Sounds like the best ads are ones that hang Trump with his own tongue. I saw one a year ago that alternated clips of rioters on a rampage with clips of Trump saying "They're fine people."
I suggest collecting clips of Trump pouring out vulgar insults and splicing them together with a hint that the insults really fit Trump. "Human scum". "Sleazebags", "Rat-infested" ( referring to cities with nonwhite representatives)
12
The kneejerk rejection of any candidate with wealth has become tedious. I respect how Bloomberg built his wealth, how he runs his business and treats his employees, and how he has donated his wealth to issues impacting all Americans. And, as a former NYCer, I was very impressed with Mayor Bloomberg and know he has what it takes to be an outstanding no-drama data-driven results-oriented President. If his wealth disqualifies him, it should disqualify pretty much all of the others as well. With the exception of Buttigieg, all the top candidates are technically “elites” (a label the progressives love to throw around) because of their wealth. I’d rather support a candidate who earned his wealth outside of government than the ones who’ve gotten fat off taxpayers dollars. And based on the response to Bloomberg here in Ohio, a lot of other voters agree with me.
13
Polls show Bloomberg, the NYTs favorite candidate, is by far the weakest Democrat in the race against Trump. Voters don't like that he is an out of touch billionaire. People who care about the Constitution are worried by his unconstitutional invasion of privacy, called stop and frisk. He has always supported vulture capitalists on wall ST over working people.
4
@John As far as “favorites” go, The Times endorsed Warren and Klobuchar. And the idea that Bloomberg is out of touch is laughable. His philanthropy is at the heart of issues important to average Americans. And, as a former NYCer, I can say that Bloomberg was the best Mayor in decades. Was Stop and Frisk a mistake? Yes, and Bloomberg has acknowledged it. I’m not impressed with some of Sanders’ past stances and statements on women and immigrants, but I accept his apologies and move on. Purity tests are pointless. Please cite your sources when spreading disinformation.
18
Bloomberg, the successful businessman, understands the importance of messaging. Keep it coming Mike!
48
I am also trending toward Bloomberg. I love his ads, so much more incisive about his own views and damaging to Trump than all the blathering in the debates, which only succeeded in getting rid of the good non-white candidates. .Also as others have said, what a huge waste of time and money for candidates to be barreling around Iowa, a non-representative white state, trying to win there, just because it's an outdated "tradition." Bloomberg , as far as I know, did not get rich by corrupt real estate deals, or millions from his father, or win the Mayor's job by lying, and he's definitely not going to withhold money appropriated by Congress to a stressed foreign country to "investigate" one of his rivals. How dumb is that, Trump? Yeah,there was "stop and "frisk" but I think we could forgive that if we can forgive Biden for Anita Hill . If he can afford to fund his campaign all the better,leaves ME more money to give to good senatorial candidates and defeat the bad ones--like our own out-of-touch Republican in a blue-trending state, Corey Gardner..
51
Bloomberg shows why he is the most pragmatic candidate, and maybe the most electable candidate, the Democrats have. Klobuchar and Buttigieg are probably equally well placed on policy but don't have the resources to simply ignore the populists- Sanders and Warren. Bloomberg can cut through the populists' obfuscation over ideas like "Medicare-for-all"- that have no chance of being implemented -because of his resources. He can carry on a general election conversation with voters while Klobuchar and Buttigieg have to constantly parry the extremism of Sanders/Warren and their message gets lost in the twitter sphere controlled by the populist mob.
7
Mayor Mike seems to understand that the objective is to win not the nomination, rather it is to win in November. The other candidates do not get it. There are two things that are going against him. First he will be nearly 79 when he enters office. Secondly, the 2nd Amendment believers do not forgive him for his gun position. There is nothing we can do about the age issue. The gun issue he is going to need to educate without sounding like a snob the guns' rights advocates. That is going to be his breaking point.
3
This morning I was getting depressed reading the comments of the Republican attempts to obstruct Bolton from testifying such as the comment below. However, reading this article about Bloomberg gave me optimism that if he won the democratic primary, and the presidency he would have the best chance of working across the aisle to save our democracy and return our country to sanity.
"Republicans in Congress, now fully committed to obstruction and cover-up on behalf of the White House, know that any direct testimony by insiders like Bolton will publicly expose them for doing just that - obstructing and covering up.
The calculus is pretty simple. Go on lying, be complicit in the President's criminal conspiracy and bury the evidence, or let the public get a first hand glimpse of the drug deal as it was happening.
What a sad, sad day for America."
3
We moved to Canada for these reasons:
1. Clean air
2. Kind and open culture
3. Universal healthcare.
We find that our Taxes are about the same as in the US, but not paying premiums, co-pays, fees for tests, etc., we save lots of money. We think our Canadian doctors are as good as any we’ve had in the US. And canadian doctors frequently get second opinions on their own if they want them. And yes, we have doctors of our choice, and critical illnesses are taken care of immediately.
9
Many of the serious problems that plague NYC today weren’t effectively dealt with the Bloomberg Administration.
Education, Housing and Homeless were and continue to be big challenges. The big Real Estate developers were given a free hand.
And don’t forget the over aggressive Stop and Frisk.
Also, Bloomberg spent many weekends at his home in Bermuda.
Mike Bloomberg bought his third term and now he’s trying to buy the Presidency.
1
Why didn’t Sanders go to Venezuela for treatment after his heart attack to get great socialized medicine healthcare?
5
@Larry Like Rand Paul’s hernia surgery in Canada?
3
Let’s compare the number of people who travel to America from other countries for healthcare to the number of people who travel to Venezuela from other countries for healthcare. America’s healthcare is the best in the world!
2
Democrats are campaigning against each other in a primary. It is not a feud, or is the NYT saying primaries are feuds?
1
The citizens of Florida voted overwhelmingly for a state constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights for ex-felons, with rare exception, who have completed their prison and probation sentences. The number of ex-felons ineligible to vote in Florida is some ten percent, and candidate for governor and Bill Nelson lost by a margin well under one percent. In response the Republican controlled government enacted what is essentially a covert poll tax (all court costs and fines) which would deny voting rights for over sixty-five percent. For less than than the cost of two Super Bowl TV ads, Michael Bloomberg could pay forward almost all of these onerous debts in an end-run to block this egregious example of SCOTUS allowed voter suppression and most likely insure the defeat of Trump and his House of Representative toadies!
2
The debates have been a pointless freak show. None of them, with the possible exception of Biden, has a snowball’s chance in Hades of winning the general election. Bloomberg is demonstrating now why he would bury Trump and break the New (Fascist) GOP for a generation. If we fail to seize the opportunity it will be a catastrophe from which we may never recover.
12
A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for big business and predatory capitalism. Yesterday I watched a PBS special about Harvey Washington Wiley (October 18, 1844 – June 30, 1930) who fought for the passage of the landmark Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 . Before Doctor Wiley Americans were literally getting sick , some even dying because of the food they ate. While Wiley was fighting to get the laws passed, big business did everything they could to stop it, they labeled Wiley as a nut with strange ideas, and swore the food was safe, but a funny thing happened enough Americans were smart enough to see right from wrong , and get behind Wiley. It seems the people, many who had just accepted that occasionally getting sick from the food that you ate was just the way it was, had been waiting for someone like Wiley to show them that’s not the way it was suppose to be. Wiley let them know that food manufacturers had an obligation to keep their factories sanitary and not to put dangerous preservatives in the food.Wiley woke the people up and an incremental change where big business was brought under control began. Trump wants to return us to the world before Wiley and greedy big business always puts greed before safety , they love having a free hand and are beginning to push back against regulations . Bless you doctor Wiley for all you did but we seem to be getting more ignorant as a people , too many people are easily fooled. When dopes control the ballot box we all pay the price.
4
@Lonnie a vote for any democrat is a vote for communism
We are in deep trouble. If he’s here at election time he will say what he said last time - “I’ll accept the results if I win”. As this mad hatter line of “he can do anything he wants if he feels it’s for the good of the country” from Dershowitz and that isn’t far to morph into he must stay as they fight election results. The past 4 years are demoralizing. The planet in decline and illegal immigration for 40 years is a nightmare. Every country wants asylum from their overpopulated corrupt government and feels entitled to come with a baby in the belly and a child in each hand. We will be like India in a few years with either party. Other than that I’m quite optimistic!
1
Mike Bloomberg. In to win. He’s got this Texan’s vote. Let’s stop playing around and do this!
6
He got my vote! He is presidential.
He is my 2020 hero.
Who should be his VP? I wonder...
8
Bernie Sanders and all of us who support him have really won on health care: the most conservative Democrat in the race is touting the public option. This was shouted down as too radical under Barack Obama.
The first post-trump Democrat will need to get health care right, and if they are blocked by an immovable Senate, we will need a president like Bernie who will use the bully pulpit to call out the impediments and organize, organize, organize.
2
Mike Bloomberg is a patriot and, critically, an environmentalist.
Should he win, it will be a new beginning for this country-much needed after what we’ve been through over the last couple of years.
He’s always been ahead of the curve - he has the nous to bring us to the right course.
10
Bloomberg brings along with him a lot of baggage & hasn't faced the grilling of a top-tier candidate yet. Through a third-party vendor, the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign contracted New Jersey-based call center company ProCom, which runs calls centers in New Jersey and Oklahoma. Two of the call centers in Oklahoma are operated out of state prisons. In at least one of the two prisons, incarcerated people were contracted to make calls on behalf of the Bloomberg campaign.
According to a source, who asked for anonymity for fear of retribution, people incarcerated at the Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, a minimum-security women’s prison with a capacity of more than 900 were making calls to California on behalf of Bloomberg. The people were required to end their calls by disclosing that the calls were paid for by the Bloomberg campaign. They did not disclose, however, that they were calling from behind bars.
5
Michael Bloomberg is my dream candidate, I will vote for him here in Illinois even if it makes no difference. He is a true capitalist and has a track record of getting things done, unlike any of the charlatans now running.
How unfortunate that people in this country continue to crave cheap populism and broken promises over smart policies and good government.
Oh well...
10
I am with Mr. Goldstein: Put the peddle to the metal and keep doing so relentlessly until November and beyond. The Trump GOP’s war against the Affordable Care Act (that Frank Luntz would prefer to have these Zombies call Obamacare) is part of their historic war against anything keeping the working and elderly poor from conveniently getting out of the way by dying. Of course this ruthless band of brigand plutocrats will continue to battle any form of increasing coverage since they can easily fly to Thailand or wherever for any treatment they need.
3
He’s very smart to do the saturating you tube ads. Not everyone is on twitter or FB but everyone watches something on you tube.
4
Even I was young, in my twenties, I've understood the insurance industry's position on pre-existing conditions.
They would go broke if people were allowed to go without insurance their whole lives, until they got sick, then go sign up.
Ridiculous.
For many conditions, you could actually still get insurance with a pre-existing condition, but there was a waiting period before the insurance kicked in, for that condition.
Absolutely fair.
4
No Trump, John McCain saved Obamacare. Unfortunately there are no GOP senators willing to stand up like McCain did and make the impeachment trial a real trial.
11
No, Trump never saved anything about American health care. Let’s be accurate and fair, EVERY DEMOCRAT who voted support of the Affordable Care ACT in the multiple attacks by Trump Republicans are also to be recognized for saving us on issues of ‘PRE-existing conditions’ and better Health Care Coverage. We have to move away from the one hero and his vote saved us.
1
The best thing about Bloomberg is that he gets under Trump's skin like none of the other candidates can. Bloomberg is everything Trump claims or wishes to be, but is not -- a smart, successful, self-made businessman with real-world experience governing a diverse population.
30
Hopefully, a Dem other than Bloomberg will win the nomination. If Bloomberg does win the nomination, judging from Bloomberg's history as mayor of NYC, we may actually be better off with Trump.
2
@Mike F. Bloomberg was a great mayor. When he made mistakes he admitted them. This is a very good quality in a leader.
9
@Sacajawea Bloomberg changed the law to allow himself to run for a third term, outlawed large sodas (I know they aren't good for you), stop and frisk, etc. The guy is an autocrat plain and simple. The only difference between Bloomberg and Trump is that Bloomberg has more money than Trump and is actually trying to buy the presidency. Sorry, no sale. Hopefully Biden will run.
1
This.
All of this is why I like Mike.
* Data-driven decision making.
* Focusing on the end game.
* Not wasting time on primary contests in states with insignificant numbers of electors.
16
As much as I'm inclined to not want to vote for another wealthy person, I'm drawn to Bloomberg's more intelligent approach to the campaign. I'm impressed with his staying focused on attacking Trump's long list of flaws, and avoiding the need of the other candidates pointing out each other's weaknesses.
Thus I'm at least drawn to his positions and approach. Not his money.
Alas, the problem once again boils down to the activist right wing Supreme Court inventing the concept that politics is all about who has the most money. The other candidates have to attract donors. Bloomberg is freed from that distorting influence.
12
@Keith Get over your prejudice toward anyone with money. Bloomberg works hard and earned his.
8
@Keith
Both Sanders and Warren are wealthy. You wouldn’t know that by the show they both put on.
I don’t get the progressive argument against wealthy individuals running. Without them who do you think is going to pay for the free college progressives tout and all the other programs currently covered by people with large incomes. Seriously where do you think the money will come from? Certainly not AOC.
Mike has done more for the left then all of the current field combined. Progressives need to wake up.
6
Any of the Democratic candidates candidates could beat Trump. The question then becomes, what happens after? Which will be able to actually DELIVER a balanced approach given the current Senate makeup? Bloomberg might be that person—after all, he's been in both parties, is truly a self-made billionaire, and seems to know how to pick his battles and appropriately exploit opportunities. Going directly after the GOP healthcare plan and not getting mired in the nominating dog fight is a perfect example. I may not agree with everything he's done, but that can be said about every candidate.
9
The beauty of Bloomberg’s ad campaign is that he doesn’t have to propose anything, only pinpoint the problems with Trump’s health care plan, or lack thereof.
That was exactly Trump’s strategy in 2016. His health care plan would cover everyone, would be better and cheaper. He never got into details. Never had to. The promise was enough to win the election. Now, after four years he had to deliver the goods, and he didn’t. Now Bloomberg only have to promise a new basket of goods.
14
Mike Bloomberg has the stuff to make him one of our greatest presidents -- or one of our worst. He is driven and is a visionary, but he equals Trump as an egoist. He is principled but is guided only by his own compass. He can switch from being a Democrat to a Republican to an independent back to be a Democrat, and not wonder why people question his political motives. He does only what Mike wants to do, but he does it tirelessly and brilliantly. He remade Wall Street, but can he mend our nation? I believe he can, but heaven help us if he's president and I'm wrong.
6
One thing that we DON’T want is a government administered healthcare system like the UK’s NHS.
Rather than get my information from our media here in the US, I prefer to listen to local BBC outlets like BBC Kent. Not the same as BBC World Service. Local outlets are on the ground so to speak and you get to hear callers discussing what they really have to deal with.
Months for a routine Dr. appointment.
Months or longer for necessary surgical procedures.
Weeks to get an MRI report that should take no more than 1-3 days depending upon complexity.
Hours to get an ambulance even for suspected stroke or heart attack.
Yes, our healthcare system needs fixing but let’s not make the cure worse than the disease.
1
We have that here now. People dying because they don’t even dare to go to the doctor.
17
You speak of BBC Kent. I confess that I don’t live in Kent. In Scotland, I find the waiting time to see a GP is equal to—or better than—what I experienced in the US. One gets an MRI and the results in a few days. Ambulances do not take hours to come. You are right, though, that there is a waiting list for surgical procedures that have to do with non-life-threatening conditions. In general, the NHS in Scotland is considerably more efficient than in England.
10
@Leonard I lived in the U.K. for five years and never experienced any of the points you raised. Your research is flawed. I loved the NHS.
8
I gotta tell you, I am warming to Bloomberg. I very much appreciate his smart ads and his pledge to support the eventual nominee no matter who. He was instrumental in flipping the House and has been a leader in climate change. He seems brilliant, strategic and practical. I think he can beat Trump. A real billionaire from a real working class background who built something real and never declared bankruptcy.
35
Finally a Democratic candidate who sees the big picture for 2020 and beyond. I am so sick of watching Sanders and Warren squabble between themselves. The sad truth is that they're academics who love "the debate" and lose most voters with the most picayune arguments. Mark me as a long time progressive who has seen too much of them. And now Hilary is trying to draw attention to herself...How can that be good. Michael Bloomberg is the only Democrat out there with the ability to set priorities and present a clear alternative to Trump.
18
I firmly believe that Mr. Bloomberg is by far the smartest and most capable candidate out there. I also just as firmly believe that he is unelectable in this election. Why ? First of all, the GOP will have a field day attacking his previously held positions as mayor of NYC. As mayor, he wanted to outlaw SALT, yes regular table salt from New York City restaurants. The outcry from the restaurant industry made him back down. He also ran a campaign to reduce soda/ sugary soft drinks by proposing a tax and a limit on cup size for fountain drinks. He did this as a REPUBLICAN, making himself an outlier in that party. “Nanny Bloomberg” was a common refrain.
His work regarding gun control is admirable and the worst nightmare of the NRA. However this is not going to win any electoral votes in way too many states in the middle and the South. But worse than that, gun rights are a major factor in most of the so called “swing” states that I can think of.
Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin ,Pennsylvania ? He doesn’t have a chance. I can easily foresee another election of the coasts coming out for him and even another popular vote majority. But what good would that do ?
7
“They should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.’’ - The concern about the Democratic candidates for POTUS in 2020 summarized in one sentence.
A few words of advice from someone who no longer lives in a large progressive city - the voters in OH, WI, PA, MI and NC are NOT excited by the liberal policies, e.g. Medicare for All, No-cost 4-year+ college, decriminalize the currently illegal border immigration, etc coming from Sanders and Warren. I wish they were, but they're not.
The IA and NH voters are not representative of America. I get it that you have to tailor your message to these very small states - but it is solely the 5 states noted previously that will determine who wins the 2020 POTUS election. After next week, no one cares 2-cents about Iowa voters.
Focus on maintaining and improving ACA, funding more job-training programs, make the first 2-years of in-state Community College tuition-free, making the tax system progressive, including fair taxation of corporations and a wealth tax. This election is ours to lose (again).
11
I like Mike. He absolutely has the best chance of beating Trump. Think of the swing States : Michigan Wisconsin Pennsylvania North Carolina. Florida may be lost already but is still a possibility.
6
I will go all out for the Democratic nominee no matter who it is, support any of them as much as I can, but deep down I know Bloomberg would give the Dems the best chance of victory.
11
It's funny that Trump calls a single payer system a "socialist takeover" considering that he used to believe that it was the only logical solution to our broken health insurance system.
But those Republicans always seem to be amnestic about what they once believed. Ronald Reagan attacked the "do nothing" Republicans when he was still a Democrat and even signed one of the most liberal abortion laws in the country when he was governor of California before finding it was an issue he could run against.
As to Bloomberg, his ad stating that he rather than the ACA caused a marked reduction in uninsured in NYC is blatantly false. In fact, as a resident of NYC during all his mayorality, I can't recall anything he did that resulted in any residents being more likely to have health insurance. Everything involved was at the national and state levels and cities had nothing to do with it.
4
Bloomberg is the best chance we have a getting rid of DJT. He will be a unifier, and may sway a number of states to elect Democrats to the senate. Imagine that.. a unifier instead of a yeller like Bernie...
9
I fully support Ken Goldstein’s view, that a comparison of Trump’s actions and every Democratic candidate’s position on Re-Existing Condition should be repealed daily. Ditto for all Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate and House candidates.
Bloomberg shouldn’t be allowed to own this issue!
Brilliant. I expected no less.
3
It is hypocritical for the Democrats to impeach Trump for rigging the election while they do not allow Mayor Bloomberg to participate on an equal footing in the debates. I note that the Democrats characterize Trump as a threat to the Republic but both parties are a threat to our democratic process.
2
Trump's ineptness is so ubiquitous that the country appears not only numb to its to occurrence, but also blind to the misery its hate filled tug-of-war consequences fill our days with. Bloomberg on the other hand is expressing a sincere concern for the vitality of Americans, and as life is finite i appreciate that.
5
Bloomberg waiting for the other candidates to kill themselves off..is testimony to his brilliance.
His Ads that pinpoint Trump's failings and his accomplishments are stronger than the "plans" and promises we hear on the stumps.
3
The Bloomberg ads are outstanding.....he nails each relevant issue of concern to voters.
As a conservative Texas voter, I’d vote for Bloomberg.
9
Bloomberg will go down in history as one of this country’s SAVIORS, not for winning in 2020 but for his substantial and vitally important impact on preventing a criminal from getting re-elected. Thank you ALWAYS, Mike!!!
8
I love his ads, using Trump’s own words against him. So effective. The one on climate change seems to be spooking the Republicans. McCarthy says the Republicans will now come up with their own CC plans. Any plans they come up with, health or whatever will be silly and people will see through them. Can’t wait to see the Super Bowel ads.
5
He bought a third mayoral term in NYC. He used his money and influence to stay on the ticket. President Trump needs to remind the American people about this. I honestly do not think Mike Bloomberg would do well in rural and middle America. I do not think he would appeal to them.
2
@KMW I think he will. My farmer friends in Kansas voted for Trump because he was a businessman. Now they are trying to survive because of the tariffs. I think they would welcome a real, bona fide, successful businessman like Bloomberg instead of a failed businessman like Trump.
12
Bloomberg has millions of dollars invested in China. He's not looking out for fellow Americans, he's looking out for his money. Millions in ads but has yet to spend millions to help Americans. A vote for Bloomberg is a vote against America.
4
Agreed, completely. How terribly naïve that anyone would fall for this slick performance from an American Oligarch. What kind of character flaw or sickness must a person have to truly believe they deserve billions, just for one person, with so much suffering in the country?
3
Wow. Total non logic. You’ve mixed up Bloomberg and Trump.
8
@Canty Not true. He has been involved in many causes benefiting ordinary Americans. Unlike Trump who cares nothing about us and who is only interested in enriching him and his family.
16
Watching the Senate impeachment questioning tonight - thinking Bloomberg may be the refuge anti-Trump voters are looking for. Wouldn't be the ideal but he can beat Trump - and he's a lot smarter than Trump - then again, who isn't.
31
Since I was young, in my twenties, I've understood the insurance industry's position on pre-existing conditions.
They would go broke if people were allowed to go without insurance their whole lives, until they got sick, then go sign up.
Ridiculous.
For many conditions, you actually could still get insurance with a pre-existing condition, but there was a waiting period before the insurance kicked in, for that condition.
Absolutely fair.
4
That is why the individual mandate is so important. No insurance-based universal health care plan can work without it.
3
Thus the mandate that you have to have insurance.
2
I like Mike, but quite honestly the only thing I care about is getting rid of Trump and the rest of the criminal GOP. Whatever it takes, let’s do it.
39
Agree. And let’s raise all boats in the process, unite the world to address climate change and create a civil society where quality of life matters. Bernie2020
4
@Lilly So you’ll vote for Bloomberg if he wins the nomination? How about Biden? I’ll vote for Sanders if he wins the nomination but his supporters dirty tactics are making it unlikely Sanders makes it through the primaries.
Let's face it, the ACA, ("ObamaCare"), stinks.
The non-existent Republican plan will stink if if it ever materializes.
Here is MikeCare. It almost doesn't stink.
You know how the government pays to provide us with universal necessities like cops, education, libraries, road construction and repair, fire departments, snow removal, defense, garbage removal and the like? That's what we need in regard to medical care to make sure that everyone in the country, regardless of wealth or income, is covered. Just like with the other services medical services should be paid for using the taxes which we pay.
You go to whatever doctor you want, you pay a deductible to discourage frivolous medical visits, and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to region. Medical providers who do not want to accept what the government is paying can do so by posting a notice in their offices to that effect. You either pay the difference or go elsewhere. In any event you get the best possible care which is what we all deserve.
What is the argument in favor of letting people get sick and die just because they are financially distressed?
And that's the end of it. Welcome to the 21st Century! If it makes the candidates feel better call it "TrumpCare" or BloomieCare", as the case may be. .
5
@MIKEinNYC
Not bad.
The obvious flaw is the "pay the difference or go elsewhere". That would be every provider, and we'd end up right where we are now.
The plan MUST INCLUDE PRICE CONTROLS...absolute limits with criminal consequences for violating them.
3
Bloomberg is using his wealth to keep off the dispiriting Democratic debate stage, where this issue should be front and center but is not.
5
Bloomberg has no peers in this primary. Selfless, smart, honest, pragmatic, tough and intelligent. Plus he’s actually already accomplished great things as a businessman, civil servant and philanthropist. So what if Bloomberg is a billionaire? Who decided on these purity tests as a prerequisite for the presidency? How much money do these enlightened purists give away to social causes?
Senator Sanders is surely passionate and believes in his ideas but they are unworkable, mathematically impossible, incomplete and some are cases, just crazy. His authentic nature is attractive when compared to the competition. People like that but seem to stop there. Rarely is he questioned with rigor. I’d love to ask: “do you believe in personal property rights? What is the difference between socialism and democratic socialism? In your opinion where has nationalization of industries worked and what’s your proof? How come you refuse to go into detail in your budget?
Senator Warren has a terrible relationship with the truth. She seems to have quickly copied most of her platform from Sanders, parroted it badly, and then focused-grouped herself into knots. It’s hard not notice that every answer Senator Warren gives is a rambling obfuscation - that’s true of a lot of politicians but she actually tried it on the results of her own DNA test.
Everyone else in the field is a lightweight.
11
Amy Klobuchar will beat Trump because she matched Bloomberg in all but being a billionaire, (which we don’t ever need again) and she will win over the Midwest voter who is disappointed withTrump!
2
Sounds like a Bloomberg-Klobuchar ticket might be a winning combination. Seriously.
2
@Jay Trainor you're joking? how many jobs has Amy created? what has she run? let me answer for you zero.
1
FINALLY, one of this country's many billionaires is putting real money into a Democratic race. The republicans have had their billionaires vomit hundreds of millions into elections for YEARS.
Will any other billionaires or even multi-millionaires step up? Yes, you have your getaway compound in New Zealand, instantly accessible by helicopter if/when the revolution comes.
But why not use some of your millions to fight for this country?
12
Bloomberg is the Saviour because he has the real billions to prove the fake billionaire is what he really is...fake in every regard. There is no one more fake than D.J. Trump. I just hope, also, that he spends his money to take out the more evil man in washington: Coverup McConnell.
23
Democrats attacking Trump, rather than expressing a vision, is exactly what got the man elected in the first place. Democrats need more than "Trump is Bad." We know that. 2016 polls showed that 58% of the people who voted for Trump neither wanted him in the White House, nor agreed with him. They only did it to stop the Clintons and Trump was the only other viable choice.
So why is Bloomberg doing this? Because Bloomberg is out of touch with People. This is what happens when a man fires anybody who does not agree with him, as we in New York have known about Bloomberg for years.
I never vote for millionaires. And billionaires? Forgeddaboudit.
Billionaires are sick people. Look at it this way: every billionaire once had $900,000,000 - and it was not enough. Now two billionaires are running as democrats among the elderly millionaires.
Billionaires make a point of saying they don't need public office. That's right. They need psychiatric help.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
5
By that logic, every billionaires also had $0 and then decided to build and deliver things that people valued. In many cases, they built things before people even knew they wanted them. Why wouldn’t someone with vision and talent like that be a good president?
6
@Rev. E. M. Camarena, PhD If you don't think Dems have been expressing their visions, then sadly, it must be you not paying attention. Every candidate has good, well-thought out policy positions.
Dem candidates hammering Trump on policy and his spectacular lack of good leadership? Well that's a bonus in my book.
3
Hats off to President Bloomberg—he is running a very intelligent campaign against our current celebrity president (president Trump). Trump has been keeping our attention by merely being the shiniest object in the room but through a shrewd advertising campaign Bloomberg is revealing the truth about Trump’s Presidential Apprentice reality show and to even his most devoted disciples the fantasy is beginning to look ugly. Bloomberg may just beat Trump in his own game!
24
When hedge-fund managers see profits to be made in helicopter ambulance services when there is no maximum charge ceiling, we should pretty much accept that the American health system is not about health, but about $$$$.
14
I'm a progressive voting for Warren in the primary, but if Bloomberg is the nominee I would vote him because I will vote for ANY Democrat who gets the nomination.
I dislike millionaires and billionaires but at least Bloomberg supports healthcare and knows a con man when he sees one..... I also like the fact that he has pledged to support whoever is the Democratic nominee....
33
I’m a Texas conservative Republican voter. I voted for Trump.
Candid assessment: Bloomberg is the one and only credible Democrat with the experience and wherewithal to kick Trump’s backside.
If Bloomberg were to win the nomination, I’d vote for him.
31
"I’m not a Medicare for all Democrat." Why not?
Obamacare appears to be a significant improvement over the previous insurance industry-run debacle but only someone who has never experienced universal health care would regard it as some sort of gold standard.
I was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Australian public health system. Although far from a perfect health landscape - the conservative government sinks a lot of funding into propping up the private health system - my level of care was exemplary and I have now been in remission for five years. The total cost of my treatment was less than A$150, all on out-patient pharmaceuticals.
I'd urge Americans to think big and consider the possibilities. Robert Kennedy's "I dream things that never were (in the US) and say why not" seems an appropriate sentiment.
9
Comically (er,, sadly--very sadly), as late as June of 2017 and maybe still)--six months after he took office, trump didn't even know what a pre=existing condition was. Here are his own words:
In his July 19, 2017 NYT interview, Trump said: “So pre-existing conditions are a tough deal. Because you are basically saying from the moment the insurance, you’re 21 years old, you start working and you’re paying $12 a year for insurance, and by the time you’re 70, you get a nice plan. Here’s something where you walk up and say, “I want my insurance.” It’s a very tough deal, but it is something that we’re doing a good job of.”
Didja also catch the $12 a year? Even more comically, he said this just two months earlier:
On May 11, 2017, Trump said: “But in a short period of time I understood everything there was to know about health care. And we did the right negotiating, and actually it’s a very interesting subject,”
How do trump supporters not see what a hollow, ignorant man he is? Moscow Mitch, Leningrad Lindsay, and the hordes of trumpers are blind, willfully blind.
23
Our healthcare is a total mess. The most expensive, fractured, disorganized, difficult to access, unaccountable, profiteering business that stresses us out and hurts us as much as it helps.
It makes sense that Democrats cannot just offer a new approaches, they must also show how Trump and Republicans are trying to break it until it is only available to those who can afford the escalating costs.
Bloomberg is smart reminding us that Trump is doing everything he can to deny healthcare to those who cannot afford it.
11
Bloomberg really excites me. The people behind him are very bright and tactical, which shows me his philosophy of running the show. I hope he does hammer issues like this which seem to be Trump’s kryptonite. I also have faith that Bloomberg’s analytic department is brighter and much more savvy than Brad Parscale.
17
88 + million. When I think of what 88+ million could do, on the ground, to help real people in real need, I curse Citizens United, and feel the clarion call for a reformed election process.
9
If Sanders and Warren really cared about USA and beating idiot Trump they would step aside to support Bloomberg. They have no chance to win while they could unite behind Mike to win. I think both are too egotistical and self centered to step aside for the greater good. They are politicians first while Bloomberg wants to get things done to really make America great. This is a Canadian in canada that hopes you Yankees get it together as I hate hearing the name of idiot boy who’s currently in office.
23
Bloomberg has no chance on a national level, but I wish he would run for NYC mayor again. His “stop & frisk” was the best gun control policy this nation ever had.
4
The more I see of Mike Bloomberg, the more I like him. I think I could vote for him.
20
Bloomberg is the one who can take down Trump and flip the script on both parties. Unlikely that Democrats are shrewd or brave enough to pick him as the nominee but he's all in either way. Mike Bloomberg is a gift and he'd make a good president.
You can thank Bernie Sanders and his 'political revolution' for pushing the Medicare for All debate to the forefront of our party's platform. It's ridiculous, far fetched to say the least, and most Americans don't want it but here we are! Blowing up the best issue we have in defeating Trump. Thanks Bernie!!!
10
Become the United States of America again is a great goal. Anybody who is supporting this goal in one way or another is good for America and the planet.
9
I have a theory....is Bloomberg playing a really clever long game. I cannot see why he would want the presidency of this country after a long life, that brought him and his family many riches. But by entering the race he has given himself permission to spend money in a different way than PAC etc. Is that why he's in it? Obviosly, neither he or his team can admit it, but if he continues to support the Dem Nominee even when he is out....is that the long game?
1
Seems to me his goals are to serve people. He became mayor to rebuild New York City after corrupt Giuliani. He wants to get rid of idiot Trump and clearly the democrat party is a mess and will lose, so he’s going to try save USA himself. As a Canadian I hope he succeed. Seems he’s clarified the health care solution and rightly attacking trump on getting rid of protection for those with preexisting conditions. It amazes me that Trump can take away the health protection of those that voted for him and they are still to dumb to figure that out and believe him. What an ignorant lower class.
19
God yes !
3
Why do we want to live in a system where billionaires think they can simply buy their way into elected office? That is the first stage of a disease that ends in a kleptocracy.
7
@JDK: All candidates buy their way into elected office. What else do you think they need large and/or small donors for? Bloomberg just uses his own money, instead of donor money...
27
Just a reminder:
Under Obamacare 30 million of our fellow citizens are still not insured.
Tens of millions more are underinsured or have to choose between medicine or food.
12
I"m all for Mike Bloomberg spending his millions on ads to attack Trump. The only way to win this election is through spending huge sums of money. Trump's campaign is doing exactly that. The media is finding lots of ways to criticize Bloomberg. I simply don't care. All I care about is defeating Trump. And I know for sure I have that in common with a lot of others who support Bloomberg's efforts. He may have a better chance of defeating Trump than any of the other candidates. There's a reason Iowa is having such a difficult time deciding on a candidate. Bloomberg knows that too.
40
I want to hear more from Bloomberg. I think he could be trumps Achilles heel.
44
Besides being a much needed public service, Bloomberg's plain-spoken ads are also doing an end run around the dysfunctional DNC. Good on you, Mr. Authentic Billionaire.
34
You have to hand it to Bloomberg, he’s going after the 800 lb gorilla-criminal, not killing Dem hopes by pointless in-fighting. There’s one agenda, and clear issues that expose Trump and GOP Senate candidates.
39
Bloomberg is one of the few answers to the problems this country faces. I like Mike.
33
United States preexisting health condition if left untreated for next four years will bring complications that may not be treatable I.e.DJT winning next elections.
5
Going right to the Mike on this. During President Obama's first term in office and before the Affordable Care Act was enacted, I was about to chuck my health insurance coverage of $1,500 a month (higher than the apartment maintenance) due to a pre-existing condition.
Along came Obamacare to the relief of this American, and to other American friends with grown-children, now working without health coverage. Our president was the first to admit that the ACA would need to be ironed out, patience would be required, and with sleeves rolled up, ads were to be seen of our commander in chief encouraging Americans to join in. I believe Speaker John Boehner also participated in the above.
Thank you, Mr. Bloomberg, for trying to get the common sense message across in a responsible way, and if we had a competent president guiding our nation, our leader would be seen addressing us now on the outbreak of 'Coronavirus', without instilling in us a sense of panic and mistrust of our government officials.
30
Bloomberg’s ads on pre-existing conditions are effective and he should run them non-stop.He should also have a plan to make prescription drugs affordable-most people take some medication every day and the drug companies are becoming bolder in their pricing of drugs-many people cannot afford their medicines and it concerns them every day of their lives.If Bloomberg could solve the prescription drug cost crisis , he would be elected, without a doubt.!That would grab the attention of all who see his ads and they would not forget by November! Bloomberg could take on the pharmaceutical industry-he knows business and they have not contributed to his campaign-he owes them no favors.
25
Bloomberg should also consider running ads reminding Baby Boomers how little they have saved for retirement. Republicans have been very clear for over a decade that they would be happy to cut the Medicare and Social Security "entitlements" Baby Boomers will depend on to survive to resolve a budget deficit now ballooning into the trillions.
18
Mike will be our next president.
More and more people are realizing that he alone can beat Trump.
I am very proud also that he is the only one to lead the opposition to the Leftie Loonies like Bernie and his Bernie Bros, who would doom us to another 4 years of Trump.
Today we learn Mike is second in Florida after Biden and in double digits in the national polls where he is in fourth place.
Mike can get it done and he will.
23
Last night my wife went to the pharmacy to pick up new medication for an afib problem I'm having. The cost? $450. My wife asked to speak to the pharmacist. Was the medication new? Rare? Expensive to produce? None of the above, said the pharmacist. It's the pharmaceutical industry making money hand over fist.
I've been on the fence about which Dem to support, but as of last night, Bernie has my vote.
5
The only person Bloomberg is hammering is himself. Poor guy.
4
@Bernie Sanders Libertarian: Nah, he’s a trim and fit billionaire and he runs circles around the flabby thousandaire Trump who can’t keep up with other heads of state...
8
Who are these strange millions who "love" their health insurance? Who love that CEOs are making $35 million in compensation for providing ZERO health care? I could fit all those who love their insurance company (and aren't shareholders) in my closet.
18
If trump wins, as may happen, we will get no democratic policies enacted, let alone progressive policies.
This election is no longer about the policies WE want, or about how to get our favorite person as our nominee.
This election is only about one thing:
Replacing trump with ANY democrat.
Unless we focus on only that, we will again watch trump appoint two more beer-guzzling Supreme Court justices.
16
A real billionaire. Thats a change. He would be a safer choice for the Dems than some candidates would be.
A real New York billionaire. That is a change too. He would be a safer choice for America than Trump would be.
10
So while the rest of the Democratic hopefuls are slapping each other gently across the face with white cotton gloves, Mike Bloomberg is driving after Trump with a bulldozer.
This is a man who makes his own successes. The eventual nominee, whoever it is, should try to learn from him. Maybe it will be him.
37
I like Bloomberg. He would definitely beat Trump. And he is a decent human being. Thanks for all your effort Mike!
32
like everybody else out there I have been watching the Bloomberg political ads, how can you miss them. They say all the right things, they are all inclusive and they compare the self made Bloomberg to the trust baby Trump. Health care is front and center, so is climate change and kids in cages . The delineation between republicans and Bloomberg democracy is stark. One side sees no evil and seems to take pride in its ignorance, while the other is prepared to take on the problems of the twenty first century. As I am a New Yorker who saw Bloomberg transform this city in his 12 Years where flash was pushed aside by efficiency , he is speaking to the choir. Let’s hope these same ads are playing in Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and all the other swing states , the fate of this nation now rests on the wisdom of the people in those states , let’s hope they are listening.
16
People who join the military and get injured should have to pay for themselves the same way anybody who has a job does.
America does not need more moochers.
Trump wants to make America great again, but how can that happen with so many less than great people weighing us down?
Survival of the fittest!
1
If nothing else I hope Bloomberg blows up the stupid primary system. I am glad he is skipping the early the early primary states. Iowa, NH, South Carolina are unrepresentative of the counrty. I am tired of the skewed primary system. End it.
34
@Lady in Green
From outside America the primary system looks by definition to be a circular firing squad.
It looks expensive and conducive to cementing money into politics.
Your comment is very perceptive. I wonder why more Americans don't see it.
9
My son will graduate from college soon.He is very talented and interviewing everywhere.
But, privately we discuss leaving this country, choosing a more progressive society,where his disability (well controlled seizure disorder)won’t impact his choices/opportunities.
Bloomberg is on the right path.
He is a great alternative in this race,
For this and many other reasons.
Let a successful businessman
Take the helm.
21
Sometimes it seems that the plans in the debate are hard to figure out for the average person, either how they will work or how we'll get there. Because of past experiences people are rightly leery of the details.
If you have any family members seriously dependent on health care and it is working, the idea of some kind of (life-threatening) shift into a bureaucratic system is frightening. Especially as they are working out the details. And this includes hospitals, prescriptions, doctors, everything. It's too convoluted now. So taking people off something won't fly with many voters.
I like Bloomberg's idea of putting more people on healthcare, while letting the rest of it be. He's not beholden to the medical insurance interests, so that's a plus. I like the idea of single payer, but not tearing up anything that's working. Incremental is the way to go. This would be a step in the right direction, just like Obamacare was. The plan to make sure everyone is covered sounds good. Obama was plenty smart to achieve this. Democrats in the House can thank him for his foresight because it helped them get a majority.
20
The American health care system is designed to keep no one happy or even healthy except for corporate investors. Health care costs are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US. Premiums keep going up as coverage goes down, and collection agencies take no prisoners. Health insurance companies have created the most bureaucratic and wasteful system there is, because their sole purpose is to keep money for themselves-- any pretense of lowering costs or improving "quality" is by now a laughable fantasy. What will it take for Americans to wake up and create a system that actually does healthcare?
10
Bloomberg will make a difference. He has the money and knows how to channel it.
16
I truly admire Mike Bloomberg for many reasons:
* He supports almost all of the causes I believe in with large sums of real money (not Trumpbucks) even before he was running for President.
* He will likely be as incorruptible as FDR... as nobody has the money to buy him.
* He has built his business on his intelligence and sound business sense, and then shared his good luck through his charities. ... no Bankruptcies
* He has offered to financially support other Democratic candidates, regardless of his nomination. This will save him from much internal Democratic criticism later on.
* When the convention reaches maximum gridlock between all the other candidates, he could easily emerge as a compromise candidate ( especially if he has made donations of other senate and congressional races)
* The commercials are everything I have been waiting to see a Democratic Candidate offer to directly attack TRUMP and not other Democrats. I am waiting for the attack ads with Video support about on Trump's business practices and his neverending lying, to start any time
One other telling thing I noticed when I replied positively to a Bloomberg for President e-mail was that there was NO SOLICITATION for money at the end of my reply. How refreshing was that. If Billionaires are going to be our only choice for President moving forward, at least we should vote for one who shares many of our values, does not lie every other word, and is usually polite
58
Defending the statist quo of Obamacare is sensible but woefully inadequate. This article fails to point out the obvious fact that Americans currently have a class based healthcare system that leaves many working class and poor Americans out in the cold. High premiums/deductibles, out of pocket expenses for dental care, and profit gauging by pharmaceutical companies put health care out of reach for Americans who live paycheck to paycheck. All other technologically advanced nations provide cost effective universal health care at a price that their citizens can afford. It that too much to ask? Bloomberg is out of touch with reality.
7
Of course the truth is Medicare For All as championed by Sanders and Warren is the best option. Pre-existing conditions are covered. No out of pocket costs. Everyone is covered. If people understood what they were getting they would support it. Unfortunately it’s just too hard to get fight the lies and misinformation from Trump and Republicans. But health care can be a huge issue for Democrats to exploit, not least because Trump promised something great but actually has made health insurance much worse and taken it from millions.
3
I’m on Medicare and I can assure you it isn’t free. The only free Medicare is basic hospital insurance. No doc. No Rx.
6
Bloomberg is a much stronger candidate than Trump ever was or could hope to be:
he has experience and a record for good governance.
Even after three years in office our current President is no more knowledgeable, and worse is his disdain for the honorable office he holds.
Found it quite amusing some weeks back when he sought to block Bolton's testimony, 'to preserve the office of the President.'
9
That won’t work. The economy is so hot Democrats don’t have anything to talk about except socialist policies. Sure fire way to lose.
1
@Joseph But...the economy is about to collapse again, ca 2007.
3
Joseph, who cares about health and the environment. Money is all that matters. Right?
8
@JOSEPH
Well that's really good to hear Joseph cause people will sure need a hot economy to pay for all that health care they aren't getting from Republicans.
3
"Mike, get rid of him! . ."Get him out tomorrow. I don't care. Get him out tomorrow. Take him out. OK? Do it."
13
Don't forget Social Security, Mike. Trump wants to take that away also. He's degrading so much in our society and environment, and adding a lot to global warming with a lot of meaningless hot air!
15
Just a little hypocrisy amongst our Democratic Friends.
Love how we welcome with open arms another Republican/Democratic/Indy/Republican/Democratic pol.
It's 'ok' if it's YOUR candidate.
Especially if s/he's actually a Republican.
Kinda says a lot about our party doesn't it.
Way to embrace more 1%, Corp. politicians.
That's the Dem. Party I'm used to.
Anyone care he exploited all those stop 'n frisk inmates by using prison labor to make political phone calls on the cheap? https://theintercept.com/2019/12/24/mike-bloomberg-2020-prison-labor/
6
@Dobbys sock Bloomberg didn't know his campaign was using prisoners and he stopped it immediately.
Yes, I would love to see Bloomberg be our (Democrats) nominee. I'm a loiberal but I LOVE Bloomberg! There!
10
@Dobbys sock You support Sanders. That’s great. Other voters feel differently. No need to denigrate.
7
I think you are confused. Democrats aren’t/weren’t upset about trump being rich. Virtually all presidents have been pretty wealthy. It’s his horrid policies that we hate. Not to mention his low character and intelligence.
4
Kudos, Mr Bloomberg! Hit him where it hurts.
A truly wealthy person in Dems corner - nice to see. Republicans have had their Kochs and Adelsons, causing trouble.
16
It's worse than you think; aside from the fact that Trump is trying to sabotage healthcare, so too are the Republicans since 2010 with 50 attempts at repealing health legislation. The Republicans actually convinced voters to vote for them to take away their health care. The Republicans use the stupifying instinctive emotions of hate and anger to get what they want.
But I realized today something even more egregious; The Republicans and now Trump have been proclaiming the need to stop fraud in health care. Do you know what that results in? It means people are now scared to seek medical help for fear of being falsely accused of fraud.
The Republicans are committing genocide.
2
@PATRICK
Yeah, it's not like Democratic's don't take the HC Scam dollars either...right?!
Even in a town with more than 20 lobbyists for every member of Congress, the corp. HC army is outsized; health care companies spent nearly $568 million on lobbying in '18 alone, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, more than any other industry. For the past 4 years, its spending has topped a half-billion dollars.
Insur. industry profits ballooned to $23.4 billion in '18, up from $10 billion a year before ACA went into full effect in '14.
The HC Corp. messages are built on extensive polling and research, and produced with help from Bully Pulpit Interactive, a well-known ad firm that works with the DNC and until earlier this year aided messaging for Sen. Warren's Senate campaign. Federal lobbyists with ties to moderate Dems encourage the party to keep the focus on pre-existing condition protections and defending Obamacare — issues that paid dividends during the '18 midterm elections.
https://www.politico.com/news/agenda/2019/11/25/medicare-for-all-lobbying-072110
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/berniesanders2020/bernie-sanders-medicare-for-all
https://theintercept.com/2019/02/05/nancy-pelosi-medicare-for-all/
https://www.nationofchange.org/2017/09/20/sanders-prepared-medicare-bill-health-care-lobbyists-bankrolled-senate-democrats/
3
Bloomberg is brilliant. He's going after Trump, ignoring the overcrowded field of candidates. By doing so , he is separating and insulating himself from the cancer that is consuming every Democratic candidate- the rivalry itself is neutralizing everyone. When all is said and done, they will walk away with black eyes. all of them, except Mike Bloomberg. Likewise, Bloomberg is flagrantly ignoring Iowa and New Hampshire, a revolutionary approach to campaigning. His focus is Super tuesday with the rich-delegate count that is coming. Smart guy. Bloomberg is a force to be reckoned with. He is a tried and true performer. His legacy as New York City Mayor, his role as global diplomat and his efforts as a crusader against the NRA make him a uniquely qualified contender. Bloomberg has my vote.
30
Bernie definitely spends more time promoting M4A than attacking the plans of other Dem candidates. If Bloomberg was ever actually on the debate stage, he'd be forced to defend his proudly moderate (no substantive changes) position and he too would be critical of his opponents.
Bernie is known for attacking Trump policies and trying to avoid disputes with his Dem rivals ("people are sick of hearing about the da** emails" , so it's weird that this story is about Bloomberg - someone that hasn't had to directly engage with his Dem opponents.
5
This is the winning candidate for the Democrats. Arguing over extending Medicare for all, free college and sticking it to corporations only leaves the party exposed to criticism over plans that would never pass Congress in the first place. A candidate that focuses on shoring up the ACA, appointing qualified judges and reducing a deficit that Republicans have doubled in three years is a winning message. Focus on winning the White House first. Once that is accomplished, and if there is public support, then try the for more ambitious goals. Republicans have been disciplined in gradually pushing their agenda for 40 years now and they have nearly accomplished what they set out to do. Democratic voters need to show this discipline too and win some consecutive elections or watch Republicans eviscerate the last vestiges of the New Deal during a Trump second term.
40
I like Bloomberg a lot. I think he's in it for the good of the country, and Trump is afraid of him. If he manages to get the nomination I think we will trounce the GOP. The Iowa caucuses are totally unrepresentative of the Dem primary electorate. I'm waiting to see what California, South Carolina and others have to say. I think Mike might surprise us. No matter what happens though, I'm grateful to Mayor Bloomberg for the public service he is rendering in taking on Trump.
38
@KC You have to commend someone like Mr. Bloomberg who is so willing to put himself out there and a huge amount of money for as you say (the good of the country."
10
I didn’t like all of Bloomberg’s policies as mayor but I still thought he was a great mayor. I probably won’t like all of his policies as president but I still think he’ll make one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. Mike Bloomberg is the only democratic candidate that actually knows how to run a large organization effectively.
23
So far anyway, Bloomberg is to be congratulated on targeting Trump in his ads and not his Democratic opponents. I hope that continues.
23
Unfortunately, Americans and their candidates have become accustomed to 30- and 60-second ads, not discussions on complex issues.
Here's my try at 30-60:
The US spends more on health care per person than other countries who provide medical care for everyone and whose people live longer and healthier lives than we do.
We need to cover everyone, affordably. We're not there yet. Whether you like Obamacare or want Medicare for All, whether you like your employer-based health insurance or rely on a state health insurance program, remember this: Every advance in covering more people and controlling the cost of health care has come from Democrats, over the strenuous opposition of Republicans.
When it comes to health care, Donald Trump, if re-elected, will do to more Americans what he's repeatedly done to anyone he hasn't liked: he'll throw them under the bus. So, in the primary and in November, vote Democrat. Your health, and possibly your life, may depend on it.
Paid for by Democrats for Affordable Health Care for All.
6
In countries with sane health care, 'pre-existing conditions' are simply known as your medical record. Good for Mr. Bloomberg -- and his ads are excellent.
“Now having drawn blood, I think we’re going to continue in this vein.” Maybe they'll hit an artery...
28
Bloomberg is honest. And he is authentic. And he is willing to spend his own (real) money on "trying to make wrong things right".
Everything else people say about him at this point in his life and career(s) is just noise.
16
I'm a Democrat and I really resent how the Dem candidates deliberately misrepresent and outright lie about the Republicans. Trump said MANY times that any health care he proposes will encompass pre-existing conditions. This is a fear tactic being used and abused by Bloomberg. There are plenty of other policies he can rightfully criticize, but this one is off the table and he should be called on it.
2
@J. G. Smith
So what is Trump's plan? He's had 3 years and all he's done is trash ACA, literally and figuratively.
5
But what has he done? He’s trying to kill the whole thing while you’re sleeping. Time to wake up.
6
Bloomberg is smart and right to hit health care as a pivotal issue. Even my Republican relatives get it that, if Trump and the GOP are successful in their appeal to overturn the ACA, there is no plan to replace it and there won’t be. I have a niece who was born with multiple pre-existing conditions. She is doing well now in school and in life despite on-going health concerns. However, but for the ACA protecting her from pre-existing condition exclusions, annual caps on care, and lifetime caps on care, her father (a “job creator” in Republican parlance) would have been bankrupted in the first year of her life, or worse, this beautiful child might have died due to lack of access to appropriate care.
6
When did we get stuck with this absurd redundant linguistic construct "pre-existing conditions"? What is the difference between a "pre-existing condition" and an "existing condition"? There is none. The English language can be a lot simpler than the way many people use it, and the media can help. (What is a "near miss"? A miss that didn't happen? No, it's a collision that didn't happen. But somehow we say "near miss" instead of "near collision".)
@Rich Gelber I believe that pre-existing originally meant that the condition existed before (pre) a person's enrollment in an insurance policy. After they enrolled it would have been an existing condition. So, if a woman found out she was pregnant, did the conception take place one day before or one day after the insurance policy? This happened to my sister-in-law. She conceived when my brother changed jobs and there was a narrow window there. They then had a special needs child and bankrupted their family. It was a horrible thing to lose everything, and eventually the child. That should never be the case for anyone. I agree with your point about language being corrupted in all kinds of ways.
8
I guess you never had to try and get health insurance. It’s the mega health insurance companies that made up that term. Why? So that they didn’t have to sell insurance to anyone who might need to use it.
1
I sense that "little Mike" has a big and practical heart.
9
One does not become and stay a billionaire by having any heart.
3
@Lilly Not true. I thought Sanders asked his supporters to stay positive?
4
Bloomberg is right to pound trump on this issue, and if he manages to topple him, the country will owe him (Bloomberg) an enormous debt of gratitude.
9
If I were going to be a one-issue voter, it would be healthcare.
I'm tired of being a punching bag for the GOP and Blue Cross Blue Shield. One is intent on taking away my health care, and the other is intent on taking my money.
16
Mayor Bloomberg's money is buying something most of us crotchety liberal boomers can only dream of: an advanced weapon to launch a zillion electronic fact and logic messages to counter Mr. Trump.
Lots of differences between a real billionaire and a self-appointed one, none in Mr. Trump's favor.
11
The more I look at Bloomberg the more I like him.
He could really be a transformational president. When was the last time we had a hyper-competent executive in the White House with enormous success in both public office and private enterprise, data driven and almost pathologically non-ideological? What a breath of fresh air.
That Bloomberg's assault on Trump's healthcare record is so precise, so based on polling and proven electoral success, further illustrates he is not just the most likely to demolish Trump, but could also be an outstanding president.
How about this for a slogan: "Bloomberg: Because Boring is Good!"
34
The most serious pre-existing - and incurable - condition that the United States has right now is Trump. Bloomberg is just the right person to excise him.
14
Bloomberg is focusing on issues of importance. The other candidates are currently mired in sniping at each other. I like Mr. Bloomberg, and will probably vote for him in our upcoming primary in March. I definitely will not vote for Biden or Bernie. I would consider Klobuchar if she is still in the race. I do not feel that the state of Iowa and New Hampshire should have such an outsized influence on who the nominee is. They are small, no racially diverse and mostly rural - which isn't the majority of the electorate. They are certainly nice people and all that, but I think the DNC really needs to change how they run things. This running Iowa for 4 year is nonsense. At a minimum Bloomberg is spending money that is highlighting the failure of Trump to address health care, which is a sentinel issue for people. So when Bernie and Warren badmouth billionaires, I think they should be a bit careful. Just because someone has money doesn't make them evil - the rats are the policy makers who set the rules that favor billionaires.
10
Mr. Bloomberg - I have a great idea for one of your ads. Use Clinton impeachment and Trump impeachment statements from Ken Starr, Alan Dershowitz, Lindsey Graham et al. and play them side by side so the American public can see the true hypocrisy of the Senate hearing.
6
Mike Bloomberg’s use of data makes him come across as extremely competent. And for some inexplicable reason, competence is needed to beat Dumb-dumb in November.
I’m going to vote for Mike. I’m sure we will never see a video of a gathering of world leaders laughing at Mike Bloomberg.
14
Mike should put a link on his website for donations to his campaign but promise to put exactly that amount into a charity (or group of charities) that helps people lacking healthcare insurance. In other words, he should do the opposite of Trump, who selfishly used charity donations to support Trump needs.
Then Mike can get "donations" to qualify for the debate stage, while at the same time doing something showing that Trump lacks charity for others and is a horrible person in every way (although everybody must know/think already that Trump is the lowest of the low).
4
I still for the life of me cannot understand how making it mandatory to pay into Obamacare is any different than it being mandatory to have a SS deduction. I paid into SS all my life and now, I am glad I did. What, pray tell is the difference? Everyone who works pays SS during their lifetimes and reaps the benefit at retirement.
Paying into the healthcare system is exactly the same, as far as I can tell. What was the Supreme Court thinking?
Is Social Security also unconstitutional?
I think Bloomberg's idea for health care is a practical one and would cover more people of various incomes. That's what is important.
Anything and and anyone not covered by insurance is going to end up in the emergency and then, to pay for that, our individual rates go up.
And who in their right mind would think that preventative care isn't
the better idea to avoid an emergency room?
And, I like that Mike has said he will use his money to back whomever becomes the candidate. That shows a good faith, statesman like attitude versus, people who say if my candidate isn't on the ticket, I won't vote. Those people are small minded and only want to win, not do what is best for the majority of Americans.
And this attitude is much more morally superior to 45's attitude of "it's me, the King and I say what goes, and if you disagree, a pox on you!"
4
@mouseone And he did increase the number covered by insurance when he was mayor. It's a winning issue. As long as everyone gets insured and people stop getting bankrupted by health care, I don't care which plan it is. Anything that works will do.
5
When are the Democrats going to take off the gloves and fight the fight of this country’s life?
5
I would vote for Mike in a heartbeat. Why? Because smarter than most and knows how to hammer home Trumps many many deficiencies while the rest are being polite or are too big picture. Also because, unlike Bernie, he’ll back whoever wins, assuming it’s not him. Bernie, we know, will pout and wait to throw in support until the last minute — i.e., when it’s too late. Mike is also smart enough to realize that our country is in real peril, lacking a system of checks and balances due to the spineless Republicans in the senate.
14
Bloomberg is what Trump imagines himself to be: wealthy and smart.
7
This is the same Donald Trump who has been saying for three years that he has a healthcare plan ready. But, do you believe him? Where is it? It's just more lies, and it's time to quit being bashful about calling him out on his lies.
5
Bloomberg ‘gets it’, more than any other Democratic contender.
Maybe a Bloomberg (younger, eg Warren/Buttigieg/Yang) ticket would work
5
Is anyone running for the nomination watching and listening to Mike Bloomberg? Probably not. Welcome to the circular firing squad yet again.
2
I’d vote for Michael Bloomberg in a New York minute! He would be a very strong candidate against the disaster we have in the White House.
9
Keep it up, Mike! These ads are absolutely spot on, and driving AZ Republicans bonkers.....
16
Now that the impeachment drama is winding down, it is time to hone messages that will defeat Trump in November. Arguing about M4A versus public option will not get the job done--too complicated, and people do not believe that anyone can deliver. Focusing on the Republican's attack on popular features of the ACA, like pre-existing conditions, is truly smart. Simple messages like these need to be repeated over and over again from now until the election. Once Democrats are elected, of whatever stripe, then we can see what is possible to get enacted into law. If a public option were passed in 2021, then it would set the stage for more ambitious reforms down the road.
4
I was hooked on Bloomberg as soon as he announced his intent. And like many others here, his ads, specifically on health care are right on the mark. He stands to make a huge difference in the 2020 election.
15
The ads for Mr. Bloomberg running in my area are too vague. They make a negative statement about Donald Trump and healthcare, something like a million more people without health insurance each year, but they don't get into specifics. I don't think a lot of prospective voters will be swayed by generalities.
I think what's needed is a succinct and factual statement of exactly one thing the President has done that has/will have a negative effect on the average American's health care or insurance coverage. Otherwise you get into the President's favorite game of saying the ad is "fake news".
1
Pre-existing conditions is indeed an issue that could chip away at Trump's base. In 2016, Trump only had an advantage once the voter group was over 40, and only a significant advantage once over 65. On the whole, an older demographic that will have the most issues with per-existing health conditions at enrollment.
However, it's easy to develop tunnel vision and think this is now the end-all-be-all of healthcare. One the biggest untapped sources of Democratic voters are under 30's. Pre-existing condition is not as central an issue as the lack of jobs that have health benefits or the sheer cost of healthcare for the kind of income a person in their 20's might have.
The youth vote was a big advantage that helped Obama get in the White House, and the lack of it hurt Clinton's chances. Leaving young people out of the electoral calculus might be okay for Trump, but ignoring young people's issues is dangerous for a Democratic candidate.
3
I have a hard time comprehending that anyone would think it was okay for insurance companies to deny coverage to anyone based on a pre-existing condition? Bloomberg is absolutely right on this one, the vast majority want confidence that care will be available and affordable if they or a loved one need it. How could anyone possibly disagree with this?
26
How to win in November, by Mike Bloomberg.
58
Because we need even more power centered in the hands of the American oligarchy... !
3
You are right. This is very smart. I would hate to see another billionaire and former Republican buy his way into the White House but I have to say, it may be the best way-the only way- to get the current idiot out.
5
@Brian Cornelius Ironically the current WH resident is a former Democrat. We want him to be the former President asap.
4
Mike Bloomberg has zeroed in on the Trump/GOP failure to guarantee an end to pre-existing exclusions, life-time maximums, the increasing shift of risk and cost away from for-profit commercial insurance companies awash in cash to 'covered lives' (the insured) and providers (physicians and hospitals).
27
“Grind to dust”, love the expression. Not only he will do that but in the process Trump’s ego will be pulverized. Trump will be beaten and kicked out of the White House by someone richer and more successful than him.
7
Partly out of distaste for the entire primary party, and partly out of distaste for the anti-Bernie bias of the Democratic Party leadership, I am going to give Bloomberg my vote in the California primary on Super Tuesday.
I absolutely believe Bloomberg will grind Trump into dust given the opportunity.
92
More Americans are insured than ever before, any American who lacks insurance can buy it with a government subsidy, why would the Democrats think this is a winning issue?
At every debate Bernie shouts there are 80 million uninsured or underinsured Americans. Last debate this number magically increased to 87 million. There are roughly 20 million uninsured Americans and every year this number goes down. The minimum level of insurance is federally mandated- who invented 67 million underinsured Americans? Why isn't anyone challenging Bernie on this number? Minimum car insurance is also mandated. How many underinsured drivers are there?
The Democrats seem to be unwilling to challenge the assumption that Americans are unhappy with their health insurance and want as a solution for the government to provide it. WaPo had a poll in which over 70% of privately insured Americans wanted to keep a product they paid for.
Canadians wait 3 months to see a neurosurgeon and nearly 2 months to get an MRI. Americans with stage 3 cancer have a higher 5 year survival rate than Canadians, English or French. Until very recently no national health insurance covered immunotherapy, and now only England covers it and only for breast cancer.
Hospitals can't survive on Medicare reimbursement rates. The FDA alone approves therapies without considering cost.
Most Americans approve of how they get their care and want the advantages of our system.
Find another issue to attack Trump or he'll win.
4
Not true, I get an MRI in an emergency immediately, and by appointment for non-emergency care within a couple weeks. My taxes, around $6000 last year, but with rebates I wound up paying about $80. Everyone in my family sees the doctor once every three months or so for preventative maintenance and checkups. My father-in-law broke his ribs, punctured a lung and had to be transferred back and forth between two Hospitals twice last year, and guess what, he still owns his house. It’s perfectly scalable too. You could pay for it all with just a few adjustments to your defense budget and having companies like Google actually pay tax.
26
@jkemp Your comment would probably have more credibility if the claim in the very first line wasn't completely wrong.
4
There are countless problems with our dysfunctional healthcare system that is mired in bureaucracy (insurance companies in particular) whose sole purpose is profit. Morale among physicians is dismal, and they are not the ones reaping the profits. Look at a little deeper into what you consider happy patients and you’ll find it just isn’t do. The current for-profit system along with the food industry are unconcerned about the health status of Americans. Where do you get your rosy perspective?
2
Way to go Mike! Maybe you can also hit some other things, like the promises Donnie made before the election: "Mexico will pay for the wall. I won't have time to play golf. I'll release my tax returns....
28
Hahaha. No he can’t win but he can spread Democratic message and call out Trump to his hearts content
Keep doing the Lord’s work, Mr Bloomberg
17
He absolutely can WIN!
7
@Neuharth I wouldn't be too sure about Bloomberg being unable to win the nomination. He's not a man accustomed to losing.
3
-Much thanks to Mike Bloomberg for focusing this election where it should be.. on Trump.
.-- The other Dems are busy knocking each other for everything from how the viewed school bussing in the 70's.. to whether or not they like dogs.. Jeez
22
I wonder how many millions of Bloomberg money it will take to erase the stain of Stop and Frisk? He's focusing on Healthcare to distract voters from his record.
Blacks and Hispanics aren't distracted.
7
@Russian Bot
They're not laying awake about stop and frisk. They are laying awake about jobs, healthcare and affordable housing, like most of us.
3
@Russian Bot You think they hate Bloomberg as much as they hate Donald Trump? Because that's al that really matters.
5
@Livonian
I'm Hispanic, so yes I am extremely concerned about Bloomberg's racist policies (if not his own racism). But thanks for telling me what is more important to me.
@CritterDoc
I think you'd be surprised to learn that a lot of people don't balance their votes on who they hate. Weird right?
1
Bloomberg is not one to talk about preserving healthcare. When he was mayor he stripped prescription drug benefits from disabled, retired NYC employees. Now some of these disabled retirees have to spend 1/3 of their income on life saving medication — or enroll in public assistance programs. When it comes to healthcare, Bloomberg is a disgrace!
5
I will, of course, vote for the raccoons that frequent the local dump over Trump but none of the Dem presidential candidates are too terribly inspiring or exciting. All except Mr. Bloomberg. He can hammer Trump and emasculate him in ways these other folks just cannot. Go Mike Go!
77
@Spartan At least the racoons are honest about their intentions.
3
Other than Mike Bloomberg and the Lincoln Project, Trump has had unanswered air time in the 6-10 states that matter in the elections for over six months now. I am glad that at least those two groups are getting our message out. To me, the primaries and caucuses are a distraction to getting Donald Trump out.
18
Keep hammering away Mike. The voters need to know that Trump will do away with treatment for preexisting conditions and eventually the ACA. Voters actually need to be inundated with ads reminding them what Trump intends to do with their healthcare.
18
I'd like to see Bloomberg's billions go to down ticket candidates. No matter whom we Dems/Indys et al elect, without a House 'n Senate our Pres. of choice will be severely hamstringed.
Bloomberg could also put his Billions into getting our the vote. Registering and signing up new voters. Paying off the Poll Tax on Fla. parolees so they can vote. Flipping Fla. would go a long way towards a more Progressive future.
I don't like the idea of our Resolute Desk being bought (anymore than it already has been....), but if the wealthy want to start making America a more Democratic Republic, then help Americans vote; help us return congress to We the People rather than the rich and connected.
9
He knows the media business better than Trump or anyone else in the running. In a one on one he would run circles around Trump. In addition to healthcare he needs to start hitting Trump and the Republicans on their plans to cut Social Security and Medicare after the next election. He does need to find a way to connect with communities of color, perhaps by announcing a running mate that will appeal to those communities.
12
Whether you love Bernie or Joe, Warren, Pete or Amy, haven't we all seen enough to conclude, Trump will likely steamroller any of them in November? It's not hard to see how he'll snatch another term, if any of them are nominated.
They're all still campaigning like it's 2009. Progressive politics and plans may warm liberal hearts and address the needs of the majority of Americans, who (when the polarizing labels are removed) overwhelmingly back such programs.
But they're also dead weight and toxic Fox fodder in a national election that turns on the Electoral College.
Consider Bloomberg and Steyer. They are untethered financially from Dem donors, giving them the ability to focus on winning, not posturing for the home team. Their ads are telling: they're not attacking Democrats, but Trump, directly. And, they're applying pressure where he's failing most, and most Americans care.
They're also successful money men. Like it or not, in the 21st reality TV world of politics, that's extremely important to a lot of the electorate. And, they can call out Trump's overblown business record from a superior position - something no one else in the liberal bullpen can do.
Dems need to swallow hard, and admit, the leading candidates aren't up to the contest, no matter how much we may like them and their positions.
39
Mike Bloomberg’s ads have been blanketing TV here in the metro Phoenix market. Their messages are spot on for the market highlighting health care and climate change. And the fact that they hit a nerve with Mr. Trump is an added bonus.
47
I'm a Trump supporter and dislike Bloomberg, but...
The Republicans are vulnerable on health care, because they simply have no plan.
No plan for excessive premiums or deductibles even for those with employer-sponsored health insurance.
No plan for people who cannot afford health insurance.
Bloomberg is wise to pound this issue.
And Trump would be wise to corral McConnell and other top Republicans into a room and come up with something better than the current expensive, Rube Goldberg health insurance contraption.
90
@John Good luck to that!!
When has the GOP ever done anything except cut taxes to the wealthy & explode the deficit. I’m just hoping Bloomberg keeps pounding away while the Dems figure it out.
Not sure how anyone who isn’t in 1% supports Trump or the GOP?
You must love your guns
64
@John, Trump has zero ideas on how to improve health care. Nor do the Republicans. Remember, Obamacare, eviscerated as it is, essentially is the Republican plan conceived in the 90's as an alternative to Clinton's health care initiatives.
34
@John I have bad news for you; McConnell will not.
The American Health Care industry is a massive shakedown at it's core and no Republican incumbent wants to fix that, They are being paid not to want that.
41
Bloomberg may not win the nomination because he got in too late and his background on important issues to Dems is checkered.
However he shows what running intelligent, poll-tested, kitchen table-issue, message campaign. Not a social justice warrior campaign, or a Trump Derangement Syndrome campaign GM. Just find smart issues and hammer them home. Not other candidates can do that? They just take purity tests of which are trivial. So help us.
19
@Thunder Road Bloomberg was behind gay marriage and officiated at the first marriage in NYC. He does this because it's the right thing. I agree that he won't run a campaign with purity tests being a main feature, and that's a relief. The average (non-Trump) voter is for doing the right thing, but it's a losing proposition to come at it from a judgmental position that demeans that voter. The purity thing is done with scorn. You can see plenty of scorn in the comments section. That scorn will drive average voters (in "flyover" country) away.
2
I’m not registered as a Democrat but I think I will change just so I vote for Mike in the primary in Florida.
50
I don't care for him, but I love his TV commercials and how direct he is at Trump. He can even go harder against him.
13
Donald Trump isn't a tenth of the billionaire nor the governing politician nor the policy principled wizard that diminutive Michael Bloomberg is by nature and nurture on any issue.
26
It’s hard to argue the case for not voting for Bloomberg. He just needs to pick a younger diverse VP and he wins. He beats trump in spades on every single perceived trump advantage. Business man - check. Billionaire - check, check. Successful - ah duh. Smarter, richer, more experience, trustworthy, steady, honest, etc.... go Bloomberg! Booker perhaps? Maybe Warren?
48
@Dan
Amy Klobuchar.
1
@Dan And dare I say, he beats him in Making America Great as we move ahead into a different future (not making us great "again"). Great enough to handle crises like climate change, we can hope.
4
Warren, Sanders and the rest of the DP candidates have a healthcare mandate in Obamacare and all they want to do is create another plan of their making while confusing the issues. Bloomberg has the right idea, just perfect Obamacare and quit scaring the electorate. It is pretty simple.
23
@NOTATE REDMOND Hear, hear! It has been very confusing to hear the multiplicity of plans put forward and vague as to the actual mechanics of how they will come to be. Though it is the most personally pressing need for many people, healthcare is not the most pressing need for our survival. Climate change/the environment are.
1
The first half of the Bloomberg ads I have seen are principles and statements that will help any Democrat against Trump. The second half backs Bloomberg but not in a way that would disqualify any other Democratic candidate.
So all in all, these are the types of ads Dems should be running in the Primary.
22
It will be interesting to see if Bloomberg becomes a major factor in the democratic primary after the first 4 states vote.
I like to think even if he loses, Bloomberg will continue to spend aggressively to defeat Trump and save our democracy.
39
I'm glad Bloomberg is reminding voters about reasons not to vote for Trump on healthcare, but he must not forget to give them a reason to vote for him as well.
Sanders is proposing Medicare-for-All. Buttigieg proposes "Medicare for those who want it". What does Bloomberg propose? He might have stated what he stands for at some point, however, he needs to make himself more clear.
The democrats can't win just on what they aren't for. Being against Trump isn't enough. They must also stand for something other than the status quo, because the status quo helped deliver Trump.
7
@thinktank, reminding that Trump has been trying form Day 1 to kill the Affordable Care Act is critical and tells people what Trump is against, not what Bloomberg is against. Saving the ACA from Trump’s war on healthcare is a legitimate affirmative policy position..
149
@Emme Now, if only Trump had made the Bidens an issue from Day 1 instead of the ACA he wouldn't be up for impeachment!
2
The only way the healthcare situation can be improved is to reduce the share of the pie the healthcare industry as a whole extracts from the economy from its current level of 18%. Shifting the burden from one payer to another does not change the inescapable fact that Americans spend on average $10k+ per year compared to around $6K per year in all other developed countries. It is a $1.3Tr comparative excess (almost twice the size of the military budget) borne by individuals directly, indirectly, and as taxpayers, by businesses, and by public institutions. Any proposal or legislation that does not first reduce the healthcare pie is no more than a political stunt.
10
@RC
Universal health care, as well as Medicare for those who want it both do reduce the overall share of the pie - as is shown by every other first world nation that also has it.
8
@SusanStoHelit
Universal healthcare (which I believe in) in the rest of the world has proved to reduce or at least control the size of the pie while producing equal or better overall results, however public healthcare in the US has not, as currently structured, reduced the share of the pie. Quite the contrary. Public healthcare accounts for 60% of the total. 5% of patients, the chronically ill, mainly covered by public insurance, account for 1/2 of the total of $1.75Tr, approx. $100k per person per year. The chief culprit is cost of service more than insurance or even drug costs.
What most commentators tend to miss is that, because the US is essentially a crony capitalist country, the public healthcare structure has evolved to enrich the industry to the detriment of the patient. Unless this situation is attacked and beaten back, medicare-for-all will also end up being developed for the benefit of the industry and the crippling total cost will not be reduced.
It should be remembered that the healthcare industry has higher revenues than the GDP of every country except China, Japan and Germany. It has enormous political clout.
The first step is to get real.
Good for Bloomberg going straight to the heart of some key weaknesses in what Trump has done to the health of America.
48
The best mayor in NYC history, am extraordinarily successful entrepreneur and one of the world’s greatest philanthropists
He’s got my vote
88
Keep it up, Bloomberg! You are appreciated big time right now. Thank you.
51
“Support for maintaining Obamacare’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions has remained high over time. This past November, the Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll found that 62 percent of the public — including 47 percent of Republicans — did not want the Supreme Court to overturn the protections.”
Who? Who answered this question “yes”?? Did they understand the question?
Are there people who actually think “well yes by golly, I think the Supreme Court Should overturn protections for people with pre-existing conditions”. Apparently yes — until it affects Them.
No wonder the United States is following Rome.
13
@Almost Can’t Take It Anymore: Same here. Why only 62% of the people against overturning protections for people with preexisting conditions? More than half of Republicans are in favor of overturning protections for people with preexisting conditions? Are those the Evangelicals who think it's God's will if you get sick and then either get better or die? Or are they those healthy people who think they will never get sick and/or old or have an accident?
4
@Almost Can’t Take It Anymore
There are definitely those people - sure they'll never be the one, thinking they don't want their insurance rates to go up to cover a cancer patient who needs chemo.
2
@Anna They are either the healthy young Republicans/Libertarians or rich enough they can afford to cover all their medical costs.
1
Mayor Bloomberg is clearly the smartest guy in the room by a huge margin. He has my vote!
46
I hope that Bloomberg hits other Trump falsehoods that hit our pocketbooks, like who's really paying for the tariffs!
And I hope that he also goes after non-economic falsehoods that Trump utters every day.
18
If I had to vote for a billionaire; that billionaire would be Tom Steyer. Steyer walks the talk and has actually campaigned and worked to get his voters.
Bloomberg pulls another let me buy my way into the nomination process, as he did with his 3rd term as Mayor of NYC. I would have more respect for him, had he proceeded as all other candidates had.
Besides, he doesn't have the black votes; he should take a seat with Buttigieg.
@cinnamon roots: And you think Bloomberg is not campaigning with his ads? And who do you think he'd be buying the election from: the voters perhaps? I didn't see an offer in my mail yet... He also promised to support any other of the Democratic candidates if they happen to win the nomination. Bloomberg did not buy himself the 3rd term, he only succeeded in overturning the term limit of two terms. He still needed to get elected, and he didn't force the voters to vote for him.
5
@cinnamon roots: Bloomberg has been meeting voters in the Super Tuesday states where his candidacy is registered.
3
@cinnamon roots Steyer has no government experience and his hedge fund profited off fossil fuels. We should have all been so lucky to profit off them. I might as well vote for Rex Tillerson - he dislikes Trump, too, right? Not only does Bloomberg have government experience, he has some of the most impressive and salient experience of any candidate in the race. If anyone needs to drop out of the race, it's Steyer's vanity project.
2
Mike Bloomberg demonstrates experience, integrity, caring for others, a commitment to Democracy and Capitalism, self-interest and an appropriate lack of perfection to be the Democrat's answer. Democrats have to stop pandering to every special interest group, socialist idea and pipe dream and go with a proven winner who will unite the country, take back the WH and improve America while upholding its ideals. Go Mike!
31
It’s harder to buy a country than a city
2
@Michael Livingston’s: Putin disagrees with you.
Get out of the race, we don't want you in our primaries or running our government. You did enough damage in NYC, we don't want another dilettante "master of the universe" trying tio run a government like a business.
4
The night Trump's tax scam passed, he had a party I believe at Mara Lago. He walked in and said, "I've just made you all very rich." Just wondering how many of you are very rich now. I know I'm not. Anybody? Somebody?
19
Bloomberg drowns our Democracy. He's the epitome of someone who buys pols, enabling and supporting their addiction to money to do his bidding. Until money (the drug of pols!) is removed from our election billionaire minions will be spewing their reified ego into every household.
Never going to happen because ALL POLITICIANS are addicts of power of office and money....
Corrupt junkies.
3
The old saying "keep it simple stupid" is what these candidates need to remember. Put every single one of Trump's policies out there so people can see how bad he has been for the average American citizen. They will pay attention.
11
Pun intended Howard? Either way, keep the blood flowing!
“ said Howard Wolfson, a top adviser to Mr. Bloomberg. “Now having drawn blood, I think we’re going to continue in this vein.”
6
Well done Mr. Bloomberg, now please consider flooding Facebook with ads and/or buying Twitter!
18
It's no contest between Bloomberg and Trump on intelligence. On a debate stage Trump will be dwarfed. This issue could sink the white house "buffoon."
35
Michael Bloomberg has stepped up to the plate and is, admirably, financing his campaign with his own money because he is so alarmed by what has happened to the USA in the short almost 4 years Trump has occupied the Oval Office. The only person who can beat Trump is Bloomberg, who is incorruptable, without scandal, a self-made billionaire and a three time Mayor of New York City who did a terrific job - except for the "stop and frisk" for which he apologized. Donald Trump, the "stable genius," apologizes for nothing and has accomplished nothing - except, perhaps, honing his Twitter typing skills and is terrified of Bloomberg - as he well should be.
20
Bloomberg attacking Trump in his ads? Why? Trump is NOT his Opponent until Bloomberg is the Nominee.
2
I am tentatively supporting Mike Bloomberg at this time, with a wait and see attitude on issues that he has so far not addressed.
I would support the Bernie Sanders medicare for all plan, but ONLY if it includes a believable plan to pay for it over time.
All of the Democratic candidates in the first debate promised to extend universal health care to illegal immigrants. Moreover, some of them seem to suggest open borders, which would increase the level of immigration without bound.
US population has increased by about 36% since the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986. The US has not increased the training of physicians at the same rate over the last 34 years. That a goes a long way toward explaining why medical costs keep rising. Medical services for immigrants are not free. I have seen recent immigrants speaking Spanish in ER's when I have gone in for medical emergencies.
Yes, Trump lies about everything. But the Democratic candidates for president seemed to be lying in the first debate when they promised extending benefits to illegal immigrants. Unless we cut illegal immigration to zero, health care for the poor will continue to be difficult to pay for far into the future.
What I like about Bloomberg is that he made no promise to extend health care to all illegal immigrants.
Yes, in a perfect world everyone should get health care. Yes, we should cut illegal immigration to zero and gradually extend health care so that it is universal for American citizens.
4
If you run healthcare for private profit, why should insurers be forced to take on customers they expect to lose money on? Makes absolutely no sense at all.
And unless Bloomberg is backing UHC, and I imagine he isn’t, then he’s going after Trump on an issue he has no solution to either.
1
@Xoxarle: Sick people are not customers in the sense of someone considering buying a car or a dress. Considering them customers does not make sense. Bloomberg for now, is backing universal health care, by having a public option to the ACA and strengthening it instead of sabotaging it. With mandatory health insurance and subsidies for those who need them, this would be a form of universal health care. And let's hope Bloomberg also tackles insurance industries by allowing Medicare (and his proposed public option) to negotiate pricing. Not ideal, but much better than what we have now and palatable to those Americans who are skittish about European style health care (to be honest, I don't know why but that's what it is).
2
That’s why ACA had the mandate to maintain health insurance
To dilute the risk pool with adults who might otherwise decide to roll the dice
1
Pre-existing condition coverage is important for anyone who has had a life threatening illness, such as cancer (I have had two kinds and both before age 50 while living in the US). I am now a dual citizen of the US and the UK (where I have lived for eight years). My friends ask me if I am going to return to the US to live and my answer is simply "No. I have free healthcare funded by UK taxpayers (including me) through the National Health System of the UK. I would not be able to afford insurance that would give me adequate cancer coverage in the US now as I head into my 60s."
I have lived under both the US and the UK healthcare systems. There are vast differences between a for-profit system (US) and a not-for-profit system. However, the it is NOT the quality of care--for me it has been roughly equal thus far. Americans have been fed such lies about nationalised healthcare and single payer systems, while still relying on something similar at age 65 (Medicare).
The most important thing the Democratic candidates can focus on is actually educating Americans about the real differences between the two systems. One covers only those who have means to pay for the required care, the other covers ALL (even the poor). The rich can still pay for private medical care in a single-payer system if they want it--but they will not be able to deny care to the poor.
14
Bloomberg is smart, powerful and rich. He could win this.
303
@WeHadAllBetterPayAttentionNow He's powerful and rich - which are not good things. He's not exactly smart either, since he became the liberal laughingstock of the world for his behavioralist lawmaking (cf. the soda tax) and out of touch governing. He absolutely, 100%, could not win this.
4
@Dylan So out of touch that Democratic New York City re-elected him twice.
And he's devoted millions and millions of dollars funding anti-smoking and sensible gun-control reform - among many other noble causes..
Perhaps that so-called laughter you're hearing from liberals is actually applause?
15
He must be smart. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering. You don’t get that with a low IQ.
7
Bloomberg with his willingness to spend nearly unlimited amounts of money and actually listen to what voters believe will improve their lives (protecting and building on the ACA vs the Medicare 4 All pipedream) might at the very least save Democrats from themselves if not become the party's nominee.
56
Thank you Michael Bloomberg!
Win or lose, you’re advocating for issues that are important to lives and health of the American people. Although I still prefer single-payer healthcare, putting a spotlight on the importance of healthcare is a great service to the American people.
97
The fact that Trump and his minions can still make these outrageous claims shows the abysmal ignorance of many Americans. Hey MAGA's, pick up a newspaper for once in your life. Trump has gone after Obamacare with a vengeance, if, for no other petty reason than it contains the name "Obama"; if it was called Trumpcare, he'd be fine with it. The same ignorance extends to those red states who have still refused to accept funds for Medicaid extension or who have now imposed work requirements.
I wonder what Bloomberg's intentions really are? I'm sure he'd be delighted to be President, and his inundation of the airwaves have boosted him in the polls, but in lieu of that, is he nominally in the contest just so he can produce these attack ads under the guise of being a presidential candidate? He's not exactly knocking himself out on the campaign trail. I know he and his cronies are in a tizzy about Sanders and Warren, but he hasn't gone after them directly, reserving his ire for Trump, which is wise in any case. I'd love to see money out of politics, but if laying an expensive siege to Trump Towers is Bloomberg's gift to preserving democracy, I'm comfortable with that.
77
Now, if this "great" newspaper had endorsed Bloomberg, maybe, just maybe the "progressive" Democrats would have taken another look at him. Bloomberg would be great for the nation, but Trump is good for the NYT. Under Trump, the NYT stock price only goes up!
21
I am voting for Bernie. I hope you take another look at the progressive policies, including the GND. Thank you for your consideration.
3
W already have government healthcare, medicaid which covers 78 million, and it costs more than private coverage. . The government doesn't want to cut costs , they want to make cronies richer .Coverage for pre existing conditions wouldn't be an issue if the government didn't drive up medical costs.
Our healthcare costs 18% of the economy . The way to get the cost down is to allow free market competition . In most counties there is only one option for insurance and lack of competition drives up costs.
People should have catastrophic coverage and then pay cash for minor things because the paperwork involved in processing a minor issue is enormous , involving insurance companies, employees benefits managers and others so that doctors spend more time processing paperwork than seeing patients. Most people have homeowners insurance to cover fire but not the cost of painting, flooring because that would cause the price to skyrocket
There is tremendous corruption in healthcare
A few of the many articles in the WSJ on corruption in healthcare are :
Where Does the law Against Kickbacks Not Apply? Your Hospital Zweig, Phillip WSJ May8, 2017 A18
Why CVS Loves Obamacare WSJ May30,2018 A14
Hospitals Push Doctors to Keep Referrals in House Anna Wilde Mathews WSJ Dec28, 2018 A1
CVS Exploits PBM Role and Taxpayers Pay Representative Doug Collins WSJ June 26,2018 A16
Scott Wilkinson MD WSJ letter Sept 13, 2019 pgA14
@Molly
Ask the GOP why. Next.
2
No one knows Trump better than Bloomberg.
While the rest of the candidates are attacking and destroying each other with their political fantasies, Trump is laughing at them.
Trump fears Bloomberg. So far the worse he has been able to hit back with is "He's shorter than I am".
Bloomberg has zero-sighted on Trump's lies and weaknesses. His ads are top of the line and everywhere.
Time to reconsider party purity tests and semi-utopian wants for reality.
162
Bernie versus Donald in 2020 is a no win scenario for America!
22
@Seabrook what about Warren with VP Sanders against Trump? Does that change any calculation or you feel like the centrist vote is still too strong? Honest question - I mean no I'll will by it.
Can you name three specific policies of Bernie Sanders which would be “no-win”? Or are you hung up on the label of “Socialism”?
4
Bloomberg has no chance on the national level and he is too old
5
@Nycdweller - Ageism stinks. Maybe he has no chance, but he's certainly not too old, and I suspect, has more energy and accomplishments behind him than you ever will, whatever age you are right now.
8
@Nycdweller I see Bloomberg is 78, which surprises me. He looks younger.
2
Bloomberg gets my vote!
69
Because we need more American oligarchs in control?
3
When a proven pathological liar speaks, aka Trump, check carefully for misstatements, downright blatant falsehoods, fabrications and TRUMPEDup facts.
12
‘They should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.”
This really says it all. My frustration and disgust at the Democratic candidates just keeps growing, but I love Mr. Bloomberg’s focus on stopping Trump and on healthcare as the top issue. He also has been a strong voice on the need to address climate change, my biggest concern.
I never thought a I’d consider voting for a billionaire, but I’m thinking pretty hard about it now.
117
@mltrueblood
Being from NYC - I can attest Bloomberg is most qualified dude running!!
9
He’s our nominee.
16
Another pro-Bloomberg article. These having been coming out at least once a day. Sounds like the NYT should’ve just endorsed him instead of the double non-endorsement they issued last week.
12
This speaks very highly for Bloomberg - he's dedicated himself to going after Trump voters where it hurts: pre-existing conditions.
To paraphrase an earlier wise-acre: "It's the health care, stupid!"
And while the rest of the pack are savaging each other, Bloomberg's put the focus exactly where it belongs.
47
Just buy twitter ...
11
Bloomberg is serving the country well by using his amazing wealth in an excellent cause: destroying the web of lies created by Trump the miscreant and his cabal of Republican enablers.
130
Who cares if Bloomberg gets the nomination, wins, or just moves the needle against Trump by deploying his wealth? Millions spent countering Trump’s endless lies are millions well spent. Bloomberg should get the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Oh, yah - Congress...
20
Bloomburg is outside the circular firing squad--does that make him a DINO?
5
Did multi billionaire Trump out of his own pocket fund anything like FM Bloomberg School of Health/Johns Hopkins,?
Anything like the Charlotte R. Bloomberg Mother and Child Center, located on Hadassah's Ein Kerem campus?
Bloomberg is a man who believes in healthcare, and does something about it in a big way.
151
@Lawrence:
It's absolutely shocking that people still believe that trump is a "multi billionaire"!
That is a farcical lie, promulgated by none other than pathological narcissist trump.
As revealed by the verified leaks of his actual tax returns, he is not even a single billionaire. He is always finagling (and cheating) money from our federal government, just to pay his Yuuuge mortgages and loans that he can't afford.
On the other hand, Bloomberg is so much more than a multi billionaire, that he has committed to (and is well on his way to) spend ONE BILLION dollars to remove trump.
trump has spent nothing of his own money on his campaign, instead taking and spending other peoples' monies. A true multi billionaire would readily spend $100 million (a tenth of what Bloomberg will spend) on their own campaign.
trump is an unstable and very scary joker, certainly NO billionaire.
Mike is Making America Gain Again!
Go Mike!
5
@Lawrence Yes Bloomberg won the 2009 Lasker award for public health.
3
Is this a joke?
'“This is a really big negative for the president with swing voters,” said Howard Wolfson, a top adviser to Mr. Bloomberg'
No...! A top adviser for the contender, saying this new add is the end of the competition.
Please say it ain't so!
Please. Are you serious?
Like Coke posting an add saying their Coke Classic is the end of Pepsi. Yea am sure Pepsi will raise the white flag and close shop, surrendering in shame.
That's the level of IQ of 'Howard Wolfson, a top adviser to Mr. Bloomberg'.
Sorry Mr Bloomberg, you need advisers that can win, not morons who believe their own PR lines.
1
Nothing against Bloomberg and his television adds (which I have not seen). It’s just that nobody watches television anymore except perhaps the 17 people who commented on this article. Meanwhile 550 commentators on another NYT times article (on the digital edition of course) are freaking out over Trumps dominance of digital and how that dominance played a major role in his beating of Hillary in 2016. Maybe Howard Wolfson could advise Bloomberg to move some of that television advertising money to digital to help offset Trumps digital advantage.
7
@Independent: I agree that digital advertising is a must, but still watch/listen to TV. I watch CBS Sunday Morning (the best weekly program on television) every week and have seen Bloomberg's ads and they are the best political ads I've ever seen. I also watch PBS, the BBC news, Turner Classic Movies, many sports events, and some of the lineup on MSNBC for at least a few minutes every night, and check in irregularly with the GOP propaganda machine (Fox, Breitbart, Newsmax, etc. ad nauseum). Imagine that! I'm online all day for the work I do, and subscribe to The New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and read other periodicals, blogs, and sourced articles that have good reporting on a host of subjects.
What I like about Mike Bloomberg is that he is using some of his well-earned billions for the greater good. When he was Mayor of New York, he rode the subway, and I suspect he still does. He is smart, an incredibly successful, truly self-made businessman, unlike the current white house occupant, and he cares about important issues that affect all of us, not just those in the ubermonied class.
If by some chance he were to actually be our candidate, I think we'd win in a landslide.
364
As someone else posted, Bloomberg is too old. He’s campaigning old. Perhaps he will appeal to the moderate, geriatric set.
As of now, I do not see “America is a Christian nation” middle America and swing states voting for him or Bernie or anyone else not washed in the blood of the lamb.
Prove me wrong.
1
@Independent Are you saying no one is going to watch the commercials during the SuperBowl? Bloomberg has a multi-million ad scheduled. (Trump's handlers were so freaked out by this, that they immediately matched dollar by dollar so as to be able to say Bloomberg did not overspend them - They are scared and paying notice!)
His ads are also everywhere else, on radio, print and on the web.
18
Add Sherrod Brown as your running mate and......victory.
8
@SBFH: Or Michelle Obama, or Stacey Abrams.
@SBFH They love Sherrod Brown in Ohio!
1
Now the Times is trying to promote a billionaire. The fear that Biden is going down is palpable.
9
If you look at the mess NYC is in due to the Bloomberg administration and continuing to today, I think Mr. Bloomberg is throwing stones in his glass house.
2
@Randy L. : As a NYC native, you are incorrect. The New York City "mess" is at the feet of the utterly incompetent current mayor, Bill de Blasio, who is responsible for massive construction (building permit kickbacks for financing his campaign, anyone?) streets and sidewalks like something out of a third world country and infra-structure (including subways) continuing to deteriorate. That has nothing to do with Mike Bloomberg, a three time Mayor who was excellent - or he would never have been voted in as Mayor for an unprecedented third term.
176
@Randy L. While I don't agree with everything he says or does, NYC was in vastly better shape when he was mayor---do not confuse him with our current mayor DeBlasio!!!!
12
@Randy L. The only reason that de Blasio the "progressive" mayor, hasn't been able to completely destroy NYC is because of the 12 years of Bloomberg. I am proud to have voted for him for all three terms. While not perfect, because no one is, Mike was the BEST mayor NYC has had in decades.
3
I give Bloomberg a lot of credit for getting the word out about the Republican health care lie. The test will be whether the ads get through to the Trump supporters who are immune to any truth that’s contrary to what they choose to believe. Many of whom will be adversely affected by his and the draconian Republican scheme. Even then, it’s a toss-up if they’ll ditch Trump.
201
@Bags
The goal isn't to get through to the Trump diehards - it's to get through to the independents, the ones who could go to either party. That is where elections are won and lost.
And the current debate model of "more woke than thou" and who made what statement 20 years ago that doesn't work so well today is not helpful.
30
@SusanStoHelit I believe it is imperative to get the word out about the Republican health care lies and the meaning of what insurance companies can do if they are not mandated to cover pre-existing conditions will do to each person's friends, family and neighbors - and to themselves.
Every Democratic candidate should be beating this drum loudly to all citizens.
25
@WWW
Absolutely. It’s infuriating that this is being consumed by the healthcare for all pipe dream.
2
Another example of Bloomberg doing good things. He’s not just talking- he’s taking action by going after DJT !
No billionaire or millionaire has ever ( yes, ever!) tried to do more good with their money than what Bloomberg is now doing. Trump really is an existential threat. The clock is ticking for the world as we know it and I hope the Democratic Party starts to appreciate that Bloomberg is the best, and likely only, hope to replace Trump come November.
50
I have concerns about another billionaire buying his way into the presidency. That said, Bloomberg seems to be one of the few democratic candidates who "gets it" that healthcare is a pivotal issue for voters and one on which Fat Don is weak.
22
While I will vote for Bloomberg if he is the nominee, I fear it will by a Pyrrhic victory.
Money has already corrupted politics, and while some will argue that Boomberg buying his way into the election means he cannot be bought, it is equally true that this just ups the ante to more ridiculous levels. Is the 2024 debate stage going to consist of Bloomberg, Bezos, Jack Dorsey and Mark Zuckerberg? Is this what we want?
One of my favorite things about Amy Klobuchar is she has actually talked about this. It is high time we go to federally funded elections. This is ridiculous.
All the money he is currently spending trying to undermine some very good candidates would be much better spent in voter registration and fighting voter suppression. How many of the nearly half a million Puerto Ricans who move moved to Florida in after the hurricane are registered?
Bloomberg may or may not have been a good mayor, but I am not at all happy about his candidacy.
1
Nobody talks about concrete solutions to solve the rising costs of healthcare. Here it is: A) Automate the entire system; i.e. making appointments online, access to patient's health records, automated billing, guiding healthcare providers in offering treatment, etc. can all be automated. We have way too many administrative people working in healthcare. B) Allow foreign drug companies to sell medicine, especially for generics and force the Feds to negotiate prices for MedicAid and MediCare. C) Sell insurance across State borders with some guidelines. D) Penalize unhealthy people, but only after giving them a chance to get better via covered treatments.
1
" A spokeswoman for Mr. Trump’s campaign defended the president’s record, claiming he “has protected Americans with pre-existing conditions by offering affordable health care with choice and patient-guided decision-making.” She also pointed to steps he’s taken to give people “access to short-term, limited duration plans and association health plans.” "
I missed something or is their actually a Trump/Republican health plan ? No, 3 years into his term and nothing done except the dismantling and trying to bankrupt the ACA. Then lie about eliminating coverage for pre-existing conditions and pretend they have other options for coverage like the Christian "not health insurance" pseudo -coverage plans. How can we survive 4 more years of this lying and corruption?.
5
I appreciate Bloomberg's advertisements to remind voters of Trump's demagoguery and Trump's attack on affordable health care. The Democrats need to get their message out there to voters and not split hairs over plans. The number one priority is to get Trump and his ilke out of government.
27
The Democrats are squabbling among themselves about issues that shouldn't even be on the table (like mandatory Medicare for all). It's worth asking why, but the answer doesn't matter: they're Democrats; infighting is what they do.
Bloomberg, who is both savvier and less doctrinaire than the group, holds a very strong position in this respect. He has been above the fray and has timed his entry into the campaign to avoid the shake-out of the early contests.
He is impervious to Trump's bullying and bluster. He is head and shoulders sharper than Trump. And he has relatively little baggage that can haunt him (as did Hillary).
The only question, and it's an important one is: will Democratic constituencies come out to vote for him against Trump, the way they didn't for Hillary?
For the sake of the country, we all hope that they will.
43
If Mike Bloomberg can buy the nomination, and his financial resources can help assure he will win in November, I would happily support him. I am the bluest of blue democrats, I never voted for him for mayor, but he may be our ticket to salvation.
We are in a catastrophic national emergency dear friends, as Democrats, it seems to me, we need to hold our noses, if necessary, and jump in with both feet to support whomever can crush Donald in November. Yes, even Mike Bloomberg.
42
There's a possibility Bloomberg is a mensch. I don't think he actually thinks he can win the nomination, he's just making sure the messaging is out there hammering Trump. With bottomless resources behind it to boot. Thank you, Mayor Bloomberg.
43
All this nonsense from the candidates about this new insurance system they are going to give us. Until it's built, they can make any claim about it.
I have worked hard to be in a position to have good health care coverage. I will not support a candidate that threatens my coverage.
Let them build the new insurance system. When it matches or exceeds what I currently have, I will gladly switch. But until then, leave my insurance alone.
4
Bloomberg is the only clear thinking, competent, balanced and electable choice
A vote for Bernie is a vote for Trump, unfortunately
47
Bloomberg should focus his ads on Trump’s “pre-existing conditions” and the need for mental health coverage.
4
Bloomberg would absolutely destroy trump in a 40 state landslide. He is the most formidable potential nominee because he appeals to the widest swath of the electorate and has unheard of funds to push the issues that matter (not what donors want him to push).
32
Add some spots about what will happen to SS and Medicare in a second term too. Scare them with the truth.
26
Yes, yes, yes! All the other Democratic contenders should voluntarily step aside - especially the Hunter Biden hobbled Joe - and let someone with vision, skill, expertise, experience and funding take the lead. They can plow the road for Michael instead of hitting themselves in the head while they run down blind alley's! Go Bloomberg!
30
Hey, New York Times. Thank you for the quote from the Iowa voter who said "I really like Obamacare." Now how about a quote from an Iowa voter who would prefer healthcare we can actually afford.
The New York Times continues to subtly support status quo candidates in ways that are misleading. Obamacare would be great if we could afford all the deductibles and copays, or if I had employer-sponsored healthcare insurance -- but I don't, and neither do millions of Americans. And even for those who do, the premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pockets are making my "insurance" too expensive to use!
3
As a NYC native, I can say with assurance Michael Bloomberg is the real deal - on every level - a self-made billionaire from a middle class background, hard working, no scandals and using his own money to dislodge the odious Occupant in the Oval Office. A true American who has honestly earned and lived the American dream. He is the only Democrat who can beat Trump - and Trump knows it!
118
Nonsense. No scandals? He settled multiple lawsuits for discrimination against women. And then there was that little problem of racially profiling hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. But nah, nothing the Democratic base would care about.
2
Bloomberg/Klobuchar - I could get excited about that combination.
22
Is it just me or is the Times coverage of Bloomberg pretty favorable? Especially compared to the Bernie coverage (and I say that as a Warrens supporter. Also, I think Bloomberg would make a great candidate for presidency, as a Republican.)
4
Keep punching at Trump Mr. Bloomberg. You are doing the nation an invaluable service.
124
Go Mr Bloomburg. While the rest of our flock is giving the election to Trump and his immoral supporters at least Mr Bloombiurg is tough on the issues. He will shut down the coal mines and through the corrupt mine owners in jail if they start them up. I am glad to see he is attacking Trump on health care. I will vote for Mr Bloomburg or Mr Biden . The others need to drop out and support these to men. We need to save the planet from Republican climate catastrophe with their support of coal.
25
I think Bloomberg is, by far, the best candidate. That said, if he isn't the nominee, he serves a very important purpose. He has the resources to be a targeted battering ram exposing Trump's lies and malfeasance.
58
Bloomberg is the Democrats only hope to beat trump! This is a fact that the Democrats need to wake up to … now!
15
I certainly hope that as many critical thinking voters as possible take the time to better understand Bloomberg and his policy positions as well as his extensive proven track record of accomplishing goals.
In my opinion, Bloomberg strips away all the silliness of meaningless Sanders Soundbites pandering to his wildly vocal minority base, the infighting amongst all the other deeply flawed candidates, and gets down to the actual business of fixing all that Trump has broken.
Bloomberg could actually beat Trump on level-headed substance, unflappable against Trump's idiotic impulsive babyish insults, and more importantly, actually accomplish the things he's identifying as priorities for getting America on track and rebuild it's position as a respectable global leader. Please seriously consider Mike Bloomberg- he's the real deal!
48
The only Dem I could support is Bloomberg. He won't wreck me financially, he'll improve my healthcare, and he won't roll back the Trump protections for Israel. This is the guy Trump is terrified of, and with his limitless wealth, for good reason.
11
Thanks to the House Democrats and their impeachment fiasco, Biden is all but finished. Sanders is climbing in the polls, Harvey Weinstein could beat Sanders in a General Election. If you don't believe me, ask Hillary. Wow, what a plan.
6
The healthcare for all is very timely. With a worldwide pandemic lurking, every citizen needs to consider healthcare. Even if you have insurance, the uninsured will spread the corona virus everywhere and your family will get sick and may die.
3
As my mom likes to say: "Two dogs fight about a bone, a third one takes it home..." Trump already promised to go after Medicare if reelected, so whoever wins the nomination: Vote Blue, and don't forget the Senate! Your life literally depends on it!
11
He's smart; he's sensible; he's experienced; he's incorruptible. And, he makes the pricey, non-representative Iowa dog and pony show primary properly irrelevant in this media and digital age.
286
@P Maris . . . agreed. And I'd like to see Rank Choice voting used. I bet that instead of polls, that would give us a better idea of what American's think about Mike.
Let's take big lobbies out of elections. Mike circumvents all the lobbyists because he is self funded.
And I think the guy is truly humble enough to know he can only sit on one chair at a time, only live in one house at a time.
14
@P Maris The dog and pony show is all we have right now and until Mike jumps in. And, it might prove useful as he begins to look for a VP.
3
@P Maris Yeah no. I remember almost that exact same thing being said about Trump. "Uncorruptible" because he's already rich. That is hilarious, if you actually believe that.
2
Bloomberg is so right in attacking Trump. I am dismayed by the sniping going on between the candidates, in part inspired by the format of the debates. One of the very first questions at the first debate was “Raise your hand if you support replacing private insurance with a Medicare for All program”. My heart sunk when the hands popped up, including Senator Warren’s. It’s been downhill since then. The correct response should have been “ no, we are not going to fall for your stupid raise your hands game about complex issues, We are all committed to saving Obamacare and extending health insurance for every American, Donald Trump is committed to taking away your healthcare. Next Question!”
314
Exactly. The debates are stale leftovers from 20th Century politics. A dozen people “debating” each other? Ridiculous.
27
@Mary Beth Well said! Trump and his minions are going to take away everything they can from the people of the USA, all while creating a huge deficit. I believe we are 75% more in debt now than when he took office.
20
@Mary Beth I shared your dismay. People take the trouble to attend to political discourse to find it undermined by gotcha provocations that amount to selectively applied mini impeachments of candidates for office and government representatives.
I'm not finding 'all the news that's fit to print' on the digital masthead, has it gone the way of 'do no harm'? The broadcast news offers an opportunity for a sound bite moment to boost viewership and opportunities for agenda pushers, personal or otherwise. More power to people who hold tight to the conviction that falsifications are just part of the game; less to those for whom truth is not a game.
This too shall pass, though it leave a wake.
2
When Bloomberg launched his campaign I thought it was funny. I could not imagine the Democratic party nominating a Billionaire. Now as I watch Bloomberg’s strategy of going after Trump in key swing states with a massive add campaign I understand his strategy. He wants to damage Trump early and often to weaken him for November. Democratic voters want a candidate who can win, and Bloomberg is the only candidate who is strategically focused on winning in November. The other Democrats field either can’t get traction with the voters (e.g. Klobuchar and others) or are focused on ideology rather than winning in November (Sanders, Warren). Bernie gets votes by shouting about injustice. I agree with most of what he says but even if he is elected his style will make him so unpopular that he will be a one term president. Warren has given us a valuable roadmap on how to repair our unequal society. But, voters choose candidates who they think they can trust to make good decisions about policy and will focus doing what can will realistically be done without being too radical. Her stand on Medicare for all is a bridge too far. Biden is just a familiar nice guy who survives because there is no centrist alternative. Buttigiege is a brilliant young man who has not yet learned to really understand people. He comes accross as very capable but voters particulary black voters do not trust him. I pay attention to their judgement of him. Surprisingly, Bloomberg is beginning to look like a winner.
43
The other Democrats are arguing about which multi trillion Dollar plan is the best. And in any case, the nation running a trillion Dollar a year deficit doesn’t have the money.
Tax the rich ? Maybe, but start with the money to balance the budget.
Health Care ? Obamacare is already enough. It is the program best suited to serve the nation.
7
Thank you! Health care, healthcare, healthcare. I have been saying this for weeks. This election will we won because of the health care issue. I’m personally not a fan of billionaires in charge but if he can deliver healthcare then let’s open the door for him. Get the governor of Michigan as VP and it’s a win.
18
I have every confidence Mike Bloomberg will take the fight to the incumbent, in ways the Democratic Party have yet to realize is necessary.
Mr. Bloomberg, nothing less than the hope for restoring this country to a democracy hangs in the balance.
Win by any means necessary.
34
Bloomberg is showing Democrats and Progressives how it’s done. How to win.
He uses accurate data and zooms in on what voters actually care about. Take note everyone!
And, BTW, I consider myself to be quite liberal and Bloomberg is not my first choice. But if he wins the nomination, I will happily canvass for him in the general.
Also, I really, really appreciate that Mike has declared that he will support any other Democratic candidate if he isn’t the candidate.
One more thing. Would he consider spending some of his vast wealth on a fifty state (or swing state at the very least) advertising campaign to unseat as many GOP senate and congressional seats as possible?
81
he's already done exactly that in the house! FYI! Google it!
3
I like Mike. I will be voting for him in my state's primary. He has the gravitas to whoop Trump and take those fiscally conservative but socially progressive Indies and the Never-Trump But Not Sanders either Republicans. And he's got the money to turn Trump's lights out.
Hey FDR was super wealthy and he turned out to be one of our best presidents ever.
83
I'm starting to think that Trump views Illinois as a purple state because he's advertising here. He had the right data to help him get elected the first time so I'm worried for Illinois.
Only Bloomberg's ads are countering Trump's ads with solid points that resonate. If it wasn't for Mike, Trump's ads would be unopposed here.
I can easily see a scenario where Illinois goes Bloomberg. We already elected two different white, billionaire governors (including one who inherited his billions) so bashing billionaires is not a winning argument here. This is why I think Mike has a a good shot to win Illinois;
Trump's run ads in Chicago depicting the Democrats as socialists that will bankrupt the country and that he is responsible for the great economy (I'm not agreeing with him, I'm just telling you what he said). Anyway, Trump's planting the seeds of doubt in case it's Sanders or Warren and I'm already hearing grumblings about either of them from my friends in the suburbs who may sit the election out if they have to vote for either one. (one even said he would vote Trump over either one of them - and this guy doesn't like Trump).
14
@Sean: Let's not forget, we just got rid of a Republican governor, meaning Illinois can vote Republican if it wants to. I'd argue that Pat Quinn was such a bad campaigner that it was no wonder Bruce Rauner won. Also, I think the Republican party is still smarting from losing all the Congressional seats in DuPage County, historically the Republican Party's paymaster to Democrats in 2018. My understanding of the situation in DuPage Co. was that the college educated women there made the difference. If what happened there happened in the rest of Chicago's suburbs, Trump will have a hard time taking Illinois. We can, though, never be too vigilant.
Bloomberg, like Trump, knows how to deliver a message.
The great part about the health care commercials is that they convey both a negative (Trump will take away your health care) and a positive (I will make things work better for you) message. And not scare voters off with single payer now.
The 2020 election will be decided in the suburbs. That is where Mike's message is directed.
That is a winning strategy.
16
Bloomberg is focused on the policies not the smoke and mirrors pivoting of most politicians or the personalities of the candidates.He has it right He comes across as grounded. Not every program or policy he pushed as mayor was to my taste,but he was true to values and never did I question if any of them were for his own personal gain or self aggrandizement.
18
From the year 2000-2013 the number of uninsured was approximately 42 to 49 million. From 2014-2015 approximately 28.6 million to 33 million were uninsured. Now from the years of 2016-2020 approximately 27.5 million were uninsured. Research
Enough said.
2
Bloombergs ads reinforce an idea I’ve had for several election cycles—do the Democrats actually want to win?
I think Mike has the right stuff. I hope his polling continues to move up. I will vote for him.
16
I may have my issues with Mr. Bloomberg, but he is the only one who is actually running against Donald Trump. In the meantime, everyone else is claiming they can beat Donald Trump while doing absolutely nothing to prove it, and doing much to show that they can't.
14
Bloomberg doesn't stand a chance but his ads are good. Amazing what money can buy.
Trump's traveling Big Tent will arrive in Iowa during our vote in time to do some more gaslighting.
"Roughly 80 members of Congress, cabinet secretaries and administration officials will descend on the state to drive voter enthusiasm and make a show of force."
1
If you are over fifty, a public option is the most important campaign issue. Period. It’s hard
For us to get employed, stay employed and medical is what makes us undesirable.
5
It is known fact that, in any decision-making, people are motivated by what they might lose rather than by what they might gain. That is why Republicans always play a politics based on fear.
Bush won because people feared a degradation of American ethics. Bush continued to win because of people's fear of terrorism. Trump won because of people's fear of invading immigrants and now Trump is trying to win again by playing up on people's fear of losing private health insurance.
Other Dem candidates would do well to take a page out of the Republicans' and Bloomberg's books by emphasizing
the horrors of a health care system that people will be stuck with if Trump wins rather than arguing about programs Medicare for-all. The time for that discussion will be after the Dems score a victory in the elections.
5
Do the senate, house and other officials have automatic health care covered by the government? if so, why has that never been an issue to be discussed.?
3
I am both a dyed-in-the-wool liberal and a pragmatist. I think Bloomberg's messaging on health care has been spot on here in Michigan. He has some hurdles to get over, to be sure, and he needs to keep apologizing a LOT about his stop-and-frisk policy if he wants to gain the trust of people of color. But, in my book, he's the most inspiring - and promising - Democratic candidate in the whole bunch.
43
If it comes to Biden vs Bloomberg, I am for Michael Bloomberg. I congratulate him for running a different type of campaign and doing it his way. In the end, he will be one of the main candidates. It's still a long time to November 2020.
37
I am still deciding on Bloomberg, but he is certainly competent. Moreover, I am absolutely enjoying his baiting of Trump, and I think that will be effective whether Bloomberg is the nominee or not. I think of his ads as public service announcements. Good work, Mike.
10
Mr. Bloomberg,
I am a registered nurse in Wisconsin with many years of case management (and other) healthcare experience. This means dealing with many, many healthcare situations and always an advocate for the patient, family, caregivers. I wrote to President Obama about the Affordable Care Act and believe it or not, in June 2016, was one of the ten letters he sent out every night! In addition, I’ve worked and supervised in numerous healthcare venues. (Even served as a Camp Nurse for the Fresh Air Fund in New York one summer!) I serve on my community hospital’s quality council and my County Commission on Aging.
Can I come and work for you so you can win this election and make sure millions, all, citizens of the United States have healthcare benefits? I fear what this present administration might cast upon our country.
Thank you!
10
@MIMA: He's hiring staffers in Wisconsin.
2
I lived in NYC during Bloomberg's mayoralty. He made me a believer. He turned most of the 19th century bureaucracies of the NYC government into modern functioning offices. He hired great people to carry out this work. He had the vision and the wherewithal to make it happen.
He can do this for our country. He knows how to get stuff done. Think of all our infrastructure repair that has been promised to us for the last 50 years that could actually get built. He will tackle the climate crisis, the medical crisis and every other issue hurting us that the current administration ignores for their own gain.
30
I’m just impressed that the Bloomberg campaign was able able to target me on the small bit of social media I use with a strong position on the issue I care most deeply about - climate change.
8
Based on the comments to this article, Bloomberg may have a chance. People aren't trashing the billionaire anymore.
I remember when in 2016 the comments section started praising Sanders and then they became a groundswell.
That's when one knew that he was significant competition to HRC.
7
The putative Democratic candidate leaders Warren, Sanders, Biden, Buttigieg would do the country a great favor by taking a cue from M Bloomberg. The objective is to drum DJT from office and have the 2020 remove McConnell, Cornyn. Graham and as many other Republican Senators as possible.
5
As an Independent voter in Texas, disgusted with Mr. Trump and his minions, I have problems with both major parties. " ... Democratic rivals have spent most of their time going after one another ... " The dreaded circular firing squad, while " ... Mr. Bloomberg’s campaign has released a torrent of television and digital ads accusing Mr. Trump of trying to 'undermine coverage' for Americans with pre-existing conditions."
He is not in the debates because they require a certain level of campaign donations, and he is not accepting donations. (!) He is not active in Iowa because he entered too late, but is concentrating on the large states that vote just after the first small states. In Texas (38 electoral votes vs. Iowa's six), we are getting a lot of Mr. Bloomberg's TV ads stating policies I agree with, especially removing Mr. Trump. He promises to support that even if he is not the candidate. A refreshing approach.
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I cannot imagine any issue that would concern voters more than wanting decent health care. It takes only one encounter with the healthcare system that fails to treat an accident or disease adequately or that wipes you out financially to make health care your number one concern.
Bloomberg is very smart and he is doing all of us a big favor by hammering away at Trump and Republicans for doing absolutely nothing to stabilize or improve the health care system and making it affordable.
5
I was ignoring Bloomberg, but after reading several of the times articles, he's on my radar. Admirable that he's doing this. Still not my most likely candidate in the primary, but would gladly vote for him in November, unlike some others that I'd vote for only grudgingly.
8
I was not really a big fan of Bloomberg as mayor but I would vote for him in a second over the other Democratic candidates, I think he could win over enough moderates and actually beat Trump. Give Mike a chance
12
Bloomberg’s highly effective ads emphasize Trump’s incompetence and focus on three areas: healthcare, environment, and gun control. His positions on these issues are supported by most Americans, so his strategy is a smart one. In addition, he is investing in getting voters to the polls, which is the most important factor in defeating Trump and other Republicans. No matter who the Democrats nominate, Bloomberg’s effort will help their cause.
6
Bloomberg is the only guy out there not bashing the other candidates and the only one making sense to me. He’s got my support!
10
Why don’t Dems get that trump is exceedingly vulnerable on health care, which everyone needs at some point or another? Bloomberg is winning voters on the issue and pinning blame on the common foe. Maybe that’s why he has a shot at the Oval Office. Point out the problem, stay above the fray.
5
I can't for the life of me understand why someone would support an insurance company discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions.I get why they do it but why would Americans who need health insurance support this?
2
He is nailing it on pre-existing conditions. The health insurance lobby had tried to get a law that would cut millions from coverage.
The country does have a massive problem with things like obesity tied to type two diabetes, but stopping people from getting care that can turn this around is inhuman.
There are millions who could not have coverage because they have had cancer, a heart problem. Little kids with diseases.
Bloomberg has the right issue framed the right way. It’s about life and death. If Obama had not taken on the industry to make sure people who otherwise couldn’t get insurance could, untold numbers would already be dead.
Bloomberg can beat Trump. He gets the basics of how to connect on the things that matter - health and jobs.
399
Preexisting conditions are a function of life, whether it is something you are born with or acquire by accident, disease, poor health habits, or randomly -- we all either have them, or we are going to get them. I am a big fan of Mr. Bloomberg.
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@John Harrington Thanks for your thoughtful comment--and for not conflating type 1 and 2 diabetes/for not lumping them together.
7
@John Harrington
Mike is now in second place after Biden in Florida. He also is rising into double digits in the latest national polls where he is in fourth place.
He will be our next president.
Biden is not inspiring and unable to best Trump. Forget the Socialist wing; four more years of Trump.
We all need to unite behind Mike to defeat Trump.
I just registered here as a Dem ( previously Independent) so I can vote for him in the Dem primaries.
Change your registration and support Mike.
16
As I have commented many times on various health care related articles, here in Taiwan I pay $57 a month for excellent coverage under the National Health Insurance program, and Taiwan's income taxes are generally lower than those in the US. This is possible because Taiwan has long controlled what providers can charge for care. A recent Upshot article documented how far out of line the costs of medical care in the US are when compared with other developed countries. Providing a public insurance option under the ACA while tackling the complex challenge of bringing costs down will put the US system in a better position to adopt one of the universal insurance systems used in other countries without a huge rise in taxes..
2
@Alicia
Would you mind providing information regarding wait times on treatment and tests for non-life threatening diseases and problems? For example , MRI when a person has back pain.
In the US, wait time is frequently what we hear as the problem for single payer health plans
Bloomberg's ads are very effective in taking on Trump and Republicans on policy issues that matter to most Americans. Campaigning on Medicare for all is not a good strategy. Campaigning on health insurance coverage for all is.
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@Mike Health insurance is available to everyone, but, the taxpayers should not have to pay for your insurance.
2
@Mike
'Bloomberg's ads are very effective'
They are.
But without the DNC's backing he won't win the nomination.
The DNC is all out making Biden happen.
Mr Bloomberg could have gone all the way, but without the establishment behind him, he won't win.
Just look at Sanders, who got ahead on his own and the DNC and the NYT went all out to debase him and discredit him. Same fate awaits Mr Bloomberg as the DNC will not back any one other than Biden.
3
@Mike
What you fail to appreciate is that the premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket, and copays make "insurance for all" too expensive to use.
For those who can afford Premium and Gold plans, or even Silver - great! But what about the millions of people who can only afford catastrophic or Bronze plans.
What is so difficult for people to understand that it's not just about "coverage for us," it's about affordability. Why should Americans living in the richest nation on earth have to declare bankruptcy because they got cancer or some other dreadful disease?
Obamacare is "better," but it's not nearly enough. We are the only developed nation in the world that makes healthcare a privilege instead of a right. Meanwhile, there are one-percenters getting rich beyond their wildest imaginations from jacking up healthcare expenses to maximize their profits.
We are living in a nation where the profit motive and greed supersede common sense and compassion. It's time to stop putting the desires of rich people ahead of the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Unfettered capitalism without meaningful regulations, responsibility, or conscience. We're at a point in which a lot of Americans from sports to finance to academia think if you're not cheating, you're at a disadvantage, and it's starting to look like that's true.
5
The more I hear from Bloomberg, the more I think he has the chops to actually beat Trump, especially in places like PA and FLA. I would like to see him debate the other candidates.
Bloomberg is a little conservative for my taste, but that might be just the right thing to bring states with the most electoral votes. Plus, Bloomberg is beholden to no one and I like that.
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@Sydney
Can we put an end to this preposterous claim that billionaires are somehow incorruptible? How is it any different being a billionaire, with all the interests of a billionaire, than taking money from another billionaire?
Bloomberg, as mayor, was notably generous to his rich friends, particularly real-estate developers.
Consider also the prejudices of wealth. Do you really think Bloomberg loses sleep over inequality or will do anything to mitigate it -- like drastically increase his own taxes and curtail his own power?
If so, there's a bridge in Brooklyn for sale....
6
@Sydney Bloomberg beholding to no one? He's a plutocrat beholden to Wall Street.
5
@Sydney
This is a true patriot who is giving his money to serve our nation.
No other comes close to his integrity, honesty and accomplishments.
He is now second in Florida after Biden and rapidly climbing in the national polls.
Go, Mike, Go!!
3
I have no plans to vote for either Bernie or Trump, so if it comes down to those two, I'm happy to write in Bloomberg. I'd like Bloomberg to run as an independent, if only to clarify the margins of the Trumpster and the Bernie Bro factions.
43
@Carl
I can't stand Bernie, but I'd vote for a Democratic tree stump just to get rid of Trump, who does more damage to our country and the world with each passing day.
The lessons of 2000 and 2016 seem to be lost on you. Third party candidates helped elect W in 2000 and Trump in 2016.
In any event, Bloomberg is way too smart to run as a third party candidate. He's ready to launch a fierce battle for the Democratic nomination if it looks like Bernie or Liz is about to take it, but if he loses he'll then spend tons of money in the general election campaign to help topple Trump.
54
I understand (and do not disagree with) your sentiment, but if many people do what you are suggesting Trump will win again-which would be totally destructive to our country. Bernie will not be able to do a hundredth of the damage Trump in a second term would do.
9
People like you are the reason we are where we are in this country. People who do not understand much of anything deeply,
Social democracy is the only medicine that we need to administer the very sick patient: the oligarchy on the verge of fascism called the Red USA.
6
Bloomberg is not my first, second, or even third choice. But when it comes to health care he is right on target. Lise Talbott said it best when she argued that too many candidates are focusing on the if and when we should have a Medicare for All plan when instead we should be expanding and strengthening what we have now - before it is demolished by this demagogue in the Oval Office. And to back up the ACA's growing popularity, we here in California have seen its increasing embracement with continuing solid enrollments. A single-payer system is the ideal. But right now, in this moment in time, it is not in the cards. Finally, I am a supporter of Elizabeth Warren. And frankly I breathed a sigh of relief when she assured us that she understands that her health plan is something to work toward over years and not something that can be rushed. Too much, too soon is not the way to go.
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@Kathy Lollock
If healthcare consumes about 20% of the economy a large segment of the population will remain poor. Is embracemant a word?
The government always makes things more expensive and of low quality . Even before Obamacare the reason healthcare was so expensive is because of government control as I explained above. Medicaid covers 78 million people and it costs far more per person than healthcare for people of similar ages .If we had real competition healthcare costs would be under 10% of the economy
Would you like for everyone to give the governnent all or almost all their money and then let the government provide everyone with food , housing transportation and everything else. Ask people from the former Soviet union how awful their housing food, and everything else was with the government in total control .
You should read books by Gilbert Welch MD to learn about the corruption in healthcare.
Contruction of housing projects typically costs more per sq ft than houses in Holmby Hills where billionaires live
As the latter day Johnathan Swift wrote- If you think it's expansive now wait until the government takes over and it's free.
You lefties are also against school choice even though most poor people would like to be able to send their children to private schools. Some of the best private schools cost less than lousy public schools cost the taxpayers
2
@Molly How do you explain lower cost in all those so called socialist Europeans?
Canada??
3
@Molly Yes, "embracement" is a word, a noun. Its root is "embrace," a verb.
2
Besides appealing to voters' fears about healthcare, the Bloomberg campaign's strategy doesn't seem to make sense. The reason why the ACA still exists is because of the composition of Congress, not because Donald Trump is president. It sounds like Bloomberg is talking about a hypothetical in which he is President but both the House and Senate are in Republican hands, a situation which is not flattering to the Democrat at the top of the ticket.
4
@Peter I agree with Bloomberg. Our legislative branch has been ineffectual and gridlocked for a decade (I think a lot of us agree that the republicans unwillingness to compromise is the root cause. I don't think any of us see that changing any time soon.)
If either Sanders or Warren win, their seat will be filled by the republican governor of their respective states until an election. That makes their already difficult to pass agendas even harder. I also think those 2 do not galvanize voters for important house and senate races this Autumn in swing districts. Like we saw in 2018, the districts that flipped were overwhelming done so by moderate democrats.
I think if Bloomberg wins the primary he not only maintains democratic control of 1 of those 2 senate seats, but it opens up money from the Democratic National Committee to advertise for important house and senate races.
Not to mention, for those of us who think that Bloomberg's data driven campaign is being well run - it's already getting under Trump's skin, which is a plus - that only buoys our hope for a data driven presidency.
12
What I can’t figure out is, when Trump says that Democrats want to take away people’s health plans, why isn’t the answer a simple: the insurance market will remain open to any insurer that wants to craft a plan that people are willing to buy. Nobody will outlaw private insurance. Surely not, right? I’d even go so far as to allow the equivalent per capita cost of the government plan to be credited against the premium paid by anyone who stays private and opts out of the government plan. Insurers are clever, and they are likely to reinvent coverage to fulfill the needs of a changing market.
11
AKA Medicare Advantage. Popular enough that it's probably time to end the subsidy and allow private insurers that they can actually do it better (I don't really believe that they can).
1
@Rob: Have you forgotten what the health care situation was before the ACA, when commercial insurers had the territory? People going bankrupt because of health care costs, millions more people going uninsured, insurers refusing clients with pre-existing conditions, lifetime caps that one could meet within a year with a cancer diagnosis, etc., Driving down costs: Sure, for the commercials insurers. For the patients, not so much....
9
@Scottilla
Medicare Advantage? Managed care which restricts your access to out-of-network providers, requires referrals for specialist visits and authorizations for various services and procedures? And in return all you get is some free glasses, inferior dental work and hearing aids of a brand they have to approve?
No, thank you.
3
While the other Democrats squabble with other over their “plans”, most of which have a snowball’s chance in hell of making it through Congress, Mike Bloomberg is running an actual campaign for the presidency.
Bring it on, Mike!!!!
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@Will.
Hey..he's one of the richest men on earth.
It's his money to spend...on what will be - a failed effort to win the candidacy along with splitting votes away from other candidates once he decided to run as an independent..(his ego will not accept a loss..sound familiar?)
Which will end up allowing our President to win reelection.
4
I am very liberal, BUT I would LOVE to have Bloomberg as our nominee. He will beat him as no other Democratic candidate can. I love his passion. I really don't know why someone like him would do this if it was not in the interest on the country and not self-interest.
442
@Jaleh
Well there is the Tax Reform Bill that is a boon to people like Bloomberg. Just sayin.
But I also think that Bloomberg would run circles around Trump . But then anyone with a conscience and intelligence should be able to do that.
11
@Jaleh Bloomberg , Feinstein, Biden and others have huge financial interests in China and they don't like the fact that Trump's policies regarding China benefit the US , not China.
@Molly Not factual. I’d love to see your source for this.
21
Please let Mike Bloomberg be our nominee.
He will CRUSH it.
353
@Will.
I have no interest in letting someone buy the Presidency, even someone I like....but I am all for Bloomberg beating Trump to death with his wallet!
46
@Will. I would not vote in the general election if racist sexist Republican Mike Bloomberg is the Democratic nominee. I'm not alone in this.
4
@Will.
'Please let Mike Bloomberg be our nominee.
He will CRUSH it.'
You are not wrong.
17
Win, lose or draw, at least Bloomberg is focused on reminding voters why Trump has to go in November.
518
@Dan88
Obamacare has to go because it drives up medical costs and even before obamacare the reason why healthcare cost so much is too much not too little government intervention.. Healthcare could cost about 8% of the economy without any loss of life or health as explained ( partially) in the articles from the WSJ I referenced above.Warren ,Bernie , Feinstein and the other crooks want to keep costs high to benefit cronies. Instead the focus should be on lowering costs .
@Molly I have worked in healthcare my whole life and you are woefully misinformed. Unless you consider that more people are actually receiving care since ACA passage, which is driving up spend not cost is wrong...then you are just plain mean.
11
i like mike
231
@ABC I don't.
2
I don't know if Bloomberg will get any traction in the primaries, but these ads are on the mark. Bloomberg is attacking Trump on the issue that most voters care about. Even if he is not the nominee, these ads help the party.
589
@Robert kennedy
If you want to help the middle and lower classes you focus on all the corruption in healthcare, the useless middlemen such as Group Purchasing Organizations, Pharmacy Benefits Managers , cartel distribution providers such as Mc Kesson and Amerisource all of which drive up costs , take huge kickbacks from hospitals and drug companies and drive up costs.
In many cities CVS is the only Pharmacy Benefits Manager and they take huge kickbacks for doing nothing.
Drug companies spend a fortune on ads and this cost is passed on to the customers . One reason they spend a fortune is so that patients ask for the new expensive drug still on patent even though there is one that costs 1/10th the price that 's as good.The law prevents pharmacists from telling patients that there is a drug that is much cheaper; Walmart sells insulin for $24/ month whereas new patented insulin costs about $30,000 a year.
medicaid is government provided medicine and it costs far more per person than other forms of coverage . The private sector, unlike the government has an incentive to lower costs.
Many people will never have any net worth because of the cost of healthcare and the government will keep costs high to benefit cronies. In most counties there is only one insurance option.
If there was competition insurance the costs would go way down and pre existing conditions wouldnt be an issue and it isnt much of an issue anyway since people get insurance with preexisting conditions
12
@Robert kennedy
The ads are also good for the American people, as well as those in the rest of the world. It's not just about the party.
21
@Robert kennedy
Hopefully the crew who is crafting Bloomberg's ad campaign will be working for the eventual (D) nominee, whoever that is. He did hire some good people.
37
tell the truth, every day, all day, in every channel, and see if it makes a difference. this is the greatest act of public service i have seen in my lifetime.
420
@No name:
Mike Bloomberg is not only selfless, he truly understands that trump IS a manifest danger.
He is committed to removing trump.
And for that...
I like Mike.
17