, then trying to turn the Senate blue sounds safer - but it's really only certain to ensure the status quo. We need to find the courage to take reasonable political risks if we're ever going to change America for the better.
I am disappointed that Michael Bloomberg has decided that at this point in the Presidential process that he wants to now enter the race. This is after every other candidate has toiled and taken jabs and participated in the debates and been on the road campaigning and everything else involved in the road to being considered to become the Presidential candidate. There is something disturbing about jumping in after all of that hard work is done to now consider entering this race. Yes we want someone who can win, but we also want someone who will be able to govern the entire country and be able to effectively partner with the world. I want a candidate who has Congressional experience, that has some international experience also. That is an issue with so many of the other candidates. Do we need one more person in the Presidency who lacks that experience again?
Has the democratic party become so fed up with Trump, that winning the election against him becomes the central reason for considering a candidate? I hope not, or the type of governing that is now dismantling our democracy, will continue. Michael Bloomberg coming into the race at this point is not the answer. He has not given the American people time to evaluate whether he would be a viable candidate because he has not gone through the presidential process. I don't want shortcuts taken to the Presidency. We the American people deserve better than that. It is too late for him to jump in.
1
I’m a Warren supporter but we could do a lot worse than Bloomberg. NYC thrives under his calm, collected leadership. And his wealth made him totally untethered to outside interests. He always seemed to do what he truly thought was best for the city even if I didn’t always agree with it.
But I think he’ll take from Buttigieg and Biden and end up handing Warren the nomination. Fine by me.
1
Bloomberg seem like a pragmatic and intelligent man with integrity. He will be a well respected president. However he will not change the fundamental problems in America, because that goes against his core values.
It is his brand of liberal capitalism that has given us the problems that pushed people like Donald Trump to the front stage.
This is not just the US. The whole world has been pushing free trade, deregulation, lower taxes etc. It has caused economies to grow but at the expense of rising inequality. Working class has been left behind and they are angry.
Their anger has propelled both right wing populists and democratic socialists like Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn to the forefront.
Bloomberg just represent the status quo. He will just keep doing what hasn't work, just in a more competent and talented way. We are back in the 1930s politically. People are angry at the fight is between fascism and socialism once again. People are radicalized and angry. There really is no place for a cool headed technocrat like Bloomberg.
A billionaire long-time Republican, recently turned Democrat with no explanation, who is so rich he doesn't have to fund raise, and a personality given to ignoring traditional election circuits and just barging into the race whenever he wants -- sounds like Trump's kind of guy.
His history as New York's mayor is not that of a Democrat. He's pushy, true to N.Y. city stereotype. But he has no street cred as a Democrat that can compare to Biden, Sanders or Warren. He relates to those in his billionaire class -- tax breaks for the rich, reduced social services, privitization of schools and jails -- none of which Democrats stand for.
Maybe he's trying to help Trump win by taking votes from Biden. He and Trump have known each other a long time.
Maybe his ego is urging him toward another conquest, with zero plans established for his Presidency.
He and his vanity campaign should shut down. If his heart's really in Democratic politics, he can contribute to campaigning State and National Democrats.
4
Mike was a very good mayor for New York City. Compare and contrast with the disaster of Bill the Blasio. That being said, Mike will not play well in the swing states needed for victory for either party. He is basically for gun confiscation, and he is somewhat of a climate alarmist. Nobody in those states will support a carbon tax. Just seems like more ego.
1
I wouldn't have a problem voting for Bloomberg if he were on the ballot. He is a moderate and common sense man. he will bring back respect and decency which was lost with this administration. I don't care if the next president is the greatest men on the planet I just want to see some order, some peace and a cleaner language coming out of the mouth of a president. Stopping this dissent into chaos will be a reasonable goal to achieve by itself, anything but trump. The problems the coming leaders of the world have to face is so immense that no one even the most intelligent and clever being could begin to solve them. We are seeing too many loud and crazy leaders at a time where rational thinking is the only thing that can save us from self destructing. Physical assault on the planet coupled with dumb leaders is a horrible combination. We the silent majority cannot afford to be shy and silent anymore.
1
I agree with Bloomberg’s unspoken belief that none of the candidates can beat. (The only candidate that is half way viable is Amy.) Biden is showing his age - too bad he didn’t run in 2016. We probably wouldn’t have Trump now. The rest have a bunch of crazy plans. I have been looking for a savior to save us from the current crop of candidates- an FDR type- maybe it’s Bloomberg.
1
One billionaire for another?
The US is an oligarchy!
It astonishes me that majorities of citizens want portable health care and sensible immigration policies but the billionaire parties do everything to stop benefits to its citizens.
Only the rich get to participate.
Bloomberg is another rich guy only with manners.
2
Mayor Pete Buttigieg will be the loser should Michael Bloomberg gain traction. I am assuming that Joe Biden is basically toast, which Bloomberg's entry confirms.
But billionaire Bloomberg can't win.
Really, Bloomberg's move means that Buttigieg has a plausible path to the nomination. Buttigieg is the most clever candidate in the Dem field, going both far left and centrist as it suits him.
But Buttigieg would still lose in the end against Trump.
Buttigieg can't lose in another sense, though, as his currency will increase.
McGovern lost everything in the 1972 election after being trounced by Nixon. Buttigieg, on the other hand, is playing the long game, and will be a future force no matter if he gets trounced by Trump. It will be a resume enhancer.
Buttigieg is generally smart, for sure, but smartest as a resume enhancer and opportunist, quite like Trump. A contest between the two would be amusing even if the 2020 outcome is predictable.
Warren and Sanders are out of touch with mainstream. Unfortunately Biden has a weak presentation. Bloomberg is somebody who can parry Trump and his false narrative. He will put Trump in his place. Sending healthcare to the DMV is unacceptable. So there is some hope.
2
He is just another Trump with a more moderate demeanor but no different in his attitude of my way or the highway. His education administration in NYC was anti-labor and anti-public education, no better than Trump's DeVos. Don't be fooled by another autocrat and oligarch thinking he can be the saviour of the nation. His arrogance is matched only by Trump's.
The definition of oligarchy is: Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people. These people may be distinguished by nobility, wealth, education or corporate, religious, political, or military control.
With one supposed billionaire in the White House and two other billionaires, Steyer and Bloomberg in the race and Starbucks billionaire Howard Shutz considering running as well, can we all admit now that the United States is now an oligarchy?
Curious, I looked up statistics about billionaires. There are about 2400 billionaires in the world. There are about 560 billionaires who are American. 88 percent of billionaires are men.
2
For a split second, I said to myself, « finally we have a moderate. » No sooner, did I realize I was no longer looking for a moderate in this field, and saw myself voting for Warren.
I lived and worked as a lawyer in Manhattan for most of his three terms. Since he left office, I started to think of him for his pro climate and gun control work, but when I saw this announcement, my negative opinion of his time in office came back.
Response to The Times form in this article.
Billionaires are ganging up against Warren. They are worried that she may become madam President. These billionaires and the Wall Street are not worrying about taxes, they are worried that she knows how to enforce the existing regulations. That could cost not 100 billion dollars, but hundreds of billions of dollars. Bloomberg reason to enter is fake. The real reason is that she may win.
1
Incredible, reading the comments, they are mostly about electability.
A platform that ended well in 2016. The only one that made Trump's victory possible.
2
Bloomber, like other billionaires is afraid of Warren's policies. This is the real reason he thinks about running: protecting his personal assets.
5
The current Democratic field needs disruption; none of the candidates running have the gravitas to win. Bloomberg has the might, power and experience to win.
1
Bloomberg's credentials are incredibly impressive. A billionaire who was truly innovative and created his fortune ethically. A man who was very charitable. A man who ran the largest city in the U.S. for eight years with nary a hint of scandal. A man who at his age remains whip smart. Who can forget his line at the 2016 Democratic convention which received the biggest roar of approval "I come from New York and I know a con man when I see one".
Sure , he has flaws that can be exploited, but he is EVERYTHING Trump is not.
1
@Babel It’s clear you don’t know much about Bloomberg. He was NYC mayor from 2002 to 2014; that’s 12 years not 8. He behaved like a dictator when he managed to strong arm the city council into changing term limits to allow him a third term.
I'd vote for Bloomberg over almost all current democratic candidates. It's lousy for the candidates who've put themselves out there for a year, and have endured three or more debates, but Michael is just that good of a candidate. He's done a great job as NYC mayor, and better yet, has stayed close to the people on issue after issue.
Almost all candidates ... not all candidates.
Amy Klobuchar still has my vote. She's accomplished a lot in the Senate, more than almost all senators. She's represented folks in her state very well, and has a great sense of humor and ablity to cut to the chase on all issues. She's extremely hard working, gets along well with others including folks from the other side of the aisle, balanced, reasonable, and doesn't propose out of this world projects that have zero chance of being passed by Congress. But most of all, she would be the best of all candidates in putting Trump on the defensive, all while she's got that midwestern grin and wit. She's got the best chance of knocking Trump off, and that's why I'll tout her wherever and whenever possible.
That said....Michael is a super democrat who would do wonders for the party as its candidate if he gets the nod. Go get em Michael!!!!
2
Bloomberg will easily defeat Trump and bring back integrity, intelligence and team play to the Whitehouse. He is a centrist who cares about people. He will have a common sense approach to healthcare and immigration and he will continue to take on the gun lobby. He will appeal to Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. I'm for Mike. Trump will be just a bad dream in January 2021.
1
As much as I admire Mr, Bloomberg and I will vote for him if he gets the nomination, he does have some drawbacks. First is his age. When he was Mayor of NYC many years ago. Unlike our present president , he will take his responsibilities fully. The job takes a huge toll mentally as well as physically. Also everyone tiptoes about his religion......with the rise of antisemitisan in our country and throughout the world, it is now a fact but unspoken aloud. This is always there and is the elephant in the room. I wish it were not so. Everyone is too polite...Pete Gigametit although fully qualified is also "other" and we mouth the platitudes it is always there.
1
Mr Bloomberg thinks he can buy anything with his money. He wants to buy the Presidency. Aren’t there are any worthy candidates who aren’t going to be 80 years old in their term as President?
1
I'm looking for a Democratic victory, nothing more in 2020. So far Warren, Sanders and Biden don't seem likely to pull it off. I'm for any moderate who can win the swing states. Do you wanna win the game or do you want to play beautifully (promote massive reform)? The Germans often beat the Dutch in football because they play a defensive game and never give up. The Dutch want to play a beautiful offensive game and then they lose, again. Sound familiar? Let's work on big reforms in 2024.
1
Why don't rules apply to billionaires? This constant pursuit of loopholes and gaming the system is what's eating away our democracy.
2
@Tedj
What rules is he violating? How is he gaming the system?
I doubt Bloomberg cares about convention
If I remember correctly
In 2008 he strong-armed the City Council
To change the law which limited the mayor
To two consecutive terms.
A law that came into being after the
People in NYC voted for it. Twice.
2
I admire Mr. Bloomberg and believe he has the makings of a fine, successful President.
But this -- unfortunately -- is not yet the time or the place for our first Jewish President -- thus adding still another talking point to the list of manufactured grievances that Trump already exploits among his followers with enormous success.
The present field of Democratic candidates presents more than enough good, moderate people -- Biden in particular -- to do Trump in.
A better path for Mr. Bloomberg -- and one securing him a lasting place in the history books as the man who rescued the country from the Trump catastrophe -- would be to donate 1 Billion Dollars to Super Pacs to help insure Trump's defeat in each and every one of the political races in 2020.
2
It’s always the idea guy who wants to tell someone else how to spend their money.
I love Bloomberg and would vote for him in a second, but I thought we decided (sadly) that the “fiscally conservative, socially liberal” voter doesn’t actually exist outside New York? The news of Bloomberg’s likely candidacy doesn’t feel as comforting as it should.
rompting Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to accuse Mr. Bloomberg of seeking to buy the presidency.
That doesn’t happen now?
With every mega donor to bundlers?
If you read his book you see he is not a liberal in any sense. He is not going to address income inequality because he doesn't see how it distorts governance. Those of you who praise him as mayor of NYC see nothing of his inability to address how pubic schools fail to be an engine of opportunity for most children, see nothing of his divisiveness regarding race. Bloomberg will not reign in corporate or Wall Street excess. Read his words. He might draw in some young people because of his environmental record, but most of them will see he's not going to work toward leveling the playing field for them.
2
If Bloomberg had a positive vision for this country, I think we all would have heard about it by now and know it. The fact that we don't says to me that he is running for a specific reason - which is to stop a popular democratic movement to re-adjust the tax system to be progressive again after many years of being increasingly regressive even as wages of the middle class and working class were dropping in real terms. What a rip-off.
In the 1990's taxes were so regressive that Jerry Brown a Democrat went on Firing Line to debate pro-Flat Tax because he though the flat tax would be more progressive than the way things were then and have continued to worse to this day.
Reading between the lines, what our billionaire class is telling us is that we need them and we need them to have more and more and more of the country's resources and our labor. They are telling us that if we disturb the great system we have today we will lose our country. Well, we have already lost it, it has been bought into and then stolen by lying billionaires.
Bloomberg has no vision other than to affect the American system beyond one man, one vote ... in full following of one dollar one vote. Please, can we be sick of this kind of stuff yet?
I am an American citizen eligible for citizenship in the country in which I’ve lived for the past several years. I have been holding out so I can cast my vote in America’s 2020 elections to help rid not only the USA but the world of the global dangers posed by Trump. Should Bloomberg buy his way onto the Democratic ticket, I will, the next day, get up at dawn and march to the immigration office armed with all my papers and as soon as possible quit the quickly-failing experiment that America has become.
3
Bloomberg isn't a stronger candidate than Biden, and his late entry into the Democratic race would only function as a massive gift to Elizabeth Warren... and ultimately, as a gift to Donald Trump, if Bloomberg inadvertently helps Warren to win the nomination. Bloomberg should keep his powder dry for now, if the Dems put up a leftist nominee, he could still step in as an independent.
If Bloomberg secures the nomination against Trump, the United States will no longer be a democracy. We will be a full-blown plutocracy.
1
It is high time for America to get back to normal after the Trump irrationality. Mr. Bloomberg speaks with knowledge, moderation and global vision.
1
Ironically, I believe that Mr Bloomberg could actually win the presidency but not the primary.
1
Bottom line: do you want to genuinely get rid of Trump, or do you want to feel good supporting someone who you feel stands more for your personal aspirations but will lose? That is the real world choice. Biden/Klobuchar, Klobuchar/Bullock, or Bloomberg/Klobuchar. Those are the only potentially winning combinations. Voting for anyone else at the top of the ticket is but an exercise in personal therapy.
2
Whomever becomes President better be ready to roll back every single regulation that Trump enacted, starting on day one. We have no time to waste.
1
We just don’t need another billion dollar business man running the country. One has been quite enough.
Placate my peripheral comment here if you would; I just read the article about the Reagan Statue on the embassy in Berlin. My first thought was that Kennedy had helped Berlin first during the airlift when the Soviets blockaded the city. I had no problem with the Reagan statue, but why did they do it now against the wishes of Berlin Officials? Reagan does get credit for instigating freedom and the collapse of Soviet Russia, but why polarize the Berliners and our diplomatic functions with partisan politics? Like so many other Republican acts, was this a diversion from another reality? I am pondering that now. Why are they competing with the memory of Kennedy at this time in history by typically worshiping one of their own? I feel there is a story in this. A General practiced outward international politics, something generally frowned upon. Pompeo made it an event for publicity. Why? Why now? Is it because they wish to compete with or rewrite history? Bush clued us into that practice. It is Republicans who are rewriting history, not Democrats as he said. Why are the Republicans worshiping a false idol before God? Follow my lead on this on. I'm convinced there is an underlying story.
I'm willing to hear what Bloomberg has to say. His strategy of skipping the early primaries may backfire but he is the real deal. We have to get rid of Trump and take assault rifles out of the hands of the mentally ill. He may be the right guy to bring our country back from the brink of self immolation.
1
Unity amongst Democrats is at a premium in this election. Criticisms of recent debates concerned the foolishness of candidates attacking each other and Obama on national, highly watched and reported media events, known as the 'debates'. So, interject Bloomberg whose reason for entering is his concern for the electability of the current poll leaders. He must have tons of criticism for each one. He will try to unseat them, true?
Well, there you go, brilliiant! Why don't the Democrats just default this election and retry in 5 years and save us the anxiety?
Who's better to defeat one New Yorker than another New Yorker ? Mike vs. The Donald. This may not be a true subway series but the drama is intriguing. Mike will not sweep but he will handily defeat the little leaguer in the Whitehouse.
I have been wondering why mainstream media and the DNC have been obsessed with getting a moderate candidate. I mean, I get the whole argument of the the disaffected Midwesterner that voted for Obama and turned to Trump. I get the whole swing voter concern. Now, Obama won because he convinced young people to go out and vote. That’s what really made a difference. That’s why Hillary lost, we didn’t Pokémon go to the polls (remember that? (The ultimate #okboomer moment...). We won’t vote for Bloomberg, I mean I will if he is the nominee, I am an elder millennial. But that small percentage that will decide the race, those young votes, neither him or Biden will get. But hey, what do I know I right, I am not an expert statistician of CNN pundit. I guess when they lose with another moderate in 2020, democrats will just because republicans and stop pretending that they care about people and not about enriching themselves.
1
No billionaires in public office!
These billionaire men are obscene and an insult to the average US citizen.
Bloomberg's billions make him unsuitable and even unable to represent the American people.
His billions are an enormous conflict of interest.
Amercians should demand a level playing field in terms of campaign financing.
When he lets go of the money he has hoarded, perhaps then he could be allowed into public office.
Until then I will always believe his main prioirty will be to keep his hoarded wealth and to help people like him to keep theirs. And all that will not help improve the lives and well-being of the average Amercian citizen.
How many billions does one man need? It's obscene and until the American people wake up to this and continue to idolize this kind of hollow rich man, they will fall victim to their false promises made mostly to protect their own wealth.
2
It is amazing to me that people think Bloomberg was a good Mayor! He was not. He destroyed much of the city with his real estate cronies. And he did nothing whatsoever about the education system here, nor did he fix the subways. Wake up people, the "good mayor" thing is a total myth. And, as a billionaire, he is nauseatingly arrogant. We need a government that will tax his kind down to size.
1
Finally another candidate besides Biden who is not extreme like Warren and Sanders. He’s some who is a good example of if you work hard and make the right moves anything is possible.
Yet another billionaire? Really? What's the average income of the field of 2020 candidates? Speaking of plutocracy.
1
It's the oldest strategy known to man, that of "Divide and Conquer". Can you imagine the wealthy class revolting? That might be what it is.
We are thrilled that he’s getting into the race. He, finally, may be just the person to stop Trump from getting a 2nd term. I like Elizabeth Warren, but she’s painted herself into a corner with the “Medicare for All” plan. Biden doesn’t seem like one who could really take on Trump. And Pete Buttigieg will be looked on by many as too young and inexperienced. (He’d be a great VP pick, though. As would Amy Klobuchar).
Running for President has become a bucket list activity.
Clearly, DJT is unfit for the job yet he lives in the White House. So why not elected a real billionaire - one whose father didn’t hand him a millions of dollars to stay afloat every time a business deal failed.
Let’s elect a billionaire who has a real philanthropy footprint, one who has actually donate millions of dollars to various causes rather than one who has had to pay a few millions in fines for setting up a fraudulent charity & a bogus university.
Let’s replace our reality star with real person, someone who has real billions & earned those billions through hard work.
A billionaire long-time Republican, recently turned Democrat with no explanation, who is so rich he doesn't have to fund raise, and a personality given to ignoring traditional election circuits and just barging into the race whenever he wants -- sounds like Trump's kind of guy.
His history as New York's mayor is not that of a Democrat. His manner is bull-in-a-china-shop, like Trump. But he has no street cred as a Democrat that can compare to Biden, Sanders or Warren. He relates to those in his billionaire class -- tax breaks for the rich, reduced social services, privatization of schools and jails -- none of which Democrats stand for.
Maybe he's trying to help Trump win by taking votes from Biden. He and Trump have known each other a long time.
Maybe his ego is urging him toward another conquest, with no plans set forth for his Presidency.
Bloomberg's vanity campaign should shut down. If his heart's really in Democratic politics, he can contribute to campaigning State and National Democrats.
An autocratic billionaire with long-standing and clear disdain for the middle class and the poor? And one who was happy to buy his way into a third "illegal" term as mayor via all sorts of blandishments? NOT what the nation needs!
Not to mention the way he appointed characters like Joel Klein and Cathi Black to head the NYC schools, trashed middle-income housing in NYC (e.g. Stuyvesant Town), and never met a rich "developer" he didn't favor with policies and windfall deals...
1
ABT --- anybody but Trump. We've got to get that monster out of office. If Bloomberg can do it, I'm all in.
We must have someone on the Democratic ticket than can beat Trump. That is the No. 1 goal. Bloomberg had me when he said at the Democratic convention about Trump: "I'm from New York. I know a con when I see one." Bloomberg would tear Trump apart. I'd vote for him in a New York minute.
Just what we need. Another candidate in his late 70s who can buy his way into the presidency.
Bloomberg is the perfect candidate for all of those moderates who believe climate change is a serious problem and the best way to solve it is to implement a carbon tax because they can easily afford to pay it and won't have to drive their SUVs any less than they do now.
4
Bloomberg is not a good candidate. A candidate should have recent experience with, and a commitment to addressing the realities of the lives of average Americans. Trump has shown the problem of choosing a candidate with personal vested interests.
3
I think Mr. Bloomberg has an advantage over other Democrats in the race because he was a republican and there's a lot of support on this side of the aisle from that time. Now a Democrat he can gain additional support from the other side. I think people can come to see him as a very good and strong option to replace President Trump as he is (more or less) at the same level of power and wealth. He is definitely a much better choice than Trump. Anybody is a better option than Trump.
8
His running will further split the Democrats and guarantee Trump a second term. It's Ralph Nader, Jill Stein, short sighted egomania (though Ross Perot gave Clinton his first victory). Interesting to note how the .01% will only get richer and richer with Republicans in power and despite how noble Bloomberg may seem he is still a billionaire with billionaire interests.
9
If Mr. Bloomberg runs, doesn't this further divide votes for moderate Democratic candidates? Seems unlikely that his candidacy will significantly impact support for Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.
9
No Democrats want this guy.
If Mr. Bloomberg decides to run as a Democrat and wins the nomination and the election, lets hope that he behaves like a billionaire in his late 70's should, do as much good as possible for those who need help and forget about policies that benefit only those who don't need it. Preserving the environment should be one of the highest priorities, and nobody can lead the way better than the US President.
9
Mike Bloomberg is the only candidate who could truly appeal to both sides. I am from rural Eastern PA but live as an ex-pat in Italy. The admiration from my Brooklynite and European friends for AOC and the Green New Deal juxtaposes my experience traveling back home and driving past houses still adorned with Trump Pence 2016 signs, and even Confederate flags waving on their front lawns. Most Americans don’t see their own country. And most democrats don’t see that not all dems are ultra-liberal. The stakes are too high to not make a few compromises.
27
Oh please please Michael Bloomberg, stay out of it. Stay out of this race.
I would no more vote for another millionaire billionaire than vote for an adolescent field mouse for president. You are good at being rich; you are not good or wanted as a leader.
If anything you are my impetus to move into organizing and campaigning and as the Republican woman said recruiting heavily for Warren, Biden or Buttigeig.
17
He was actually a great leader for 12 years of NYC. He has more experience than Buttigieg. His wealth makes him hard for outside interests to buy off and he is truly a self-made empire builder.
@NextGeneration I for my part would vote for a monkey or actually a cockroach would do if it would decide to run just to get Trump out of the White House.
2
Bloomberg would be a great pragmatic, problem-solving president. We sure could use a whole lot of that.
27
I’m a die-hard Democrat and love the idea of Bloomberg as our Candidate because he is the only candidate that can beat Trump. I’m incredibly unhappy with the prospects of the current field.
As much as I love the idealism of Sanders and Warren policies, neither will beat Trump. They will lose the swing vote.....Warren would likely lose New York! Love Biden, but he’s faltering and will stumble enough to lose the election.
Bloomberg is a moderate - fiscally conservative and socially very liberal. He appeals to much more than the base. He’s also brilliant and very capable.
Democrats need to figure out if they want their voice to be heard in the election or if they want to win.
If Bloomberg is in, I’m knocking on doors for him.
43
@AJ You mean to say “Only [he] can save us”? Now, where have we heard that before...?
If Bloomberg really wants to remove Trump from office he should run as a self-financed independent republican.
22
Al Smith again, over and over and over.
1
Bloomberg is a DINO, a Democrat in name only. Pass.
10
@JS So enjoy 8 to 12 more years of Trump because that’s what your going to get with Warren or Sanders or Biden or any of the others
He's more or less helping Trump.
6
Bloomberg's first rally will be held at Le Bernardin.
13
I have to apologize for incorrectly stating Bloomberg ran as a Democrat to win the Mayoralty in 2001 in a Democratic majority NYC.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/10/nyregion/michael-bloomberg-democrat-president.html?searchResultPosition=9
So as I'm corrected, I ask; if Bloomberg was really a Republican, why did he change affiliation to Democrat to run for President in 2020? Are his convictions to his platforms as wishy washy as his party allegiance? Is he simply just in it for himself and all the free name recognition to make more Billions for himself? Is he counting on more free airtime from the Television industry like Trump received? Or is he a Trojan Horse candidate intent on spoiling Democrats chances by allowing Trump to win? The rest of the country outside NYC is not going to like Bloombergs stand on issues.
This is the state of our democracy; two Television industry Billionaires running for President both from New York, and those are but two reasons why I left New York and found happiness elsewhere away from the hypnotic mass media metropolis.
Don't you see what a farcical joke our democracy has become? Elections are bought. That fact is not in dispute and my vote is not going to be bought, by any billionaire.
5
I agree with just about everything you wrote, except the last paragraph. Elections have been bought since almost the beginning of the Republic. Joe Kennedy bought Chicago for JFK. LBJ bought South Texas way back in ‘48, etc. Plenty of presidential elections in the post-Civil War era were bought. Mayor Daley owned Chicago for a generation through a giant network of payoffs. Since you used to be a New Yorker, you should know about Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall 150 years ago. And so on. Moving to another state doesn’t magically make one any more “thoughtful.” Plenty of thoughtful people in all 50 states. Especially in New York, and in my own State of Texas. But I do hope you’re happy wherever you are.
8
@Bob Kale
"Well" thank you Bob. I was thoughtful back in New York and that is why I left to be free from the bondage of the mass media and the C.I.A. serving Mafia. But now it got interesting here and the guilty revealed themselves by pursuing me here. A.B.C. that destroyed my life unjustified and to make money has manipulated the local affiliated station. The recent movies had a motive in their timing and theme. And I'm not the Devil they portray me as but it was an effective isolation strategy. I am a witness against them and now they look very guilty by following me here. I could tell money was infused here to buy minds.
@Bob Kale "If a man can't put his arms around his sons and help them, then what's the world coming to?"
- Hizzoner Mayor Richard J. Daley
I’m finished with the Democrats. Thank God my grandchildren have dual citizenship.
3
He should run in the GOP primaries against Trump!
15
Yeah but does he make the billionaires nervous at all?
5
If Bloomberg is a long time Republican opposed to much of the prevailing Democratic platforms, why is he not opposing his fellow Republican Billionaire Trump in their common Republican party affiliation ? Everyone has to ponder that question.
18
@PATRICK He’s not a long time Republican. Just like Bernie isn’t a long time Democrat.
I'm surprised by the vitriol here. You want someone who can beat Trump? Here is someone who can beat Trump. You put these two gorillas in a room and Bloomberg will be the alpha.
27
This is a very delicious candy the DNC threw to its base: Michael Bloomberg, one of the last standing symbols of the apex of America during the End of History era (1992-2008). An opportunity to be young again, to turn back in time.
Will Americans resist it? Can it?
1
Bloomberg’s first act as a candidate should be to buy Fox News.
35
@Jake So you don’t like having a different view?
Their audience of 5 million or so daily viewers is irrelevant given we are in the area of 350 million people. Contrary to your belief and hate they run the exact same format show as CNN and MSNBC, which take a fact or pseudo-fact from a new story of the day and let 3 or 4 pundits put their spin on it.
There is not any unbiased news on TV anymore. The channels are for entertainment and the sum total viewership can’t beat 60 Minutes which is much closer to being news.
Taking away something you don’t like in order to suppress it has never worked out well as at some point someone will go after what you like.
Besides that TV is rapidly becoming irrelevant as the internet (social media) continues to devour the news cycle and create its own narratives.
I heard this discussed during a radio program last night. The host is Jewish. Nevertheless people called in to say Bloomberg is too New York and too Jewish - too much a New York Jew. As a Jew myself, that hurts. It hurts to hear America is not ready for a Jewish president. Well once upon a time America was not ready for a Catholic president or for a black president.
11
@J.Sutton Isn’t Mr. Sanders Jewish as well? Or doesn’t he count, now that Mr. Bloomberg and his billions have lurched into view?
@J.Sutton I am very ready for a Jewish president from New York: Bernie Sanders.
2
They’re ready for Sanders
1
February 14, 1942. And I thought Joe Biden was too old.
6
@Bob Brown
The difference is that Biden is showing his age. And frankly, he wasn't that sharp even when he was younger.
Mike, run. But do so with humility and regret for mistakes. Do so for America not yourself.
1) offer populist candidates an in depth sit down.
2) apologize for stop and frisk as not appropriate today. Don’t be a defensive, shrill technocrat but appeal to Americans to defeat the problems we face, not one another.
3) agree to a wealth tax. Something for the angry left to take home: Tax the .5 percent if not the 1. Release plans to encourage business innovation and reduce regulation while investing in our futures.
I know you from your public school work. Charters and district leaders and educators applauded you putting kids before petty politics. Put that word out over the union’s.
14
Why do I have the feeling that the real reson Bloomberg is now being mentioned as a candidate is that the billionaire class at any cost doesn't want Elizabeth Warren to win?
40
@A Thinker
Yup, good point. I agree it may be a motive.
3
@A Thinker. Because you are absolutely right.
1
When Bloomberg first entered office as mayor, there had been a 2-term limit on New York City mayors, a law voted for by the people of the city.
He got that law set aside, against the will of the people, so he could run a third time.
He was able then to buy the office one, last time with his billions, but only squeaked by with 51% of the vote. This was true even though the Democrats ran a ringer, not expecting to beat him. (I remember being bombarded with phone calls and mailings from his campaign during that last run for office, something for which he could personally afford to pay.)
As a New York City resident for 47 years, and someone who never voted for him, his money corrupting the political process will always be my memory of Bloomberg…something that goes along with the same national trend, a trend coupled with Supreme Court cases like “Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission”.
He’s just a version of Trump, but for liberals.
18
@DaveG
The Times had its thumb on the scale for Bloomberg's last run as mayor, just the way it did for Hillary in 2016. Bloomberg's own internal polling told him he was in trouble against Bill Thompson, and yet the Times tried to portray him as invincible. (Sound familiar?) In the end, as you say, Bloomberg just squeaked by, but only after spending an estimated $180 per vote by inundating the airwaves and mailboxes; I know, chump change for him, but it presages his 2020 strategy. Prepare to have "Bloomberg" coming out of your ears.
Pure and simple: Bloomberg's entering the race is meant to boost Biden's chances for the nomination, not to derail them. This is what I predict will happen: 1. Bloomberg will pour in his money to try to explain to the country why Trump is very bad; why he thinks, as a successful businessman, that Warren and Sanders' policies are bad, and also why they may increase the possibility of Trump's reelection. When he loses the Democratic promaries, he will have educated the country about the virtues of being a centrist, and Biden (the eventual nominee) will reap the benefits of Bloomberg's campaign.
8
He'll split up the moderate vote with Joe Biden. That will give Warren and Sanders, two wonderful progressive candidates a real shot at it.
5
Sounds like he's embraced the strategy employed by free agent pitchers who missed Spring Training because they would not sign a lesser contract with a team during the offseason.
Said pitchers did not get started til June, missed months of pre-season limbering up and dialing in their pitches, were wayyy behind the league when they finally saw live action, and then got shelled.
A 78 year old billionaire, cutting in line to cheat the process other candidates abide by? Yeah, even though his wealth MUST make him special, sounds like a recipe for failure.
7
So Bloomberg thinks a billionaire should be president? No, thanks. No more ego trips. If he really wants to run then he should do so as a Republican. Otherwise, he’s part of the problem.
19
@Jill What is the problem?
The question the press, assuming it’s independent, is why does Bloomberg want to destroy the Democratic Party and why does he want Trump re-elected? He’s working out of love of country, it’s just not the US.
1
You know people are on the verge of a breakdown when they finally file their papers to run for President. Don't be surprised if Warren Buffet show's up in New Hampshire. Between Trump and candidates who are rather over zealous about taxes and health care, there's a bit of trepidation out there. There is a middle for everything and most of us just want a fair shake in life.
2
Unfortunately Elizabeth Warren has no successful executive experience and simply is not qualified to be Commander in Chief,
leader of the Free World, and Chief Executive of the USA. Never been better in an executive position.
3
Ok I heard on TYT that Bloomy may be setting this whole thing up to make sure that Warren or Bernie never get to be president, Here is how. Michael knows he will never get the Democrat nomination. So he will claim that he was asked to run for president as an independent and he will and he will manage go steal maybe one percent of the votes from the Democrats so trump can win again and his tax cuts and those of his best billionaire friends stay safe. Pretty sneaky way to keep all your money. He will never win the democratic primary because of his stop and search of minorities and his criticism of the ME TOO movement and his great support of Bush and Cheney when Mike was a Republican and supporting the Iraq war. So when you see him then run as an independent, know that he is helping Trump win again. Nice fellow.
3
It is often said that the American voter chooses a POTUS very different in substance and style from his predecessor. Mr. Blumberg with his unblemished reputation as Mayor of NYC, a self-made Billionaire-Founder-CEO of a large Tech-Business corporation, a straight shooter and clear thinker-administrator would be very different indeed from President Trump!
POTUS however needs more than excellence in executive skills and honesty. At a time of extreme income-wealth inequality and an aggrieved Middle Class, Mr. Bloomberg’s dismissal of the ‘single payor system’, the “gold standard” in every other industrial democracy, is not a promising start!
2
All candidates always have differing stands on the issues of the day. His stands are moderate to me, but the fact remains that Bloomberg has always sought to control people, not raise them up. And I ask a simple question for you all to ponder; If Bloomberg is a Republican averse to much of the prevailing Democratic platforms like Medicare for all and taxation, why is he running as a Democrat and not directly opposed to the Republican Trump in his own party? Does he seek to divide the coalescing Democratic party? Is he seeking inside intelligence from the party? Is this yet another try at making more billions from all the free advertised name recognition such as when he made many billions during his stint as NYC Mayor? I do believe he really cares about many issues and I agree with much he does as well, but he seeks to control people. It's a characteristic of a successful man. He's better suited for business than representative political positions. I remember "Occupy Wall Street". It showed his true inclinations.
3
In 2015 and 2016, there were thousands of comments along the lines of “Hillary and a Trump are the same, Bernie or bust, stay home if Hillary is the nominee”
Now we know most of those comments were made not by progressives or Bernie supporters but Russian trolls trying to depress Dem vote.
Now, the same Russian trolls are saying “Bloomberg and Trump are the same, great another billionaire” etc.
I just hope Dem vote is not depressed once more due to the effort of these trolls.
5
@Midtown2015
I think you underestimate the justified animosity towards the billionaire class. I'm not saying that Russian bots aren't her because they certainly are. But Bloomberg is on some crazy ego trip right now thinking he can just buy his way to the presidency by entering halfway through.
I don't understand..
If Steyer got no traction (at all), why would Bloomberg, a "former" Republican?
7
He's a republican. So maybe run in that party?
12
@Matthew Except he’s not a Republican.
I'm pretty sure the current guy has poisoned the water for businessmen becoming president.
12
2000: Ralph Nader voter = Bush 2 voter
2016: Jill Stein voter = Trump voter
2020: sit at home, skip the booth voter = Trump admirer.
5
In 2015 and 2016, there were thousands of comments along the lines of “Hillary and a Trump are the same, Bernie or bust, stay home if Hillary is the nominee”
Now we know most of those comments were made not by progressives or Bernie supporters but Russian trolls trying to depress Dem vote.
Now, the same Russian trolls are saying “Bloomberg and Trump are the same, great another billionaire” etc.
I just hope Dem vote is not depressed once more due to the effort of these trolls
4
No one really asked for this.
5
Wow, if the Left wasn’t as far on the left as they are already, putting a billionaire Democrat like Bloomberg squarely in the middle of it is going to push them even further past socialism just in order to distance themselves from their pronounced “enemy of the people” .01 percenters. A Bloomberg on Democratic primary ballots is going to make the party look totally schizophrenic.
Yeah sure, why not another one?
What does this make now, 50 candidates?
5
Haaarf, Come on, Bloomberg has floatted a presidential bid in iterally every elections for the last 16 years..it's getting old.
2
No more ego driven billionaires please and thank you.
Just another thief afraid of the mean lady threatening to make him actually pay taxes.
20
@Jessica
You can smell his fear of actually be taxed accordingly from halfway across the country.
@Jessica Apparently you think Lizzie gets to levy taxes.
It was under Bloomberg that hundreds of multi-million dollar apartments in New York city were bought by absentee owners from China, Russia, and elsewhere. Because of that, many of the new buildings are partially uninhabited since the apartments they bought were investments or safe havens, but the billionaires buying these buildings forced up the prices of apartments for everyone. Bloomberg consistently favored the elite, ignoring public housing, the plight of public schools, and dozens of other aspects of city life involving the poor and disadvantaged. He wasn't awful, but he was disengaged (spending weekends in Bermuda) and instinctively favored the wealthy and privileged elites. We've had enough of that with Trump.
ANd, by the way, Mr. Bloomberg, thank you sincerely for your support of gun control. If that issue, not climate change, were the most important issue on the agenda, you'd win hands down.
10
You can't win an election if you're too far right or too far left. You have to try to spread your appeal across the entire political spectrum. Which means taking up a position somewhere in the center.
Being the darling of the far right or far left will leave out too many people who won't vote for you. And that applies even when Trump is the incumbent.
1
@JimmySerious
Trump literally just won the 2016 election by only appealing to a particular demographic.
It's certain the opportunity based on the profound weakness of the Democrats to produce a viable candidate has prompted his decision to enter the race.The plan to tax billionaires in order to open the border to 50 million immigrants and support them all on the back of the tax payer is an abject failure from the inception.Simple hatred of this President doesn't play well when choosing a candidate for the Democrats.Yet nobody has mentioned yet that another independent entering the race may only split the vote,which ,could get interesting and they deserve it if nothing else.
4
@Alan Einstoss
What a completely ridiculous comment. I wish conservatives would realize that us on the left don't care about their opinions of us, our policies, or our candidates.
I like Mike. The article, talking about states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina mean exactly what as an electorate? I like the strategy, let the rest burn themselves out early and spend their money. I believe Bloomberg may be the only candidate to beat Trump. For those of you whom believe Warren or sanders can you do not understand America at all.
3
If Democrats want young people to stay home on voting day, Bloomberg is your guy. He underscores everything we want to change about the Democratic party. About Politics. We want money out. Bloomberg is money. We want more diversity. Bloomberg is the same ole, same ole. We want billionaires to pay their share in taxes. Bloomberg won't even release his tax returns. I feel insulted by his presumption that he can just enter a race, mid-campaign, acting like he's special. Like he's God's gift to the Democratic party. We don't need no "knight in shining armor." We need someone who isn't afraid of making people like Bloomberg pay what they owe. We need to milk the cash cow, not put one in office.
23
Worried that a billionaire is “buying” the presidency? At least with Mike, it will be out in the open for a change.
4
I take pride in never having voted for Bloomberg. He allowed the Real Estate industry to to destroy affordable housing and the charter school industry to destroy the public schools. He initiated the demise of the middle class in Manhattan.
18
@RSinger I could not agree with you more heartily.
1
A part of me wonders if part of the reason why Bloomberg intends to skip campaigning in the early states is to see if Biden ‘pulls it together’ and then negates the implied rationale for Bloomberg’s entry, thereby allowing him an exit option without having really thrown the democratic field into more turmoil.
Overall, as much as I generally respect Bloomberg and believe he could make a half-decent president (as they’ve gone), I’m not thrilled with his entry, as I see a strong potential for it to undermine a more moderate democratic element (one which disappoints me a bit but which I expect is still, unfortunately, more electable), thereby giving the nod to Warren (who I like as a candidate, but about whom I doubt is as highly electable overall as Biden).
But who knows how all of this will turn out?
3
This guys a joke of a governor. Regean would of owned him, comparing jobs. Trump will devour hin.
1
@Daniel
Bloomberg was never a governor. He was the mayor of New York City.
4
Not another rich white egotistical billionaire! Half of them should be in jail, and all of them should be taxed until the middle class is stable.
12
@Joe
you forgot "male"!
Horrible idea, but if he runs against "T" I'll vote for him, of course.
7
I lived in NYC throughout his tenure. An awesome guy: a pragmatist who improved the city that I was in a love-hate relationship with. I remember how he responded to the terror the MTA mafia union imposed on the workers, the subway riders of NYC. He fought for us. He understands crime better than other mayors too. I would love to see him wipe the floor with the current guy.
8
Democrats are in trouble.
Joe Biden remains the most electable candidate, even with Michael Bloomberg in the mix.
Progressives -- Warren, Sanders and others -- will appeal to millennials and other young voters, but are likely to crash and burn when faced with older, blue collar voters who gave 2016 to Trump. Biden could do well with blue collar workers but his parachute won't open for younger voters unless they hate Trump enough. But young voters might not come out to vote for Biden.
So what does another rich, old white man bring to the table. Can he drum up enthusiasm among young voters like Barack Obama did? I have my doubts. Can he speak credibly to blue collar workers who tend to detest Democratic elites? I have my doubts.
I'll wait and see. But I think Mayor Pete is a far better choice -- except for his thin experience, a significant disadvantage.
4
There are two upheavals the next President must address for America. One is the incredible damage done to American credibility and leadership by the current administration. Step one is to defeat Donald Trump and rid him and his acolytes from the political scene. On this front, Bloomberg has the record and appeal to win.
The second is more complex and insidious. It is about preparing America for the technological tsunami that will completely transform society over the coming decades. Now is our best chance to fix wealth disparities, build safety nets, and maximize access to top-notch education and healthcare so benefits flow to as many Americans as possible. On this front, Warren has the needed plans and mindset.
These two themes will define the coming campaign, forcing us to ask which candidate will most effectively cover his/her opponent's core strength - Warren to defeat Trump or Bloomberg to fix the system? No easy answers here.
7
I hope the guy is smart enough to get a ground game. I would not assume the office can be bought.
3
I like Warren but, along with many folks, am concerned her stances on the issues may be too much to win over the swing states.
I also agree that Biden looks weaker by the day.
But Bloomberg? Did Booker, Buttigieg, Harris, and Klobuchar drop out of the running while I've been distracted with this silly "quid pro quo" (known in plain English as EXTORTION) thing?
6
Finally! The center may not have to plug their noses as they pull whatever lever is opposite Trump.
No, no more billionaire business people with "empathy" for the working class.
Go Bernie. Go Warren.
13
Many commenters are making rather silly remarks about the age of various presidential candidates. In college, I majored in mathematics and minored in statistics.
I spent the last hour researching seventy seven-year-old Michael Bloomberg. Bio’s, photos, etc.
Using a life expectancy calculator (insurance companies provide many of these free online) I used the hard data I’d found, supplemented with hopefully reasonable estimates and came up with the following:
Michael Bloomberg’s life expectancy = ninety-two years.
He has a seventy-five percent chance of living to at least eighty-six years old.
C’mon guys! Do a little research. Don’t just guess.
4
@Tom W
He could walk out the door and be hit by a car. Life expectancy are meaningless on an individual level.
Mike Bloomberg is the real deal. For the first time I am truly hopeful that the current president will be replaced with someone who actually does good with his unlimited resources, to help this torn and struggling nation. Anyone curious how Mike directs his efforts, and financial prowess, without needing to bask in well deserved applause, should look into Bloomberg Philanthropy.
Not every billionaire shares riches generously. Mike Bloomberg does- and he knows how to generate more. Being mayor of NYC for three terms is a remarkable feat in itself, I am sure lots was learned. Let's get behind Mike - he will lead us out of this mess and has the greatest chances to avert the looming climate, health and social disasters we are speedily heading towards.
I trust help is on the way! Yay.
10
Since 2016, elections have been informed by the increasing realization of voters that billionaires like Bloomberg and Trump have rigged the political and economic systems of this country. They're getting ever richer, while ordinary voters suffer from wage stagnation, constricted opportunity, and an ever more precarious existence.
Highlighting this realization is how Bernie Sanders won 22 state primaries without the help of the Democratic fundraising machine and its wealthy donors. Promising to "drain the swamp," "be your voice," and fix the rigged system was how Donald Trump conned a sufficient number of voters in key states to win the Electoral College.
I therefore have trouble believing that voters of either party are clamoring for another billionaire to enter the race. Especially one who is touted as "moderate" and offering "business as usual." Voters have consistently shown that they're fed up with "business as usual." That's what Hillary Clinton offered, and she "inexplicably" lost. Voters want someone who understands what they want, someone dedicated to making their lives better rather than the "business as usual" of giving wealthy donors the best return on investment. Bloomberg may believe that his wealth and connections prove he knows what's best, but that's not what voters are looking for.
10
I never voted for him, but I'll vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is. Meanwhile I think everyone needs to be reminded that Bloomberg finagled himself a third term as Mayor.
8
Mr. Bloomberg could very well be what this country needs. He's smart, eloquent, a mover and shaker and no schlep in the speaking department. He is a serious candidate and with no baggage. This race just got a lot more interesting.
9
@ Sally Take it from someone who has lived in three of NYC's boroughs for some 50 years, Bloomberg does have baggage. Do some research on the subject.
@Sally
Since when is entering the race halfway through because your rich not baggage? Instead of seriously campaigning for months and months he thinks he can just waltz in like a knight in shining armor to save his fellow billionaire class from mean old Mrs. Warren. This whole scheme reeks of arrogance and egotism.
I’d vote for a ficus tree over Trump, but Bloomberg, really? I’m sure there are a lot of issues that I can get behind with Bloomberg like the environment and, well, I’ll think of something. But, is the only solution to candidates who have real progressive platforms another billionaire, neoliberal who hates labor and unions and municipal workers? Whether it was stop and frisk or Pepsi, Mike Bloomberg demonstrated a patriarchal disdain for the plebeians and their little lives along with an autocrat’s determination to control his subjects and their poor decisions. When I thought we were finally done with him, he finagled a way to get himself another term. And as a New Yorker, every time I think that I’ve seen or heard from one of these characters like Giuliani or Bloomberg they appear in the national scene like a rash that refuses to go away.
16
@Mickey
If he really cared about the environment he would spend his billions for environmental/decarbonization efforts now instead of wasting it campaigning
I don't mind a very rich person running.
I mind him running because he and his kind are dead set against solving income and wealth inequality.
In that sense, I regard them as the enemy.
11
Intelligent choice. Thinking person’s president, might be a handicap sad to admit in these times but Run Mike Run!!!
2
You guys aren't going to play favorites here, are you? I'd be really disappointed if The Times was very subtle in favoring Blumberg if you follow my meaning. For example, I think he's far to moderate to be qualified for the coming decade. Just my opinion. Please don't try and sway it with partisan coverage of him.
2
The last NYC mayor who tried that strategy was Rudy, Trump's buddy. He spent $60 million and did not win one delegate. Presidential politics is no game for amateurs. The president who won the highest share of the popular vote in the last 200 years was LBJ in 1964. He was the consummate Washington insider. Twelve years in the House, Senate minority and majority leader before spending three years as VP and catapaulted into the presidency after the tragedy in Dallas. He knew how to do one thing better than anybody else since WWll; count votes.
What happens when he asks for a third term? He did in New York City and he got it.
5
@CL Bloomberg has a lot of respect for the law as long as he can bend it for himself.
4
Bloomberg and his associates have done the math and believe Biden won't make it the finish line. So Bloomberg enters because those scary leftist democrats threaten to shake up the status quo, to be a agent of change. Bloomberg is there to assure all the comfortable moderates that nothing will change for them. Well, if things don't dramatically change in America, our treachery will continue downward. And Bloomberg won't make it to the finish line either.
8
If Bloomberg runs, and I think he will, he will come to this with a solid 3 terms as NYC mayor and solid tech entrepreneurs background, a proven record of doing the right thing environmentally and great human rights attitude in that he will treat most citizens with dignity. WOW,what a concept!
so yes, Bloomberg might just be what America needs to remove the immense stink that is Trump.
4
Great! One more mill...Billionaire old white man wants to represent a younger diverse minority supported democratic electorate. Sure. I’ll vote for him...after I vote for every woman and candidate of color on the ballot. Enough already.
7
Bloomberg has nothing to lose. I would vote for him.
3
A small soda goes well with a Corn Pop.
Clickety clack that's the 1970s. not sure if parent in Chief is what we need right now
3
Anyone but Trump!
4
Oh, thank goodness.
5
Sure Bloomberg may be the most likely candidate t o beat Trump but that doesn't mean we want him representing our party. No one with a bank account with over $10,000 in it should represent us. If you have more than that you can't relate to the worries and concerns we all have. No on with over 10,000 in the bank.
3
Bloomberg might be a good candidate for a centrist third party but it is hard to see his appeal to Democrats. And now there are two billionaires running for the Democratic nomination which seems sort of absurd given the emphasis of the 99% versus the 1%. I doubt that Bloomberg will be much more than a blip in this primary.
2
If he was truly interested in saving American Democracy, he wouldn’t spend half a billion dollars on a Presidential campaign. He would spend it on a huge, nationwide campaign to register every eligible voter in the country and then an equally huge get out the vote campaign to get them to vote. THAT would change American politics forever (and probably flip the Senate blue too). But instead it’s yet another vanity project.
29
Mayor Bloomberg is an excellent candidate. He has a solid record on the environment and combating Climate Change. He is a huge supporter of gun control measures. He would win over many Republican and Independent voters and trounce Trump in the general election.
9
@Ed
You are deluding yourself if you think that he or anyone else for that matter could hold sway over a Trump voter. When Trump said he could shoot someone of fifth avenue and not lose any votes he meant it and was correct.
I'm less than excited about the current batch of Democratic candidates and am concerned that none of them has what it takes to decisively beat Trump, nevermind policies central enough for mainstream America. I know nothing about him but perhaps Bloomberg is the answer to that.
5
I think Bloomberg would be a fantastic President because he is a centrist politician. Some ideas proposed so far by candidates in the democratic field are too expensive to bring to friction such as Ms. Warren wants to spend trillions in items that would bankrupted this country quicker. So far none in the democratic field can beat Mr. Trump, one of the reason that Mr. Bloomberg should run, he has broad support among voters that they are not talking about. One last reason is because this country is in dire need of a president that have proven managerial skills and innovative ideas that have bipartisan support which only Mr Bloomberg can bring..
8
New York City has never been safer than under Bloomberg. I think world would be safer too.
6
I was hoping for this for a long time. Finally he make-up his mind to give it a try. He might just make it. At least he gives us some hope for a better America. I wonder how Trump really feel about this news.
5
Bloomberg's great political strength is the weakness of Warren and Bernie within the Democratic Party. Warren has virtually zero
endorsements from elected Democratic Party officials who have ever actually won any election, because it is almost universally believed that Warren simply can't win the electoral college. Warren was a college professor who a Senate race is the relatively small State of Massachusetts. But no credentials and no vetting in
an actual executive position. Vermont of course is an even smaller
State then Massachusetts. So Bloomberg, the highly successful mayor of the largest City in the world has proven excellent executive abilities. His path to the WH is clear.
9
In 1968, RFK entered the race in March! Who cares when he gets in. And as for buying the election, gimme a break. Every single politician buys election. Want to end that? Then have all campaigns be funded by the government, cap the amount they can spend, including money from PACS and limit the campaign to a total of 6 months. As we have seen from Citizens United, that aint gonna happen.
So as for Warren and Bernie, grow up and get over it.
4
An obvious cover for Wall Street and the Billionaire class. Don’t fall for it Peeps we don’t need another status quo moderate candidate we all know how that worked out in 2016.
6
I doubt that Bloomberg will do well in Iowa. Part of what will hurt him is that he was the Mayor of New York City. He's going to be perceived as just another New Yorker, like Trump, coming out to the Midwest to educate us.
1
"Bloomberg, coming out to the Midwest to educate us."
Gotta admit, it has a certain ring to it.
1
Another former NYC mayor tried this same strategy of skipping the early primaries and caucuses for president, Rudy Giuliani in 2008. Not a smart strategy.
I hope Bloomberg suffers the same campaign fate as Giuliani.
No, we don't another old, rich guy who simply "wants to be president" running for, or serving as, president. We need to someone is interested in being a public servant rather than adding a cherry to the top of his life history.
5
ok... who then? who is better?
He has my vote. In addition, he looks great.
6
In 2016, 10% of Bernie Sanders voters voted for Trump, rather than for an "establishment" candidate like Hillary Clinton. While I don't expect that these people would do that again, I also expect that they will have a very difficult time putting the "X" beside the name of a plutocratic billionaire whose only reason for running seems to be to derail necessary and progressive change that the US so desperately needs. Bloomberg is an epitome of the billionaire class striking back, doing all it can to preserve its excessive privileges. His candidacy is a slap in the face to the many people who want to see the Democratic Party actually represent decent values.
5
Great... another billionaire enters the political process.
2
@EJ McCarthy
Would you rather some poor failure who can't even support himself?
1
What's wrong with have a billion dollars (let me declare that I certainly don't have anything near that), if it is not made illegally?
3
One cannot make a billion (or more) by playing fair and just. You only can get that wealthy by reaping your fortune at the costs of others. Of course Bloomberg has hurt others for his own monetary gain, every billionaire has to become billionaire.
1
I want Secretary Hilary Clinton to run. Period.
@Darrell Burks
Seeing Hillary Clinton lose a third time would be fun.
Though there is no one or no thing remaining for her to blame this time.
'I'm a New Yorker and I know a con when I see one.' -Mike Bloomberg re Donald Trump (2016 Democratic National Convention)
10
Bloomberg for President.
Stacy Abrams for VP.
Done.
4
@Tigerina in your dreams. Mr. Stop and frisk, profile minority drivers while major of NYC.
Just when we thought things couldn't get any crazier!
3
Old and young, white woman, gay man, white man, black man, black woman, hippie woman, Asian man, Latino man, and Jewish man. So far, so good
5
Wow I can just see it now. Democrats getting out and gleefully voting for a Republican! Just like they did in 2016 with Hillary Clinton! Nice job Republicans! You just got the Democratic party to vote Republican! Your strategy worked!
4
Mayor Bloomberg ....I’m thrilled that you are running and you have our vote..
5
Bloomberg and Warren, ready go!
5
@AWL oil and water
No matter what happens in the 2020 presidential election, the Democratic candidate must beat Trump. According to any recent poll results, whoever is currently the front-runner among the three Democratic presidential candidates is expected to beat Trump significantly in the presidential race. However, there is a high possibility that it will be a completely different aspect of the presidential election. Low-educated white men who turned their backs on Trump in recent opinion polls will vote for him again because Trump will make a propaganda campaign to vote for them. So it is disturbing if any of the current Mr. Biden, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Sanders become the Democratic's final presidential candidate. But if Mr. Bloomberg becomes the Democratic presidential candidate, he can defeat Trump enough. That is one reason why I support Mr. Bloomberg's bid for the Democratic nomination. The other is the leadership he has shown. I don't have to mention the great direction that led New York City while he was mayor of New York City. He is a man who deserves to be president of the United States.
6
Oh the kiddies will love him. They don't trust GenX because we never did squat and they don't trust boomers because if they don't own this mess who does? So who do they trust? Dumbledore. Forget Gandalf, that guy is a fossil! Only Grandma or Grandpa can fix this mess. Septuagenarians are so hip and so in touch. Their ideas are just what we need. Sure, other people went to Yale or Cornell but septuagenarians remember rotary dial phones and they bailed out their mom when she went on her bender.
NYC's press glosses over many ignorant things Bloomberg says.
When he increased the Real Estate Tax, Bloomberg repeatedly said some odd things, like:
1) The federal government never raises taxes because it prints money to erase budget deficits.
2) He said that businesses do not pay the Real Estate Tax, just the building owners - meaning: he didn't know that business leases have a pass-along clause for tax increases, so businesses renting space do in fact pay it.
More:
3) After a disastrous utility explosion explosion that left parts of the city blacked out, he said that the government should not fine Con Edison because the utility will just raise their electric rates to pay for the fine - not knowing that a) Con Edison dies not set its own rate increases and b) fines are excluded from rate increase calculations sent to the appropriate government agencies
4) He has said that tourists from overseas come to New York City and save money by staying in the City's homeless shelters - a truly bizarre notion. Later he added that the homeless from all over the world flock here for the shelters.
5) Then there's his Foot in Mouth Disease:
https://www.newser.com/story/111802/michael-bloomberg-in-dutch-for-drunk-irish-quip.html
6) When trying to woo the Olympic Committee into holding the games in NYC, Bloomberg gave celebrity-filled dinner at one of his many homes - and passed out drunk at the table. "Mike Has Vino Moment" (NY Daily News Michael Saul 2/26/05)
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
5
He won't win without the common touch. I like him a lot, but this election is about connecting with the average Joe (or joann!) and his strategy is completely ignoring that.
If you can't connect with everyday people (in the heartland and the south) but you think you will be elected strictly on your merits... or your wealth ... or your intelligence... you're going to flop. You need the common touch bud. You shouldn't ignore the early states. People want to see you fly coach before you go first class.
2
So far all the 5 people I know told me they would vote for Bloomberg.
6
I notice in these comments an assumption that a "radical" message like more taxes on the super-rich and healthcare for all are a losing proposition in the general election. Well, did anyone expect a reality-tv star with no sense of decorum and a bunch of ludicrous ideas become President last time around? I don't undestand the defeatism of the Democrats - their 'leftist' message is largely what the country wants to hear but they are themselves afraid of it.
6
The gravest problem facing the globe in 2019 is the gathering storm in Beijing. They are bad guys and they are actively working to put the capitalist democracies under.
.
Micheal Bloomberg is the worst candidate of all, even worse than the son-compromised Biden, to deal with the Communists. For that reason alone he should not be president.
2
"It would also likely enrage Democratic Party leaders in the early states, several of which are key battlegrounds in the general election, and intensify complaints from Mr. Bloomberg’s opponents about his reliance on personal wealth."
And this is one of many reasons why George Washington warned us in his Farewell Address about the pitfalls of political parties, which can get so caught up in their own power and winning that they don't pay attention to who the people really want to vote for or who would be the best president for this country within the current context and situation.
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
3
He's would be 78 years old upon entering office if he won the Presidency, 82 by the time he finished his first term. Barring all other factors, his run practically shouts "one-term President" if he doesn't die in office.
1
Yeah... and then there’s Warren Buffet... and several other examples of >75 people still being strong decision makers. Think about it.
1
Bloomberg is the only winnable Democratic candidate. Yes he has baggage and flaws but which one doesn't. Warren? Bernie? Buttigeig? Biden? I might as well stay home and not vote. But I'd vote for Mike.
14
It beggars belief that people repeat that Warren or Sanders are unelectable. Either one of them will bury a self-immolating exposed con man. And either one of them will bring much needed change that a billionaire - of either party - will not.
5
@RDA
Warren has a chance to win in the primary.
She will be toast in the general.
Mark my words!
1
The first thought I had when I heard this news was “do old white billionaire men wake up thinking ‘I know what my ego wants to make me happy, I’ll buy America’?”
While I agree with his progressive ideas he’s 78. If he wins he better choose a really good VP. My second thought was I’d vote for him quicker than I’d vote for Bernie
7
This is not the way to bring out the young vote. Democrats will not win without it.
3
What is with old white New York billionaires which makes them think that they can solve all the world's problems?
It did not go exactly well the last time we elected one for president.
Please don't hype is candidacy.
Not all old white men speaking nonsense become electable.
And not all electable politicians get elected (cough, Hillary, cough)
I know Hillary is not male, but I think you get the point.
2
Where was Bloomberg a year or six moths ago, when the American electorate could have had a good, long look at him? What was he afraid of? My suspension he may have known he couldn’t win.
But now he feels he has no choice but to run, with Warren so strong.
He could be Wall Street’s last great hope, yet it may be hard to persuade. Not so many people believe the old Wall Street tropes any more. Rising tides do not raise all boats, the hand of the market is not invisible, the market is not follow the laws of nature and those that succeed are not always righteous.
If he’s serious about winning the presidency then he has to convince us that he sees a more fair and equitable form of capitalism than ever Warren or Sanders is proposing.
That may work. If not, the best he can do for himself and Wall Street is to split the ticket and give it to Trump.
5
Why on earth would anyone enter the election 6 months ago? What a waste of time and money. The election is a year away. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know him if you don’t already. I mean he was mayor for New York for 12 years. Where were you then?
7
Bloomberg-Abrams. What a ticket! Covers all the bases plus both are highly qualified, high integrity & will inspire enthusiasm across party lines. Go Michael & Stacey!!
6
@Lisa Blum don’t hold your breath. This is a stop n frisk guy. Remember?
As if billionaires don't already have outsized influence on policy, they wanna be president. You'll get a billionaire to shovel a load of coal before I'd vote for one.
Every billionaire is a policy failure.
14
Bloomberg, Dimon, Gates, etc all know one thing. The GOP tax “plan”’of 2017 is going to tank the economy and then they are all in trouble because Bernie or Warren will get elected.
Bloomberg cares about one thing and one thing only and that’s money. He was the icing on NYC’s cake, Giuliani turned this city into a police state so Bloomberg could turn it into Dubai. NYC is unaffordable for even some in the middle class.
18
Do Billionaires just wake up and decide to do master of the universe like tasks even if no one really wants them and even if they really didn't show any interest before? I smell a red herring. Not interested. Sorry.
13
No apology necessary!
1
With both Warren and Sanders, there is a demagogic quality to their appeal. They seek to flay the very rich, figuratively, to arouse the emotions of their followers. Sanders in particular does this. And aroused they do become. After four years of Trump arousing his masses with demagogic slander, more incitement, albeit not as dishonestly conceived, won't help to heal the trauma Trump has created. We need a healer, that's a big order, to calm the fears we've had of our nation crumbling apart.
4
It's a chess game. Bloomberg has made his move. Now it's time for Biden to counter it. Biden is in serious trouble with a faltering, cash-starved campaign due to his lackluster debate performances. His best chance is to announce his running mate now. It should be someone who is younger, articulate and either a woman or a minority or both. Stacey Abrams immediately comes to mind, but would she accept his offer? Other possibilities are Reps. Veronica Escobar who has the seat formerly held by Beto O'Rourke and is a charismatic and forceful advocate on immigration or Lucy McBath from Georgia who is equally passionate on gun control.
1
Here in Northeast PA, Warren comes across as “too progressive,” for many of the old union, blue collar Dems and Boomers (like my Dad, FIL, Uncles, etc.), who are desperate to replace Trump. Mind you, these are the folks who reliably vote every election.
Bloomberg, while not perfect, is a much more “moderate” alternative. In fact, I heard the chatter today at the local coffee house, from a group of men talking over a cup (or two). One said, “Bloomberg’s in...he’s got my vote. That Warren just goes too fast...”
Point being, these are likely the folks, and the places, who will decide the election.
9
It starts to come into focus:
President Michael Bloomberg
Vice President Amy Klobuchar
Attorney General Kamala Harris
Secretary of Defense Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of the Treasury Elizabeth Warren
Secretary of Technology Andrew Yang (in a newly created, essential position)
... take it from there.
(Michael Bennet would be a great Secretary of Education, but better he should lend continuing support from his seat in the Senate.)
15
@Jim Put Klobuchar at the top and you've got an interesting lineup.
1
Will he release his tax returns?
12
How do you justify this statement:
"Michael R. Bloomberg disrupted the Democratic presidential field [...]"?
I see no evidence that his candidacy will have any effect on the race.
4
Respected politician held in generally decent esteem, former independent now running as a dem, and ... billionaire won’t disrupt the race?
All hail Michael Bloomberg the candidate of the 1% exactly what we Democrats do NOT need in 2020 a return to the Status Quo !
16
As a conservative Democrat, I would vote for Bloomberg or mayor Pete. Otherwise I would simply not cast a vote. 
8
So, you’re willing to let Trump win?
6
@David H
You petulant "I won't vote" babies are the reason why we have Trump in the first place. Shame on you!
Thousands have suffered and died for your right to vote, yet you'll stay at home just because your favorite Dancing with the Stars contestant didn't win the prize. Pitiful!
2
L.A.'s similarly deluded top civic gun wisely decided to bow out of the race months ago, as did de Blasio. Now Bloomberg jumps back in. And isn't 'America's Mayor' lurking around somewhere? Maybe he deserves a turn too.
Mr. Bloomberg should run as an independent, just as Ross Perrot and Ralph Nader did. His chances would be astronomically better, than trying his luck with the self-destructing Democrats.
And, he could even go on a ticket with Trump, presenting himself, as a voice of reason.
Everybody wins.
1
@waldo Who was the last independent candidate who won the elections. Can you help me on this?
“Going on a ticket with Trump” means selling your soul to the devil. Only Mike Pence is willing to do that.
NO! Love the guy. However, use your money and influence to support the dem candidate.
3
So, can the public now expect that this latest candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination will be revealing copies of his federal and state income tax returns? Did Bloomberg do this when he ran for the mayoralty of New York?
1
Bloomberg has nothing to hide. His net worth is pretty widely known. The value of his company is public record. He is a legit billionaire. Trump, not so much.
2
It’s not his net worth that I want to know about, but what his effective tax rate has been over the years, what deductions/loopholes he avails himself of, does he have money stashed in tax havens, etc., etc. Aren’t you the least bit curious also about these items?
The first time Bloomberg ran for mayor, I voted against him because he had registered as a Republican to get on the ballot and I promised myself never to vote for another Republican after Dubya. I WAS WRONG, and I can explain why thus: banned smoking in public places, which spread nationwide; calorie counts on menus to monitor our intake and fight the bulge; first to put in walking and sitting areas and install bike lanes in NYC; INSTRUMENTAL - DECISIVE - in getting same-sex marriage passed in NY by cajoling recalcitrant Republican state senators to vote FOR the measure, which passed with the required assent of 3 Republicans, 2 of which subsequently lost reelection. I will never forget him for that effort which represented not only his ability to reach across the aisle when required but resulted in the greatest single change in my life and allowed me to marry the man I love.
Many will criticize him over whatever policy initiatives of his they don't agree with, probably mostly by erroneously saying he's "only for the wealthy" because he's rich. I will ignore those comments because I lived through 12 years of Bloomberg and he left the city a FAR BETTER PLACE TO LIVE than when he took over, has given away millions to fund all sorts of admirable causes and would finally be a challenger that Trump could NOT - NOT - take down because Bloomberg, a truly successful businessman, is a superior human being in EVERY WAY.
20
@ManhattanWilliam: did nothing for schools and increased Police Brutality.
2
@DHR
Police brutality = enforced the law. Criminals don't like that.
He'll get 3% of the vote. Don't we all realize by now, keeping things exactly the way they have been for 30 years is NOT an interesting path for the entire millennial and Gen Z voters. They are now bigger than the boomers and SICK AND TIRED of what we boomers did to our country and their future. We don't get a Sanders, or Warren, or Booker, or SOMEONE who wants to give them a fair share of the economy, they are going to sit it out. Maybe that's what billionaires want, for things to STAY THE SAME.
12
@Chloe Hilton
"they are going to sit it out" - and what? Let Trump & the Trumpettes get back in?
2
@Chloe Hilton Not again. Trump's destructive appointees to the courts should be enough to keep any sane person from "sitting it out".
1
yeah....The thing is that they have an economy to share at all after you elect the Lenin party....
It has never made sense to me why Iowa, NH, SC have such disproportionate influence in choosing nominees for our highest office. Iowa has less than one-tenth the population of CA and is mostly white. I don’t live in either of those states but think it would be useful, at the very least, if their primaries were at the same time. Why is camping out in Iowa and meeting as many Iowans as possible over many months given more import than talking to a representative cross-section of Californians or Texans or Floridians or Pennsylvanians or any other larger, more diverse state?
In any case, I hope that, if Bloomberg actually runs, he does more than just saturate old and new media with glossy ads in populous states and actually engages in some meaningful retail politicking there as well as in smaller states and also engages in other opportunities to explain his goals and how he could realistically achieve them. Ditto for every other candidate. We have seen what vacuous, vitriolic rallies in airplane hangers and Russian Facebook propaganda get us.
4
Warren talks a wealth tax. Gates expresses pessimism. Bloomberg prepares to run. Coincidence? Maybe I'm simple-minded.
6
It’s not worth bothering to point out in more detail. Those of us with eyes to see, see. Time to push for Bernie.
7
You are. Bloomberg’s move takes months of planning.
Bloomberg is presumably running because the wealthy donors are in a stress over Warren or Sanders in the White House (there was an article in this paper on 10/22 detailing them encouraging Michelle Obama, Bloomberg, and even Hillary Clinton to run).
The wealthy establishment fears either of them far more than they fear Trump. And they cover this by telling us that “only a moderate can win because the nation is so polarized.”
Well.
The polarization is the symptom, not the problem. The problem is that one major political party is behaving like a pack of rabid dogs and the so-called moderate wing of the other party is beholden to corporations. The former lies to its followers and plays to their worst urges. The latter throws a few crumbs out urges incrementalism on everything else. They exacerbate the problem by scaremongering about meaningful change.
Everyone else — 99+% of the population — is losing. And that is the source of the polarization. Two groups are doing everything they can to play the good guys to their base while selling us all out behind closed doors. It’s a strategy, folks.
We need leaders who’ll put the best interests of the nation over the best interest of billionaires, and only the progressives will do that. Warren or Sanders. Ideally, both working together.
22
I would vote for Bloomberg! I like everything the other candidates are proposing but I believe Bloomberg could assuage the other Americans who got left behind. I think he would connect to everyone.
3
I don’t want another wealthy clueless “DNC Clinton style centralist” running for president. Not another apologist for income inequality and an economic system that favors financial predators and well connected legacy babies. The 20% (1% is a cliche and as such is deeply misleading) are the ones who look to someone like Bloomberg. Someone who will support a socially progressive society that doesn’t threaten the wealth and privileges of the top 20%. In this the differences between the conservatives and progressives is marginal. Both support the economic system as it is, progressives are willing to tweak the system so it isn’t nearly as cruel and conservatives will grant the best and brightest access as long as they sell out but neither want any more economic equality than Reagan with his “trickle down society”. I’ll take a liberal in the mode of FDR (or as close as possible) who wasn’t afraid to disturb the “comfort” of the privileged. Bloomberg celebrated extreme wealth flowing into NYC. Now the city's dominated by wealth & the working class cannot afford to live there. All of this has made the cost of living in New York City at least 68.8 percent greater than the national average. The real estate web site Street Easy reported that a New York resident needed to earn an hourly pay rate of $38.50 to afford New York City’s median rent of $2,690 in 2015 & its worsening. This is the world of the rent seeking uber wealthy, Bloomberg’s world, the rest of us are just paying the rent.
8
How would he do in the much talked about battleground states? Is he skipping Iowa and New Hampshire because he estimates he wouldn't do well there?
Don't ya just love how the rich and powerful can step in with the least amount of effort and try to shape the future and maintain the status quo. The LAST thing we need is another rich privileged businessman in office. What we need is Elizabeth Warren to check white collar crime. Time for a woman to take the wheel, and not just any woman, Elizabeth Warren.
9
I know, let’s go to all the assisted living places and scare up some more geriatric candidates! Just what’s needed—another over-70 candidate who’s unlikely to be in touch with young people. (I’m a Gen Xer and hate ageism, but come on, that’s a brutal job for the healthiest person. Look what it did to Obama) Please seniors, step aside and let the next generation of leaders take over. If Bloomberg and Steyer were to pool their money toward a moderate like Klobuchar, it would do a lot more good for the race! Instead they’re wasting our time with these vanity runs.
4
Hurrah! Bloomberg has my vote. I've been waiting since before 2016 for him to run. In 2016 I appreciated that he did not run in order to avoid splitting votes away from Hillary Clinton. And now I appreciate that he is filing to run in order to offer a viable moderate candidate to defeat Trump. I also appreciate his stance on guns and climate change.
P.S. Last month I told the Quinipiac pollster that he was my top choice to beat Trump (and not the 20 names that were on their list). I'm so glad someone was listening!
4
@Leaving
Thank god he didn’t split any votes from Hillary! Imagine! The horror!
Please we don't need another Old Privileged White Male.
14
You might research him before shutting him down based on his gender and racial identity... Hypocrisy doesn’t look good on anyone.
Bloomberg would have a good chance of winning if he were nominated but at this stage, all he's likely to do is weaken support for Biden enough to allow Warren to win the nomination. That is very likely to lead to Trump's re-election since she's way, way out of the mainstream.
6
@Douglas
You have just described the future of our country.
There is still a lot of uncertainty. We don't know for sure that he's running until he makes a formal statement. In his case, such a statement will likely be facing the TV camera rather that tweeting on Twitter. Can Democrats embrace him? After all he's a billionaire. His status goes against the current political grain in the Party. Despite being a household name in the East, many elsewhere in the country are not familiar with him. He'll have a lot of introducing of himself to do, yet he's not the most charismatic person, not a showman like Trump or a faker either. He'd also be late for some of the debates. Yet, if he can pass the initial hurdles, I believe that America will like him. We yearn for a decent person to be president, one who we can trust and respect. The contrast with Donald Trump is so great on character alone, I feel certain that Bloomberg would defeat him.
4
Bloomberg would be a Super excellent candidate, espcially good on climate change and gun violence. Mike has an Adult ego state,
especially in contrast with Elizabeth Warren.
4
@David
Please explain Adult ego state? Is that when you stop caring about children and only care for capital A adults? Or just Capital? Tell me more!
2
I'm every bit as excited by the prospect of a Bloomberg candidacy as I am by Biden's. Just what Democrats and the nation need: another "moderate" candidate promising little but the restoration of some modicum of reason to America's neo-Gilded Age plutocracy. Yes, welcome relative to the madness of King Trump, but a Democratic President who applies a few band-aids, here and there, but delivers little tangible to the lives of most Americans will put us back in the same boat in 2024, ripe for another Trump-like demagogue to ride another wave of resentment and disillusionment with Washington politics to the White House.
2
That Trump won the first time was depressing. That we are talking about him as a viable candidate for reelection is worse than depressing.
How did we get here ?
5
Dear God No! He will be 78 when taking office! 86 if he's there for 8 years. Assuming he survives.
I'm so sick and tired of these elderly candidates. The presidency is the hardest job in the world, both physically and mentally.
How many 86 year olds have you met who can travel the world to represent the country and make constant difficult decisions about the future of the country. How many 86 year olds can go with minimal sleep and still work round the clock and be at their best.
Enough! We need someone younger. We need someone with energy. We need someone new.
And it is entirely unfair that he can spend billions to promote himself, passing over the will of the electorate.
This is just wrong on so many levels.
7
@Steven Rosen I also hate the fact that he skipped all the hard work of those initial candidate debates, media and public scrutiny, and actual campaigning across the country and is now parachuting his way in with his billions (like Tom Steyer). Why can't there be a rule that no billionaires can run, for actual democracy to happen?
4
How is that rule democratic?
Debates require $ and polling #s. If anyone can fit the criteria, let them participate. THAT is democracy.
@Mrs_I
You hate the fact that he is smart enough not to have wasted time campaigning for the last 6 months?
Why don't we just give up the ghost of democracy and give the presidency to the highest bidder?
19
I'm surprised the article didn't mention that Bloomberg changed parties in 2001 to run as a republican NYC mayor. That in October 2018 he again chanced parties and returned to the democratic party to now run as a democratic presidential candidate in 2020. This is the same as the other billionaire, Trump, who also changed parties when he began his efforts to run for president. What does it tell me? That neither really hold strong principles but are opportunists. Trump saw the tea party revolt, hwich is the base of the republican party in the republican party and saw an opportunity to win their support and take over the party from party elites like Jeb Bush. Bloomberg sees the opportunity to come in as a centrist democratic candidate as Biden is losing support.
3
@P Locke Excellent points (ones I wasn't aware of before), and I certainly hope Warren and Buttigieg capitalize on them and hammer it into the public psyche that he is simply an opportunist, fairweather candidate.
1
Yay! Not sure yet who I'm going to vote for among the Democratic candidates and definitely welcome his addition.
2
How many Democrats are running now? From now until election day is it is going to be very interesting. Trump will most likely be impeached with overwhelming evidence of bribery. The Democrats should switch the quid pro quo charge to bribery. Afterall it is bribery that was done, and bribery is specifically mentioned in Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution. Depending upon how the public hearings go and how much public opinion shifts, Trump will be on the ballot next year. Will he run against Bloomberg? Warren? Biden? Pete? And if he wins? It is hard to believe that he is surviving this.
1
No way. Of course better than Trump but Bloomberg is only Wall Street's candidate. He bought his third term and outstayed his welcome as NYC mayor, and though he spruced up the city for the rich, he squeezed out so many others through his development policies. Though reasonable on gun control, he was tone deaf on surveillance and stop and frisk. He might get along with Mitch McConnell but this nation needs real change. Won't he just villify the left flank of the Democratic party and end up with a divided, alienated mess?
3
This strategy is the same type of ‘cheating’ he did to become mayor...he ran as a Republican (in name only) because he knew it would be easier to win. We already have someone in the Oval Office who thinks that the rules everyone else plays by don’t apply to him.
5
So, the last election was between two rich old New Yorkers. And now people want the next one to be between 2 rich old New Yorkers.
I'm so over the Big Apple.
6
Iowa and New Hampshire need to get over their sense of self importance for electing the primary candidates.
4
I like my
Billionaires real. Like Mike!
Anyone who can beat that little man in the Oval Office would be awesome.
Mike has great ideas. He’s a centrist.
Health care, global warming the list goes on. He gets it.
9
Ah the powers that be are at it again telling us who to pick as our candidate instead of letting us pick our candidate. I will not vote for Biden or Bloomberg. I'm down with any of the other candidates but not those two. If the DNC and Wall Street are gonna force another candidate on me then I will let them hang. Perhaps we haven't hit rock bottom yet and need to in order to fix our ineffective antiquated system. No, I don't know if I can stomach another 4 years of trumpism but what difference does it make if We the People as well as our electoral process aren't shown respect by party leaders?
2
We NYers know this guy fairly well.
He-like Trump-has tyrannical impulses. He ruled City Hall with an iron fist and is known not to tolerate criticism. He embraced and implemented police brutality of Stop & Frisk that targeted minority communities.
He is the personification of Wall Street loot and greed
He will be repudiated with his money and will never win a single contest. His aloofness and stiffness will turn voters away from him. The presidential primary is not NYC mayoral race where he can buy his way to city Hall.
Sen Warren will destroy him and finish him off by Super Tuesday.
He ain't got a chance.
5
@morGan Good God I hope so.
@morGan
Stop & Frisk that targeted CRIMINALS and made NY safe.
It's kind of like the Vultures hovering over the prey until the other predators are full. It shows Bloomberg is smart, perhaps a wee bit opportunistic, but still willing to challenge our sense of right and wrong, or left as it were. What did he say he would do for the country, or is this still the Television popularity show?
Any person can run for office, but what will he do? The Republicans won't like him and his stance on guns, or police powers. I just don't think he would win, instead giving Trump another term. Whatever unfolds over the next year, I am simply not moved to vote for anyone. How many 99 percenters really want to vote for a one percenter again?
1
I think Michael Bloomberg joining the Democratic primary is a terrible idea. He seems to have a Messiah complex, evident when he had the NYC term limits changed so he, and he alone, could have a 3rd mayoral term. He may not be happy with how the primary field is developing, but having chosen not to run earlier, he should resign himself to using his wealth and media platform to support one of the current candidates. If Biden or Klobuchar or Buttigieg can’t persuade the Democrats that they should be the candidate, why would Bloomberg be able too? All he will do Is fragment the more right wing to center Democratic primary vote.
And even if he managed to win the nomination, unless the Senate grows a spine and actually impeaches Trump, we’ll have one egotistical NYC (now Floridian) ultra rich guy running, we don’t need a second.
1
The Democratic establishment stole the last election from Bernie. I fully supported him at the time but voted my party while holding my nose. Times have changed. Trump has pulled our country considerably to the right and a Democrat lefty is too far from center to have enough pull to vote Trump out of office. We need a left of center progressive, but Warren/Sanders are frighteningly left. America is ordinarily a center right body politic which will wobble from side to side depending upon times and personalities. Bloomberg is that personality with the perfect background as businessman, politician, philanthropist and activist who puts his self made money where his mouth is. I have no problem with he being so wealthy in contrast to the far left, which despises any wealth or power other than their own. It wasn’t stolen or given to him or earned illegitimately. He would govern nationally as he did for twelve years as New York City mayor. Capably, honestly, earnestly. He has my vote.
3
If he gets the nomination, will he be pushing key votes to the Green Party and the Independent Party in crucial swing states in the Midwest? My vote doesn't really matter where I live, but the thought of having to vote for this man disgusts me.
2
Bloomberg is the perfect antidote to neutralize Trump. He will bring far more unity to the country after the election (if he wins) than Sanders or Warren. The etreme liberal candidtaes will simply sow more confrontation and government dysfunction. We need to get back to properly running a country.
366
@Roger G. Let's leave the country in the hands of billionaires. That won't divide the party at all. What a joke.
53
@Roger G. Finally, a candidate who can one up Mar a Lago with weekends in Bermuda.
31
@Daniel The democratic party will survive (and excel) Bloomberg getting elected. The country will be in terrible shape after 4 more years of Trump.
13
The Electoral College is rigged toward the red and purple states. Those parts of the country want bans on abortion and no bans on guns. They want a Christian country with secular overtones. They want less governmental regulation, with their healthcare left alone and low taxes, especially for those wealthy people they deem "job creators" . Foreign policy should be isolationist, with exceptions carved out for Israel, and military spending at relatively high levels. Immigration levels should be kept low and limited to non-Muslim, high skilled workers. Bloomberg, and the rest of the Dems, fall on the wrong side of all these issues. Thus, Trump will win in a walk.
1
On my birthday On November 8 when Trump won, I went to bed and cried. Today is my birthday and it’s the best present I could ask for.
10
Among the many reasons he should not be on a Democratic (or any presidential ticket) he will be 78 years old this February. By the time he takes office he will be nearly 79. He would be 80- to 84- years-old during his term. This is not ageism. It is reality of the cognitive and physical limitations we are seeing among ALL of these elderly presidential nominees, (plus the current demented president), members of Congress and the SCOTUS... These people should know better. Anyone over the age of about 65-70 is too old to hold a position of public trust where the stakes and demands are so high.
2
I’d love to see Bernie, Trump, and Bloomie in a debate. Go Kings County!
4
I would vote for Bloomberg in a second. He might be the leader we’ve been looking for. All of you really think any of the other democrat clowns actually have a real chance of beating Trump?! Come on.
10
He has my vote.
12
So who cares? At least he's running as a Democrat instead of getting Trump reelected by running as a third party spoiler. But it still indicates a total collapse of our nation that after so many decades of tearing each other down, the candidates we have are not the Greats of history, nor will they be. So he was NYC mayor who claimed he wouldn't run his big business while mayor, yet another Television industry candidate who earned billions with all the free daily news coverage as mayor, and now knows the Military C.I.A. Television industry will love him and slant coverage in his favor because he is yet another television man? And of course the military wants the Democrats to run the country now to keep the peace to justify rigged elections. You better believe it at this point. I have forty years knowledge of how it works and yes elections are rigged. Trump was appointed, wasn't he? Knowing what I know, I will only be voting in loosely covered local elections. Democracy died long ago, and you're too perfect in your own minds to believe that people do conspire. Everyone keep planning on leaving the nation for new lives of safety. "Mickey Mouse for President". A.B.C. would like that and comicly the people would vote for him. This is what happens when everyone wastes their lives in front of TV's.
1
No one is in a better position to ignore the existing power structure of the Democratic Party than Mike Bloomberg. That's the best part of all this. He's not going to be able to fix things without help from within, so it will be the direction of his inclusiveness I am most interested in.
156
@Vanessa Wrong. Bernie Sanders is in a better position to ignore the existing power structure of the Democratic Party. And this is the best news possible for both Sanders' and Warren's campaigns as the Centrist vote will get diluted further allowing them to float to the top of the ticket.
10
@Vanessa You think he's farther from the existing power structure than Bernie Sanders who isn't even a Democrat, or Elizabeth Warren, who has ignored the Democratic fat cats? Hmmmm.
7
@Vanessa I love the idea of Bloomberg getting into the race. But skipping the first 4 primaries? A disastrous decision on every level. Frankly, it's shocking he would pursue such a high-risk strategy. If he doesn't make an almost clean sweep on Super Tuesday game over. He will be facing one or two candidates with tremendous momentum. They will have totally dominated the headlines. By waiting to enter after the 1st 4 primaries are over he will be seen as a pompous interloper. I don't see a rational path to the nomination if he does this. So what's the point? Bloomberg clearly thinks the problem is that the Democrats have been pulled too far left (initially by Sanders and followed by Warren). As a man in control of his ego, it seems most likely what he is trying to do is to pull the party back to the right a bit and help Biden get the nomination, producing a much better chance for a Democratic President. His presence will likely force people like Booker, Harris & other candidates polling in single digits out of the race. The best thing Bloomberg can do is run to the right of the centrists so that the progressives will quit attacking the moderates as if they are Republican-lite when they are nothing of the kind. It would give them a new target since they seem to need to paint a villain even in their own party. Truthfully Bloomberg is delusional to think he can attract progressives. But he may be able to drive them out of the party once & for all. That would be a good outcome.
4
Very interesting. Maybe the age of 77 can be given a chance to excel with billions. Course it doesn’t always work that way, does it?
My personal 4 feelings:
1. I'm not excited about Bloomberg, but am more excited about him than Biden.
2. I could support a Bloomberg/Warren ticket
3. I think Bloomberg should run as a Republican against Trump
4. If Bloomberg wins the Dem nomination I would not feel compelled to volunteer/canvass for him. If Warren wins the nomination I'd feel the fire to fight my hardest for her.
5. Why does an old white male billionaire feel like a safe choice to me? Rolling my eyes at myself..
3
Why are so many people making it about age, colour of skin, the size of wallet? Its about the policies - and whether people feel that they will be best represented by one or another candidate. Why not just accept that we are all different. Its fine if people disagree on the merrits. When people disagree with Warren its not because she is a woman- its about the policies that will divide the country and not being it together, its about doubting that she is someone that will win the states in the American “heartland” (the red sea). 2020 is about showing DT the boot and sending him to Florida. Its not about warren or Bernie or Biden, cory, amy or Mike Bloomberg. I think Bloomberg may bw the one who understands this the best. He does not need fame or fortune - but honestly I think America will need him before long...
3
@Visible
Why would Bloomberg tie himself to a financial huckster/Pied Piper like Warren? She is anathema to everything he knows and stands for. Her nonsense is the very reason he is getting into the race!
This is fantastic news for progressives. Bloomberg will attract mostly older "moderates" and subsequently tank both the Biden and Buttigieg campaigns. He should also take a small chunk out of Warren's core constituency, i.e. upper-middle class white professionals. But that's not nearly enough to win in the primaries. Bernie's working class and progressive coalition will not move an inch, and as other candidates fade he will take in most of Warren's progressives and most of Biden's African-American support. After the realignment only Bernie will be left standing. Thankfully, poll after poll show him beating Trump in the all-important midwest swing states. And with Bernie pulling in massive numbers of independents and disaffected voters, we have a chance to take the senate too. We're going to win big in 2020.
3
Black voters won’t vote for him.
I like his stand on many pertinent issues but he did not make NYC more affordable to live in, nor do I think he ever had any intention on doing so. Running a business is different from running a country and politicians have to separate themselves from the wealthy who want to buy laws and power with their huge donations. A billionaire needs to remember that the poor and middle class have to struggle to make ends meet and we need someone to fight for us and make sure there is equality in pay, affordable living, affordable health care, etc. Making life more comfortable and enriching for the wealthy is not the answer.
Bloomberg bought a law; a 3rd term as mayor. The public had no say in the matter. After he won his 3rd term, he put term limits back on the ballot so the voters could have their say. Guess what they voted for; term limits.
3
If Bloomberg runs for president, I will vote for him . My only concern is if he will overcome the Democratic primary . I think he is moderate politically and have the best chance to beat Trump. Warren is too left, Biden has too many political baggages. Bloomberg has my vote , and I don’t want to see Trump in the White House for 4 more years.
278
@Chuanmin Chen he won’t even get 5% of the Democratic vote
8
@Chuanmin Chen He's got a lot of issues that would drive away swing voters, like gun control, and fail to motivate parts of the Democratic base, like stop and frisk, as well as elitism to drive away the populists.
10
@Chuanmin Chen. How about health coverage for everyone. If you think the quest to relieve pain for anyone who wants it is "too left," maybe you should examine your motives. Just sayin'
9
I want him to run and win, but I don’t think he can do the latter. But it’s Friday night and I’ve just had two IPAs, so I hope I’m wrong.
5
I’m surprised he’s running but maybe it will shake things up a bit as I’m finding it hard to believe that the over 70 candidates are in the lead. I’m still holding out for a moderate, a woman, and one under 70. The Democrats should be able to run Benedict Arnold and win over this POTUS.
Bloomberg is showing leadership. He is not going to go after the two early states. But if it turns out that the Democratic candidate coming out if of Iowa and NH is going to tank the 2020 he will step in to avert the disaster that a reelection of DT would be. Vote Bennet or someone mainstream moderate - remember anyone but DT right? Berne and Liz - ita not going to fly in the general election - its juat not. Every minute that DT is in office an EPA reglation is slashed, protections of those who need them the most are cut. Bloomberg is moderate - he can bring together the country. And he is a True progressive - because he will get things done. Its not enough to talk about it for 30 years. Change doesnt happen over night - it is long steady strides. Building coalitions that will last - 4 years of nothing getting passes is not progressive - making deals that can be sustained even when power ahifts is the only way forward. Bloomberg gets it on climate, on guns, on healthcare, on education and on leadership. Give him a chance.
6
Yes. Please, just please do it. Please bring us back from the bring of total collapse. YES! Micheal Bloomberg is better than 4 more years of this insanity.
6
@Paola
Trump’s presidency is the thirteenth administration I’ve lived under during my lifetime.
I agree. Michael Bloomberg would be better than four more years of Trump.
Based on my experience, ANY LIKELY ALTERNATIVE would be better than Trump.
1