I, too, was coming around (reluctantly) to possibly considering Bloomberg, until he announced his tax plan: continue the ban on SALT deductions, which were clearly designed to harm the middle class in New York and other progressive states, in order to drop any wealth tax that would directly affect him and his cronies. Didn't take long for him to show his true (oligarch) colors.
1
What cynical times we live in. Bloomberg will never be President of the country. His history of harassing and violating African-Americans Constitutional rights has not will not be forgotten. If the Democratic Party and/or Bloomberg think we are that desperate, then they are stupid.
I will almost certainly vote for the Democratic nominee, regardless who it is.
If it happens to be Bloomberg, and he wins the election, I sure hope he can find fitting roles for Buttigeig, Warren and Yang.
Trump is in for a beatdown. This is going to be fun.
Mayor Bloomberg just doesn't have the same speaking skills as Mayor Peter. Kind of squeaky and whiny and, superficial as it is, that counts a lot. It will be very interesting to hear how he does at the next debate!
1
Revealing of establishment Democrats' expectations of the Biden campaign:
At 9:13pm I cannot find one - not one! - MENTION of Biden vs. the new anyone-but-Sanders cheerleading for Bloomberg.
1
As a New Yorker who lived through his two term administration, and then forced a third of which the voters reversed, have not forgotten who Bloomberg is and how he sold my beloved city out. I cringe at the idea of him being president, Trump all ready did enough damage, we dont't need this country to be sold off too more than it already has been.
5
I can’t wait to see Little Mike take on Donald Duck! What fun.
2
Hilarious how fast and eagerly rats flee a sinking establishment ship for another...
2
The options seem to be getting clearer.
One is the experience and wisdom of a canny, ethical executive who's track record in public office, building complex, successful organizations in a world class business is proven.
The alternative candidate is a shifty four time failure and cereal liar who bullies and annihilates anyone who doesn't bend to his will, regardless of the circumstances and consequences.
He has demonstrated that he has no idea how to build organizations and manage threats or opportunities in general rather his skill is in dividing and conquering and hollowing out the essence of any situation, be it in public service or private business.
There is no question that if this situation were in business, the second candidate would have been disqualified already for such a record and on an international scale diminished the record and reputation of the business on his watch.
There is never remorse, self introspection and a commitment to do anything other than carry on with past practice.
This is a question for the US and its grand experiment, around which it built its long term recognised record.
Lastly, this risks the democratic future of the US.
1
I guess the democratic establishment said, "eh, they know that big money donors buy elections already, we might as well try and elect a big money donor in the flesh."
1
I love Bloomberg for many reasons, intelligence and competence topping the list. And better a candidate who spends his own money and is beholden to no one.
5
GO, MIKE. from a lady boomer in red south TEXAS.
3
Godspeed, Michael Bloomberg...
1
Bloomberg and Steyer. Flip a coin. One president one vice President. Use your billions. And defeat Trump!
1
I've been inconsolable about Bitter Bernie throwing the election to Trump for the second time and now this ray of sunshine and hope!
Bitter Bernie is not going to beat Trump and neither is the sweet boy from Indiana. The only other viable candidate is Joe Biden and, bless him, he has been an effective and patriotic public servant for fifty years and if this election were for "Lifetime Achievement Award" it would be rightfully his. I'm going to say something here which, if you do not follow Breitbart and the alt-right you might not believe -- Trump's core is never, ever going to let Biden see the Oval Office due to his association with Obama. Nothing will energize the alt-right more than Biden running.
I think Bloomberg can go the distance. I think he can pull in some of those "swing voters" who do not know the difference between a democrat and a republican. I think he can pull in republican voters who like certain qualities that Trump projects as well.
I think we have a winner. Democrats need to unite around a candidate who can *WIN* , and, huge bonus, could also be an awesome president, not just a consolation prize of "anyone but Trump".
7
Congratulations to Republican billionaire Bloomberg for winning the Iowa Democratic Party caucuses.
So, to summarize, within a few days we had the Corporate News Network and the Des Moon Register cancel the release of their supposedly amazing polls because it showed their preferred candidate getting utterly destroyed and Bernie winning.
The DNC changed the rules of the debate to roll out the red carpet for right wing oligarch Bloomberg, after blatantly locking out Tulsi in spite of the fact that she met all the criteria they supposedly laid down.
And last but not least an app financed by Mayor Pete and his shadowy SuperPAC, built by the DNC Shadow spooks, and overseen by Hillary's campaign manager causes a shutdown as soon as the Iowa results started to show Bernie surging.
I’m SURE this is all just a coincidence, like all the negative coverage from the NYT journos, columnists and editorial board members leading up to Iowa.
Unfortunately, none of this matters, because unless Sanders gets a majority on the first ballot at the convention, the super delegates will put in some corporate pro-war stooge anyway.
The whole process is rigged from start to finish.
And they are getting so cocky that they are hardly even pretending that the system is on the up and up.
It’s a good thing Bernie’s people kept their own records, or we may never know what happened.
The Dems have hit rock bottom and are making a mockery of our democracy.
What a disgrace.
#NeverBloomberg
2
I am an independent voter so I have no dog in the hunt. But why did you use the word “exploit” to describe Bloomberg’s decision to hire more staff? That word almost always has a negative connotation. Is this a straight news story or an editorial? I fear there is no longer a distinction. I would expect that from FOX news or MSNBC. But hopefully not from the NYT.
Please USA, ask New Yorkers about Bloomberg. HE WAS A HORRIBLE MAYOR. It would be one of my worst case scenarios for him to hijack the nomination with his plutocrat's purse. Of course, his billions and hubris mean that he won't go away any time soon.....
How is a billionaire buying his way to an election win not a sign of them being an oligarch? What, because the flavor of his well rehearsed and highly marketed ads make him seem like a he agrees with you? Just how stupid have we become?
1
With the longstanding work of his foundation, his leadership in C40, his award winning PlaNYC, and his international network of relationships, there is no candidate better equipped to address climate change globally than Mike Bloomberg. Ideologically I am much closer to Bernie and Elizabeth, but Mike is by far the best one to deal with our most pressing issue: the Climate Crisis.
5
Yes we do have an oligarchic hostile takeover.
3
We would be better off if he would stop wasting his campaign money and build a decent app, then move on to digitizing governance.
Mike Bloomberg is the only candidate who can seriously challenge Trump. He will win the NC primary.
7
Bloomberg was good for NYC*
But times are different. He's an Oligarch and won't beat a populist.
*For NYC's upper middle and elite classes
I hope Mike doesn’t forget he needs to have control of the Senate also.
I'm sorry but I have literally no interest in watching 2 billionaire New Yorkers stand on a stage and insult each other.
2
@Lauren, Mike isn’t like that. Check him out.
2
BTW, this is supersmart of Bloomberg. According to 538's analysis, they did some modelling if the result was X winning vs. Y. And the chances of someone else other than the main four winning was highest when Buttigieg won against Sanders narrowly. See: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/89-different-scenarios-for-what-things-could-look-like-after-iowa/
1
Michael Bloomberg, Carpetbagger.
Who could possibly vote for him ? Johnny come lately and wants the nomination because he has billions, I don't think so.
1
And why is he now a Democrat?
1
So if he wins the nomination you will take 4 more years of Trump?
4
Bloomberg will run his own campaign as the DNC cannot get its act together. Do we need a replacement for Tom Perez NOW!!
1
We like Mike. Data driven and seeks experts. Listens. Hires smart people. He’s a proven doer. In business. In government. In philanthropy. He’s human and therefore like us all, is flawed. But he’s a pragmatic leader and we think he’s the best candidate to beat Trump and lead beyond Trump. (we wish for campaign reform to get money out of politics. We wish the rules did not allow billionaires to spend vast money on media. But we do like this billionaire and he has strong core values)
8
Mr. Bloomberg is a great choice. Smart, well spoken, experienced and would crush Trump in a debate.
How about Amy Klobuchar for vice-president?
Strong team.
14
If Mr. Bloomberg really wants to help the country, he should drop out of the race and invest a few billion in the Democratic Party’s IT infrastructure.
1
We need the biggest possible margin of victory from the biggest possible coalition. Bloomberg is more likely to achieve that than any other candidate. He's boring too. That would be nice.
4
I like Bloomberg as a person, and I think he would be a good president. However, his 2020 candidacy is dangerous and absurd. He's adding ANOTHER option for the center-lane establishment voter who fears Bernie, essentially guaranteeing a brokered convention. A billionaire swooping in to narrowly win on the strength of massive California ad-buys and behind the scenes super-delegate horse trading...that's the end of the Democratic party for a generation.
Although I haven't lived in NYC for the last more than half of my life, I was born there and lived there for 30+ years and continued to visit "the city," home to my parents and in-laws, ever since. Bloomberg might be a multi-billionaire, but he has solid American-middle-class values. He truly cares about everyone having political equality (we'll never have income equality) and he will keep our country safe, as he did with New York. He is a gentleman who will never embarrass our country or exploit the poor. He uses his fortune to do good in the world, seeing it as his duty to God and country. If he makes it to the primaries, he'll get my vote despite my appreciation of Warren, Sanders, and Buttigieg, all brilliant and competent but not as strong in executive experience (competently running a city with a population greater than most other countries'). Mike is humble and empathetic despite his wealth.
14
Bloomberg assumes no one candidate will win the 51% of delegates necessary to win the nomination. So it goes to the floor of the Convention. No way Sanders/Warren delegates go to Biden/Pete. No way the opposite happens either. Bloomberg slides in as the compromise. This is his plan. It might work.
5
I've got a lot of issues with Bloomberg, having suffered under his ill-informed decisions re: education while he was mayor, but I am beginning to believe he might be best equipped to take on trump. His views on most social issues are progressive, and he might just be the one to save our democracy. Just get it in writing that he won't try to run for a 3rd term!
3
Finally we are taking a serious look at a candidate who funded 20 in the new Congress, is serious about climate, progressive taxation, guns and health care while not being radical or a dreamer.
I'm overjoyed that he is in the race and have wanted him to run for years.
14
I'd prefer Biden.
But Mr. Bloomberg's wealth is self-made, he has apologized when he was wrong and he has agreed to vote for the Dem who wins the nomination, even if it is not him.
I also see him and Joe and the only two who, in my opinion, are guaranteed to beat Trump.
(I like most of the others.....but winning is critical this time around).
4
I don’t understand how a person working very hard and becoming successful is a bad thing to Democrats. Since we are electing a person to run the largest economy in the World, it would be nice if they actually knew something about market economics. It is beyond me that people are even considering someone like Bernie Sanders who hasn’t so much as run a coffee cart.
11
Mr. Bloomberg is trying to buy the presidency. If he succeeds, it will be the death of the Democratic Party, and with it perhaps the last hope for American democracy. For without a vigorous defense of democratic institutions, American democracy will not recover from Trump. But how could someone who has just bought the presidency defend democratic institutions with any credibility? And with the Democratic Party led by an oligarch, who has just bought his way into the party, so he could buy the presidency, the last best hope for American democracy will be hamstrung as well. Bloomberg may be capable of building better performing institutions than Trump, but his nomination would only further the slide toward autocracy.
2
@Theo Horesh If you think of it, all the candidates are buying the election. Most use others’ money. Very few use their own even if they have the resources. I would cite “like trump” but we all know that trump is not a billionaire.
2
@Theo Horesh Bloomberg is NOT buying his way into the presidency. He is spending his own hard earned, built from the ground up (not inherited) money to put this country back on the right path for all and actually solve problems not ignore them or make them worse (hello climate change is real.)
The whole point of Bloomberg spending his own money is to not be holden to any interest groups, companies or biased individuals (looking at you Koch brothers), unlike your traditional political candidates.
3
@Theo Horesh Look at it this way. He is self funding instead of spending all of his time at fund raisers with wealthy donors. He is still on the campaign trail and establishing a campaign operation - just like the other candidates. It isn't different from Trump who got his wealthy friends or those who wished to curry favor with him to donate millions and millions to his campaign efforts.
All that Bloomberg will accomplish is to pull moderate voters away from Biden and hand the nomination to Sanders and the White House to Trump.
Please withdraw from the campaign, Mr. Bloomberg, IF you truly want Trump defeated.
@Barb Campbell ; who would you rather see on a debate stage confronting Trump? Have you ever listened to Bloomberg? He's brilliant, calm, confident and wisely analytical. I get the feeling you know nothing about him.
I want a candidate who needs me. Bloomberg doesn't need anyone. In fact, just as he's bought his way into a debate he's not qualified for, why doesn't he save us all the expense of supporting real candidates and buy the nomination, too? I'm sure that would meet with the approval of many commenters here who just love the fact that he's self-financing. The democratic process is so . . . messy. Money cuts through the annoyance of having to allow people to have their say. Much more efficient, right?
I left NYC before he was elected, but friends who lived through his overly long tenure loathe him. In their experience, he was anything but progressive. I won't be casting a vote for him.
1
@Penn then you would be "voting" for Trump - your prerogative, of course. But don't kid yourself. If Bloomberg were somehow to get the nomination you will be faced with a binary choice, vote for Mike or stay home which is a vote for Trump.
Bloomberg is the guy that Republicans that don’t like Trump will vote for. The same cannot be said of the other Democratic candidates.
9
For the Democrats, a Bloomberg candidacy poses two big advantages.
First, it is the one play that will neutralize the power of all that Koch, Mercer, Adelson and other dark money that the Republicans are counting on to deliver the election. Otherwise the Dems are likely to be swamped and drowned by the deluge of rich people's money, especially since some of the most inspiring candidates are precisely those like Elizabeth Warren who are aiming directly at the vast wealth of the super-rich and therefore are likely to trigger an avalanche of "donations" from rich people eager to preserve their very disproportionate share of the nation's wealth.
Second, Bloomberg's very presence will freak DJT out. Bloomberg is everything that DJT aspired to be but isn't: e.g. very smart, very competent, self-made, a super-successful businessman, admired in the international business community and respected in New York City. He's also far richer than DJT which for someone like T who only values money will be another knife wound to the heart. Bloomberg will know how to needle and humiliate DJT in ways that the other candidates, wonderful as they are, will have difficulty matching.
13
I agree with Chris about Bloomberg focusing his money on Senate and House races. We need the ability to pass bills with a friendly Congress.
This mess in Iowa is not helping. Nevada is the next caucus and maybe they can learn something from Iowa. The electoral college standard will get Trump back in the WH if the Democrats run a Progressive.
Iowa is not the gold standard for picking winners that go to the WH. So, why do we use it as a device that is flawed?
I read many of the positive comments about Bloomberg, and I agree he has real cred in many areas. But I have two reservations: Does our form of democracy become weaker if a billionaire candidate (of any party) can essentially overwhelm other candidates with his private campaign funding? And, is Bloomberg ready to re-think how "stop and frisk" played out in NYC? If he hopes to win any black or Latinx voters, I would think that is a required piece of public dialogue.
Bloomberg won't be on the ballot until Super Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if he breaks out then. If he pulls it off I'm happy to vote for him in November, but I will vote for the Democrat no matter what.
What concerns me is recent polls show about 1/3 of Democrats won't vote for the nominee unless that person passes their ideological purity test. I have a straightforward purity test: beat Trump by getting 270+ votes in the Electoral College.
5
Bloomberg’s strategy to go after the big states and pass over the early states is risky, but he knows how to take data driven ‘empirical’ risks, not emotional ones. That’s why he’s a successful billionaire and trump was handed 43M from his father and has claimed bankruptcy 6 separate times since. Bloomberg needs to pick a young and/or diverse VP to balance his age and whiteness and he can win this. I’m voting Bloomberg in March. He is trumps Kryptonite.
5
Bloomberg is both the best candidate and the only candidate who can beat Trump. This seems pretty obvious to me.
If Warren, Sanders, and others want to continue acting like all billionaires are by definition evil it just plays into Trump’s hand and allows him to tag them with the radical commie label.
At this point in time there is probably no better way for a billionaire to spend money than to help get Trump out of office. Bloomberg also happens to be a solid, caring person who has substantial experience in government and business as well as being the quintessential philanthropist. The fact that he is self-made and now wants to do so much good with his money is the epitome of the American dream.
It will be wonderful to compare him with Trump in a head to head. I hope the Democratic Party and voters are smart enough to see this happen.
4
It’s truly unfortunate that so many are buying into the narrative that Bloomberg is an oligarch buying an election. Such little respect for your fellow citizens, as if they can’t think for themselves and will allow themselves to be bought. Of course the DNC set the stage that way with their relentless push to define a candidate’s viability by how much money they had gotten from the pure as the driven snow proletariat. I’m glad to see Bloomberg is playing by different rules.
1
I voted for Bernie in 2016, and I’ve contributed to both Bernie and Warren this year, but after the debacles of impeachment and Iowa I’m for Bloomberg. All that matters to me now is beating Trump. That will take the negative advertising equivalent of saturation bombing, and Bloomberg’s money is the only way to accomplish that. At this point I don’t care about stop and frisk, me too or anything else, I just want to beat Trump, and he is the only one who can do that.
8
I trust Bloomberg to uphold the Constitution and put our national interest first. Trump and the Republicans, on the other hand, cannot be trusted to uphold the Constitution or to give primacy to our national interest.
2
Bloomberg is no LaGuardia , New York City’s best mayor. Bloomberg works for the rich; Sanders is more like LaGuardia.
1
I would support Bloomberg, but what, pray tell, is his route to the nomination?
Doesn’t he need to win actual delegates, or can he buy those, too?
2
He’s right they are “old rules” and he’s been proven correct by the Iowa debacle. I like the way he thinks and I think he would make a formidable candidate. Quite frankly I’m so tired of the nominating process (too long), and the “he said she said” nonsense, I’m already bored with the current lot. Democrats ignore him at their peril.
2
I have been concerned about the Democrats ever since we had 29 candidates at one point. Right away, I knew we were in trouble. When Sanders declared he was running again, I knew we were in really big trouble. There are some great ideas and interesting people running but we need someone who can win against Trump. That is it. That is the only goal. We need moderates, independents, liberals, Republicans disgusted by Trump to vote for this Democratic candidate and at this point, the only one that stands to do that is Bloomberg. He is not beholden to anyone because he is using his own money. He is very clear about his message. Defeat Trump, environment, gun control. He is on point, he is professional and presidential. He will gain the respect of the international community and surround himself with experts and professionals. This is the logical choice. I signed up to volunteer for Bloomberg. Never have been involved in my life but doing it now.
5
I'm surprised I'm writing this but I would vote for Bloomberg. He said something that is so telling of him as a leader. He told a reporter after Trump's election he called Bloomberg and asked for advice. Bloomberg said he told him to appoint people smarter than himself. That is a man who cares more about the country than his own ego.
2
Call me old fashioned, but it seems highly unfair to compare Bloomberg to FDR. With FDR, we got a complete visionary - whose policies, along with the enormous contributions of his wife Eleanor - saved the day in so many ways. ((though I hate to say it, so did WW II).
In Bloomberg, I see a person who is a control freak, one who pretends to be humble but is arrogant. I remember the big negatives he inflicted on various constituencies in New York, and I just hope there is another choice. If it has to be a billionaire, I'd far prefer Steyer.
2
Bloomberg entered the race because the current set of candidates look like amateurs. Now the Iowa Democratic Party looks like amateur hour.
I was a never Trumper before the phrase was even coined. Yet I will also NEVER vote for a socialist, or even someone too far to the left. Bloomberg is a reasonable capitalist, which is what most of the people in the business world would like to see.
3
I would prefer Bloomberg to the far left Bernie. Bernie essentially had no legislation passed during his time in the Senate. He only becomes part of the Democratic Party when running for national office. I agree on some issues, but I still believe a more pragmatic approach is called for. I also have a problem with Senators who have been in office for years and actually do not have administrative experience. We see daily the result of an inept Chief Executive. Bloomberg has experience running a very large company profitably (something Trump hasn't done - he has his money due to Daddy and bankruptcy) and also the city of New York. I like Bloomberg/Klobuchar orButtegieg as a ticket. Time will tell I guess - but the Democratic Party isn't exactly off to a stellar start with the Iowa debacle.
5
I like Mike.
Sunday I am getting together with others in my area to work on his campaign here in Maryland and digitally for the rest of the nation.
I went on his site, registered and they let me know of all types of link ups and meetings in my area.
They just opened their Maryland headquarters in Baltimore with four full-time local experts, people who are very familiar with Maryland elections and how to successfully win them.
Mike excites me. He has far more on the ground experience than anyone else running.
He is in this to win and he will.
Mike will get it done.
Count on it.
5
I sincerely hope Bloomberg can rise dramatically in the polls and Democrats start taking him very seriously. Bloomberg will certainly defeat Trump. Many Republicans will vote for him too. And he is a decent person with real experience. Go Bloomberg go!!!
3
I do wonder if Mr. Bloomberg is aware of the fact that many of us have given up on cable. We stream, and we gladly pay a little bit more so we don't have to watch commercials.
@bri right, but the people that already cut the cord are not who he needs to reach. It’s middle America watching network TV still that voted for trump.
We should view a candidate's financial position in the same way we're supposed to view his/her ethnicity, marital status, gender, religion, etc. It shouldn't matter.
What matters most is the candidate's record, and not promises, platitudes, or endorsements from close friends (or cronies) and family members.
If we were interviewing the candidate for any other job where a certain competency was involved, would we ask to know about their finances? And, if we did, would it be consideration #1?
I say examine their job history, their education, their ability to work with a team, take direction, accept responsibility, and learn quickly and eagerly.
No more very stable geniuses. No more one-man shows. No ore very big brains. No more exaggerations or lies. Verify everything they say. But leave money out of it, please.
With Trump now being reported at forty nine percent approval in the polls, Democrats clearly need all hands on deck including Mr Bloomberg and his billions, pulling furiously in the same direction. In this spirit now's the time for Bernie to tell his supporters to either back off questioning the character and legitimacy of his primary opponents or take a hike.
2
I’m sure that Bloomberg is grateful that he decided too late to be in the mess in Iowa. I imagine that the field will be smaller by Super Tuesday, to his benefit. But Bernie will be part of that field. It will interesting to see how that competition unfolds.
One thing that continues to perplex me is why Buttigieg doesn’t get traction with young voters. He is clearly, in my opinion, the most thoughtful and probably the smartest candidate in the field. I would personally expect him to find a way to appeal to a broader electorate. I don’t see Bernie making any changes to appeal to people who don’t already agree with him. And one thing that worries me is whether Bernie’s supporters will accept anybody except Bernie even if the alternative is Trump’s re-election and the very real possibility that America will slide into autocracy. And if the GOP achieves permanent rule by an unethical and unscrupulous minority party that is dedicated to rule by the aging white male-dominated no matter how our national demographic mix changes, the future will have no place for Bernie’s supporters. Unfortunately, it won’t have a place for moderate Democrats, either.
I LIKE MIKE!
Glad to hear he’s stepping up his game... otherwise we’re doomed to 4 more years of Donnie!
1
Sturm and drang over Bloomberg "buying the election". What are the other candidates doing? They're shilling for dollars. They are "buying" the election too (ads, staff, advisors). They have to work harder for it by endlessly raising money. Does this make them more virtuous, or more importantly, superior leaders? If support emerges for Bloomberg, is his ability to pay for the organization required evidence of "oligarchy"? For god's sake. Did FDR's wealth invalidate his Presidency? Ditto for the fact that Bloomberg has chosen to avoid the early primary madness, which, while edifying, has contributed to the sense that the party is struggling to identify a front runner. Sanders is a good man. His supporters claim "the base" (sound familiar?) would deliver a win. Not enough of them, sorry. The hated swing voter must be courted. Raging against the rest of us for not being sufficiently progressive won't cut it, either.
This deal here in Iowa is definitely making me consider an outsider like Bloomberg. The establishment Democratic Party pretty much humiliated itself today. In its current state, Trump will make mincemeat of any of them. Not that I’m happy about it, just saying.
Bloomberg’s approach is undemocratic: skipping four states means that their voices matter to him much less than his own personal ambition. The Democratic Party needs a leader of the people, not a billionaire that can insert himself into the race because of his money. No other regular person could do that; only a billionaire can. In a race that’s largely about wealth inequality, his “candidacy” isn’t right.
1
If Democrats are going to seriously consider Michael Bloomberg, why don't they just cut to the chase and nominate Jamie Dimon or Lloyd Blankfein? Or Eric Holder for that matter. He'd likely be a big fav with the banks seeing as he couldn't find a single figure of note to indict following the largest financial crisis in 60 years.
I was leaning towards Bloomberg but Trumps acquittal by the Senate helped seal my decision. We need someone with deep pockets and broad support to overcome tampering in this election. Last month my small town became a Second Amendment Sanctuary much to my consternation. Today I received a mailer from the Bloomberg campaign touting his fight against the NRA and pushing for stronger gun laws. Brilliant strategic move and that’s exactly what we need in this campaign.
6
It appears that democratic party has been left with only one alternate instrument if the impeachment doesn't take off, i.e Mr.Bloomberg. In a democracy when every contesting party or its candidate depends on donation from the corporate and wealthy individuals to contest in election, it is better to have a candidate who is ready to contest by spending his own wealth.
Will November,2020 witness the two president hopefuls,
Rich from Republican versus Ultra-Rich from Democratic ?.
Yes,Mr.Bloomberg hopscotched through California.
" One night,he sees her playing hopscotch in the courtyard - a game that has come to represent for him search for an unattainable contentment" - Will Mr.Bloomberg's ambition to reach oval office materialize only with his strength of money? Still there is an ample time for debate to add matter and prove his mettle in order to outsmart other contenders of democratic party .
I would really like it if Mr. Bloomberg makes a lead gift to the legal defense fund for Mr. Schiff and Ms. Pelosi. There is no doubt that on Thursday the criminal canal of trump will seek to find ways to defame and charge those two American heroes with treason. Just because the coming acquittal will unleash even worse behavior. I’m getting very positive about Mr. B, and I don’t really care about the money issue. He’s saying what he believes and putting his own money into the game. I’m ready for that.
1
Interesting. The vast majority of Bloomberg enthusiasts on this thread are not from NYC.
Perhaps they should discuss his Mayoralty with someone who actually experienced it. One of his key goals was to replace NYC's poor with the world's wealthy. What a man of the people!
2
@Jerseytime I am a New Yorker from Koch to DeBlasio. Hands down, Bloomberg was the best - not perfect, but impressive. I am now in Ohio, singing his praises and people are listening.
1
I voted for Obama twice. I couldn't stand Hillary. I want trump gone....and I believe Warren and Sanders are out of step with the country. I do not think Biden is up to the task to beat Trump any longer. Who is left......? Bloomberg is looking like a candidate that can put our country back on course....and fix the damage that Trump and the republicans have created in the last three years. Bloomberg has a track record of building and fixing. Just what we need.
5
Bloomberg's candidacy just reinforces the de facto truth that it's money, not democracy, that runs our country. "One man; one vote" - “Those are old rules.” How sad, but true.
Our system is truly broken.
2
Let Mr. Bloomberg pummel Trump where he hurts. I don’t think he’s scared to get down in the mud. Biden can take the high road.
Bloomberg could be our independent best friend.
2
Bloomberg absolutely would make a great president. And he will beat Trump for sure. Just imagine - a return to sanity and decency! How refreshing! Go Bloomberg Go!!
4
The best choice for the USA: Mike Bloomberg. A keenly analytical mind, proven success record as mayor of NYC and founder of Bloomberg Services & Bloomberg philanthropies. . .a person unswayed by emotions and relying upon empirical data.
Sadly, the typical American is emotional and statical analysis challenged. The results will likely be another Democratic party food fight and another 4 years of Trump-Pence. . .the loud flushing sounds comes closer.
1
Continuation of earlier comments:
Mike has quietly supported the Democratic Party and made a major resource contribution to the success of the 2018 mid term Congressional elections in at least winning 21 Democreatic Congressional races, "flippimg the seats" as well as he played a major role supporting Democrats running for the state legislature in Virginia in 2019 flipping both houses of the state legislature based on his, and their, strong support of gun safety.
NOTE: More content to come...
1
I really like Bloomberg. He made his money through hard work and he spends it on causes he believes in. I happen to believe in a lot of the same causes.
3
Bloomberg may be the only person who is very likely to beat Trump. Trump is a formidable competitor no matter you like it or not. He lies a lot, he lacks basic characteristics as a decent hum being. But he is smart, and he knows how to manipulate the media in his favor. Bloomberg has both business and public service experience. He will attract majority of moderate voters.
3
Some say a multibillionaire such as Michael Bloomberg shouldn't be able to buy the Presidency. But isn't Trump also a multibillionaire? He says he is.
1
We all want to see Bloomberg debate Trump. We just don't want to see that debate happen in the general election. What is Bloomberg doing in the Democratic primary at all? We'll happily take your money but we don't need your presence. You can go have your billionaire turf-war someplace else.
1
So rich guy Bloomberg wants to skip ahead in line and skip the vetting process. What a slap in the face to voters who have been evaluating the candidates and a slap in the face to the candidates themselves.
We're starting to see who as a candidate has the stamina to finish the race to the nomination, and no rich candidate like Bloomberg should be able to buy the nomination.
Steyer put himself on the line. Bloomberg is not even doing that.
2
You will see a lot of moderate Republicans register as Democrats or Independents (if their state allows them to vote in a primary) because Mike is running.
Also, a lot of progressives (the smart ones anyway) can get behind him.
The rest of us that just want Trump gone are a given.
He will destroy Trump in the general.
Go Mike!
2
I'd love to see Bloomberg challenge Trump to release his taxes.
Bloomberg's would show that he paid what he owed and gave away billions to fight climate change, promote gun safety, and support education.
Trump's? We will never see them because he clearly has something to hide.
1
While no one expected the app debacle, after everyone was already campaigning for a YEAR, with a somewhat clearer, but still up for grabs picture, Bloomberg's choice (hunch?) to skip Iowa is looking very smart.
All I see here is another Henry Ford telling people he can live their lives better than they can. He got my soda, and now I have the vote that he wants. He can watch Warren drink it.
1
Keep your eye on this man. The skillful manner he which he declines to "answer for stop-and -frisk" may just win your grudging admiration, give notice to Trump, and determine your vote.
I worked for Mike for 24 years. He may have a ton of money, but it hasn’t made him imperious or detached. I was just a lowly journalist when I left the company in 2016, but he called me to wish me well and asked how I planned to support my family.
When I joined Bloomberg News, he sat just beside the newsroom, at an open desk, where he had to hear all of our crazy banter and journalist-nerd theories about the world. Imagine that torture! And he never, ever took a limo anywhere. Always a regular car or the subway.
In short, I know Mike, and I like Mike. Imagine if other billionaires saw the danger we face right now and stumped up to address it.
5
He is probably the only Democratic candidate I'd vote for.
2
Mr. Bloomberg can beat Trump. So he is in it to win it. End of story.
1
More and more, I like Mike.
I always admired him as great Mayor of NYC.
(he left things in such good shape even DeBlasio couldn't ruin it)
Things are nutsy cuckoo in DC, and the Dem's seem to be shooting themselves in the foot. Plus I'm doubting any of them could bring the reckoning we need against Trump.
I say bring it on Mr. Bloomberg.
At first I was skeptical, but now I'm starting to feel you may be our last great hope.
2
Of course, I would vote for Bloomberg against Trump. (What candidate said many decades ago that he would prefer a bucket of warm spit?) I don't approve of Bloomberg's buying his way to victory because he is a wealthier billionaire than Trump.
Thank you Mayor Bloomberg. After that fiasco in Iowa we need you more than ever.
2
Believes in climate change, gun control, and taxing the 1%.
Works for me!
1
Let's all just vote for Bloomberg.
He will beat Trump. He will address climate change. He will reverse Trump's perversions of our government and, hopefully, our culture. The rest is just commentary.
3
I don't trust any billionaire to do what's right for average Americans. Do you?
Bloomberg is one of the Gang of Plutocrats (billionaires) who want to control things using money.
McConnell is controlled by the superpacs composed of certain members of the Gang of Plutocrats (GOP) who are huge donors and which arose out of the so-called decision pressed home by "Chief" "Justice" Roberts / (Read Federalist Society donors judicial lobbyist) to make political bribery "legal" through "Citizens United". They succeeded.
Billionaires should not be allowed in our society. No one needs more than a few million at most. If every person is to be treated equally and given an equal chance, then anything above let's say 5 million should go towards the common wealth. Corporations should not be allowed to hoard tens of billions or borrow money at near zero interest rates to "buy back" their stocks so that CEO's and big investors can make out-sized option gains.
Greed is destroying our nation and the plutocrats in Russia are now aligned with those in the U.S. and you've got their puppet M - M and D - T strafing candidates with giant superpac marketing ads that are not so different from what Bloomberg is trying to do.
It would be one thing if Bloomberg was simply attacking the corruption of Trump and McConnell but instead he wants the power for himself.
The GOP and their puppets in Congress are attempting to destroy the state of the United States and make most citizens debt slaves.
2
I believe Bloomberg will beat Trump if he gets the nomination.
He’s smart, ethical and cares about our country.
1
Not sure I really understand this strategy. Is he really a Democrat?
1
The same people who sold us on HRC as the safe candidate in 2016 are telling us that we must choose a republican (Bloomberg) or a conservative democrat (Biden) to win the states Trump won in 2016 running on a populist message.
1
The embarrassing incompetence in Iowa is powerful evidence for why the Democrats need a strong leader with demonstrated competence in both both the public and private sectors. Welcome Mike Bloomberg!
Yes please! We don't need a saint, we don't need a rockstar. We need a competent, capable candidate who can restore some integrity to our beleaguered institutions. Mike Bloomberg has put his neck out on issues where it matters — guns, climate change, progressive taxation, taking on car culture. He stands a better chance of getting a legislative agenda thru Congress than any of his competitors. Let's go!
3
I think the only person who can beat Trump is Bloomberg.
Biden has to much civility to get into down and dirty brawl.
Warren showed her moxie with her shrill attack on Sanders - sounded like a little girl not getting her way.
Sanders is too old and is actually the left's version of Trump
Buttigieg is a nice guy but that's where it ends. He has too much baggage that appeals to the uninformed youth and not to any real adult.
The rest of the field are already footnotes.
One estimate has Bloomberg's resources at about 200% of Trump's. Bloomberg can outspend, out think, and out charm Trump. But the most important thing is that Bloomberg brought Trump to his knees multiple times while Mayor of NY.
Trump likes to bully people, Bloomberg likes to embarrass bullies. By the time Bloomberg gets done with the mind games, Trump will be laying in a gutter crying his eyes out.
I don't get the enthusiasm for Bloomberg. I don't believe it either. I hope I am wrong, but it seams like his campaign is making a push into the comments sections of the Post and the Times. This type of manipulation of the conversation is disturbing, and a bad sign of what's to come.
I really hope I am wrong and being silly.
2
I agree with you. I think he pays people to support him. I’ve thought the same thing.
As I follow more closely, my skepticism recedes.
Whatever else happens, Bloomberg's mature, intelligent example of the American success story provides a refreshing counterpoint to Donald's cheap and childish charade.
1
Results from Iowa suggest good possibilities for Bloomberg...
I don't think I'll vote. Yet another Billionaire from New York. It's a Wall street hostile takeover. Bloomberg called the NYPD his "Private Army" and abused the "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrators. They always serve those with the money.
Bloomberg has promised to support whomever the DEM nominee is.
But his supporters need to be willing to vote for Bernie or Warren (or anyone else the DEMs might nominate) as must Bernie or Warren's supporters vote for Bloomberg if he wins.
That will be the key to throwing out our bum of a POTUS. No matter the nominee, if you're against Trump, you must vote for the DEM. (Bret Stephens, I'm talking to you!)
2
The more I see of the infighting, drama and incompetence of the rest of the democratic field the more I like Mike. I’ve listened to his campaign manager several times and he’s far more intelligent, can see around corners, sticks to their game plan, doesn’t get bogged down in cat fights with other campaigns and media nonsense and gives straightforward answers that make sense. Mike hires great people. Not sure the rest do. I don’t trust they’ll hire excellent cabinet officials either. Mike would destroy Trump’s ego and thin resume. Trump is terrified of him.
3
Bloomberg needs to stop thinking he can buy the Whitehouse.
And, that only he can save the nation.
His hubris is beginning to rival Trump's.
With the exception of Biden, anyone is better than Trump! But I would still vote for Biden.
After seeing Buttigieg impossible lead in Iowa I immediately gave money to his campaign thru Act Blue. He didn’t have the financial backing as the other top three and look what he has done. Bloomberg, there’s something wonderful going on and it doesn’t have to do with hundreds of millions. It’s called hard work.
1
It is embarrassing that the Dems whiffed ( in an unnecessary way) on a very basic App if indeed untested
Bloomberg will get my vote unless, of course, Hillary steps up at Dem convention...and then this Reader will vote for a 3rd party.
Please, DNC, don’t keep blowing 2020 by more issues like this.
We need to keep our Act together for “down ticket” by proving that Dems can handle governing with Big Tools. It’s basic blocking and tackling right now. The Presidential nominee doesn’t count as much as the basics of voting
2
I am not a fan of Bloomberg, but I think his assessment of the situation is on target. While democrats seem to to spend forever in Iowa - and now this count fiasco - Trump is a regular here in Michigan.
I think of Alice in Wonderland when watching the whole thing...
"What I was going to say,' said the Dodo in an offended tone, was, that the best thing to get us dry would be a Caucus-race."
"What is a Caucus-race?' said Alice; not that she wanted much to know, but the Dodo had paused as if it thought that somebody ought to speak, and no one else seemed inclined to say anything."
"Why,' said the Dodo, `the best way to explain it is to do it"
...and everybody gets a prize...
It all feels antiquated. And apparently they can no longer just do it.
I like Mike.
Character.
Competence.
Courage.
A record of integrity.
We need a captain to steady the ship.
4
I hope he spends all of his money on campaign ads. I think it's hilarious.
1
Bloomberg might not be my favorite choice of the heart, but he would get my vote. He is the one who can take the fight to Trump and win. Bloomberg seems like he has ice in his veins, and that’s what we need to save the country ... and democracy. The times call for a fighter more than a uniter
3
After witnessing the Iowa debacle, I'm in, Mike.
3
Maybe Bloomberg will open the door to President Zuckerberg and President Bezos. America loves its rich.
2
Trump is skipping around the channels and can hardly believe his eyes. He knows that TV is the key to a win and there is no way he can con enough money to compete with The Mayor.
And, think about the scandals to come. Income taxes, emoluments, selling out our country to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and his boy Putin.
And .... Trump has found a drug that covers over the pain of finally knowing that he is the most hated person on the planet. The drug alone will bring him down.
1
The Maker v The Faker? bring it on!
Mr. Bloomberg hires smart people, listens to what they have to say, looks at data, and isn't afraid to change position when the facts and the arguments warrant. He would be such breath of fresh air. A team of rivals instead a bunch of sycophants.
2
Stop pushing for Bloomberg. There are pyramids younger than he. And he is un-American. He believes he can buy his way around democracy. Time for him to retire from Greenback Charm School and stay the heck out of politics.
I’ll vote for whoever gets the Democratic nomination; however I would prefer a National Primary with a mail in ballot from each State. All due and results posted same day. No favorite States. Top three candidates go to Convention and delegates choose one as the candidate.
1
Incumbents usually have a huge advantage by being able to focus unchallenged on key swing states from the beginning of the campaign and by not having to spend money trying to defeat primary opponents.
Bloomberg is turning that around by using his vast resources to point out Trump's failures in those important delegate-rich states usually ignored by the standard-bearer of the party out of power until the general election.
5
I seriously doubt that Bloomberg actually doubled his ad spend because of this. It seems more likely that the ad spend was already planned but only announced after the caucus to reinsert Bloomberg into the national conversation about candidates to make sure he’s still considered a force to be reckoned with.
I’m definitely opening up to Bloomberg.
None of the Democratic candidates inspire me (and I don’t want the pendulum to swing all the way left, not yet).
I want someone whose going to come in and clean up the current mess, even if that’s going to be really hard to do given how entrenched the Republicans are. I think Michael will build a strong coalition towards that goal.
9
I've been a Mayor Pete fan for a very long time. However, this year is not his time. My support for Mayor Bloomburg is growing. He has the message, the strategy and the money to defeat Trump, my number one priority for the 2020 election.
16
Yes yes yes - honest Mike!!
The Governor of Iowa is s Republican, both it’s senators are Republican, by any measure Iowa is a deep red State that will vote overwhelmingly for Trump in the general election. New Hampshire has many of the ideologies of it neighbor Vermont , and will vote for Sanders who has great name recognition and familiarity there. Bloomberg as always was very pragmatic, he saw Super-Tuesday as the day the election truly begins. With so many charismatic and popular candidates on the democratic side there really may not be one that can break out, and this may go to a brokered convention, which is something we haven’t seen in a while. In other words this primary will not be a one punch knockout, but all the candidates are true fighters. Give me any of the Democrats and their energy, vision and love of America over the aberration who now occupies the White House.
7
At the moment, the 38-year-Old mayor of a mid-size midwestern city is leading in Iowa. It’s hard to understand why Bloomberg didn’t work on that state. Money is not an issue for Bloomberg, and dissing smaller, more rural states at the outset may turn off liberal voters there when the general election rolls around.
4
As a pediatrician and public health practitioner, my view is Mike Bloomberg is the strongest supporter for pragmatic, evidence-based policies to improve the emotional, social and physical health of the American population. We vastly overspend on medical care while we ignore the more impactful social determinants of health. Mr. Bloomberg is a hard charger who can defeat Mr. Trump and seriously address major challenges we face as Americans. These challenges include the lack of opportunity for a quality education, lack of safety in poor neighborhoods and frayed social structure.
18
As long as big money and big business have been running the country, and Trump has been using both for silence and support, Bloomberg is not out of step with what this country has become. I would have preferred all money out of politics,
but that will never happen so he might as well join the republican way of doing things, and win at it.
16
Part of me thinks that way. But most of me would hate the fact that both major candidates in a US election are on the Forbes 500 list.
1
Yes there is a risk in supporting Bloomberg. He is a member of the billionaire class and he has a business mentality. But he has made substantial contributions to the public good and the platform he proposes is solid. He would however need a running mate with a good understanding of how to deal with Congress. Some of our greatest presidents came from the moneyed class. We would not have Social Security and other social programs without Franklin Roosevelt. Defeating Trump will be tricky, and the challenges the world faces have been made worse by Trump. We need all the help we can get. Idealism alone will not carry the day, as evidenced by the fiasco in Iowa.
18
"Those are old rules" means if you have enough money and power to just name yourself the candidate you can skip the whole democratic process!
16
@Zack
Excellent point! We cannot have our democracy bought - and if he wins he certainly won't change the rules.
1
“Mini-Mike” rolls into a town towing a bursting bag of money, you bet local Demo pols listen up. Bloomberg is quite correct in sensing the eventual demise of Joe Biden as the candidate-of-choice, and is directing his firepower where it can do the most good for his own candidacy: the larger primary states where massive media blitzes can raise his profile - and credibility as a “viable” presidential candidate - to the disadvantage of all the other aspirants. What Bloomberg and his money have done to date is to create a “meaningful” alternative to Biden, thereby hastening Sleepy Joe’s exit in time from the race, then Bloomberg will use more money to both attack tRump really hard, and sell his own candidacy at the expense of the other front-runners, a two-fer that will make him rather formidable rolling toward convention time. Hate to say this, as a Sanders supporter, but I have to concede how well “Mini-Mike” has put his fortune to work in promoting himself - and concomitantly slamming and ridiculing the Racketeer-in-Chief.
19
Drop the physical put down. Mini Mike is Trump talk . Mike doesn’t donut and doesn’t deserve it. He’s done more philanthropy, climate work and as NYC Mayor putting aside his business unlike Trump got whom his office is his personal use for the family fortune.
2
Biden / Bloomberg there couldn't be a stronger Ticket!
1
@vic_bold_II
He is also supporting other Dems in the 2018 election
1
Can someone explain to me why Bloomberg has not taken part in any debate and was not part of the Iowa Caucus (not that it mattered)???
10
He did not have 250.000 separate donors because he is only using his own money
1
Because he wasn’t eligible for either at this point.
1
His approach and late entry meant that he couldn’t qualify for the earlier debates. He chose to strategically skip the first four states and focus his firepower on the biggest states and the swing states. His gigantic war chest makes it possible.
2
Mayor Mike is sitting back laughing, satisfied he didn't waste any time or millions of dollars campaigning in Iowa.
12
Maybe Bloomberg will spend some $ on advertising in red states where dems have been ignored for decades.
13
What even makes this guy a democrat? His ads? Just what we need to deal with the social inequities and elitism (Hillary, Kerry, etc) that brought us Trump, another center right billionaire ethically superior to the most corrupt president in history. I feel the visceral energy and moral leadership from Sanders and I believe he can blow Trump out of the very polluted water because he cares about people. All people.
11
Sanders is not a Democrat and his platform rankles with centrist Dems, particularly women.
4
BTW, Bernie eschews joining the Democratic Party. And yes, he is running on passion, fairness, equity. BTW2, he is a millionaire.
Bloomberg is very wealthy, is spending his own money, made from a venture into the new digital world. He has also been mayor of New York, nicknamed the second toughest job in America. And he did it well enough to be granted a second term. And then a third.
Both his wealth and his third term may be held against him, but he can manage, he can delegate, he can arm twist with the best of them. He actually uses logic and common sense.
New York, after 9/11, denied Rudy an extension in office, nominated Bloomberg (a Boston guy) and he led the city through the reconstruction and kept New York the economic capital of the US.
Center right? In what way?
This election and in the next term we need someone who can really do the job. Not be a nice guy (Joe), not be the angry guy (Bernie) who has passion but, BTW3, what has he done other than passionately run? Unfortunately, we may have to sideline the women running, as well as Pete - or put them on the ticket or later in the Cabinet.
I had thought that Bloomberg was in the race just to raise issues. But now, a legitimate billionaire against the illegitimate president we have - all for it.
3
A Very progressive candidate will turn moderates away
1
Bloomberg may be the adult in the Democratic party.
26
@Bubba
Oh yes. Because the GOP is just stuffed with adults.
A billionaire progressive. Convenient!
5
@Ami
at least he won't be using the office in hopes of achieving that status, or in trumps case paying of debts any way he can
1
@Ami
Bloomberg is more Republican than Democrat!
It takes a village billionaire to defeat the village bully.
26
A Bloomberg gun control ad was run here in Phoenix. There is plenty of gun control sentiment here, especially after the shooting of Gabby Gifford. Still, Arizonans are independent minded and have a long history revolving around guns. An ad talking about guns and run by a New York billionaire is unwelcome and offensive to many. After all, do New Yorkers want to hear from us Arizonans about public transportation?
If Bloomberg is using his treasure chest to promote an arrogant and insensitive agenda, he's running a lousy campaign.
29
@michjas as an Arizona gun owner (I have 8) I absolutely agree with a NY billionaire suggesting basic controls over who can buy, carry
or sell guns without background checks.
The term gun control has been curropted to make people think we're going to lose our right to own guns. Our society can deal with some slight changes to the way we distribute and possess weapons.
39
@michjas gun control isn't "arrogant and insensitive" it's reasonable
"arrogance and insensitivity" is watching the body counts soar and DO NOTHING about high capacity assault weapons
20
@michjas
January 8, 2011, Gabby Giffords was shot in the head in Casas Adobes, Arizona, (9 yrs ago).
You say." There is plenty of gun control sentiment here, especially after the shooting of Gabby Gifford".
I guess you mean "your thoughts and prayers are with frequent gun victims".
How novel and placating.
Arizona gun control laws are among the least-restrictive in the United States. Arizona law states that any person 21 years or older, who is not a prohibited possessor, may carry a weapon openly or concealed without the need for a license.
Arizona 5 years post Giffords shooting (2016);
Firearm deaths per 100,000 people: 15.2 per 100,000
New York; Firearm deaths per 100,000 people: 4.4 per 100,000 (2016)
It seems Bloomberg is a candidate who is finally going to shove gun control down your collective, thoughtful and oh-so sensitive throats.
Bloomberg is insensitive, yes, so try not to gag
17
Bloomberg said years ago 'if there was a Democrat candidate who was pro-business, they would win over Trump'.... I think the American public doesn't want socialist candidates in the end.
25
If there was a pro-business candidate that could acknowledge the corporations are not people and can not be given the right to buy our elections via Citizens United, they would be viable as a Democratic candidate.
2
Trump had the Russians interfere with our 2016 elections to ensure his victory. We have the Democrats to interfere with our 2020 elections to ensure our defeat. But, alas, we have a rule bender in Blumberg to take on the lawbreaker and Blumberg is a tit for tat tweeter. If Blumberg is called "short" he fires back at Trump to call him the "fat, fake, pathological liar" that Trump truly is. Move over Iowa and New Hampshire the 21st century has arrived in man with 20th-century values, 21st-century know-how, and with real-time billions to spend. Bloomberg has me thinking positively for the first time since the democrats took to the playing field.
23
Michael Bloomberg is the one with real governance experience.
Bloomberg was a great mayor for 3 terms. He’s a real philanthropist- great on climate and human reality.
He made his clean money as a great business man from humble beginnings like Bernie. Both “the smartest kid on their block” growing up. I’m all in with Bloomberg! It’s great that his statements and concerns are clear and that he puts his own money in. Like Shirley Chisholm he could say “unbought and unbossed””! Let go of cynicism and hate and bias and see what’s good! Go Mike go!!
30
Yes a go getter. First a Democrat the changed & ran for NY mayor now changed back to run for President—another ego, another billionnaire.
@Here Come Da Judge
Bloomberg/Abrams and tRump can say goodbye to Florida and maybe even Georgia. Wouldn't it be great to have tRump living in a state that defeated him in 2020 and from a state that defeated him in 2016?
1
Am I the only one thinking it's inept that the candidate being backed by millionaires has the best prospect or is this the American's idea of democracy?
5
@Robert
Which "candidate being backed by millionaires" are you talking about? This is a story about Bloomberg, who is not backed by anyone but himself.
I can say for sure that your use of "inept" in that sentence is inept, though.
1
@Robert Trump has many, many millions to spend on this election, and the determination to cheat to win, as well. Republicans have NO qualms about their man's character, or about furnishing money to help his chances. Better to combat him and them with overwhelming financial might. Who cares if Republicans whine about being at a disadvantage running against Bloomberg's massive wealth? Let them. They have no basis or standing to make ANY protest at this point, and their opinion can be rightfully disregarded, relegated to the Trump-bin of history. They're as corrupt as their leader. Remember the primary objective: Trump MUST be beaten. As long as it's not a corrupt candidate, and as long as he's a decent human being, which Bloomberg seems to be, I don't care if he has $500 billion to spend.
1
Your off - self made men of great conscience and actions are very welcome.
This slightly right of center voter likely back Bloomberg. Hope die hard Dems see the reality of Nov
15
Sanders is not the person to follow Trump. Americans are worn out from lies, chaos, incompetence, and racism. If elected President, Sanders, a Socialist, would push us over the edge with he radicalism. At this point in its history, America needs a person who is level headed and is capable of stabilizing this country. I have come to the conclusion that person is Michael Bloomberg.
29
Sanders is not a socialist.
2
He’s got the best chance to take back the White House for the Dems. If that’s your goal, stop the whining about his wealth and success and be open to his candidacy. Go Mike!
24
Have him announce his running mate! Cory? or Kamala?
7
This is disgusting. Bloomberg is attempting to buy his way into the presidency. He doesn't debate, doesn't campaign, has no ground game. It's just money. TV ads. Propaganda.
The need for campaign-finance reform has never been greater.
(By the way, I will never dignify this ghoul with my vote, and I predict he'll lose in a landslide.)
3
@Jeff D. What’s so bad about MB? Prefer to get things done or have someone yelling about getting things done.
1
He does campaign, and I’m sure he would debate if he had qualified for the debates. Do you understand the rules governing the debate process? Perhaps investigate before passing judgment.
@Jeff D
Your description of Bloomberg's campaign in 2020 sounds like tRump's campaign in 2016. Remember he had no ground game and his debates and rallies were theater and propaganda. Just money.
I agree that campaign reform is needed and badly. But why shoot down someone willing to use his own money and be beholden to no one?
Add Stacey Abrams to Bloomberg's ticket and I predict a win.
Trump is an extra-unauthodox president.
Attack him with reasons won't hurt him and his supporters.
Outsider Bloomberg's unauthodox approach may be the answer. I'm for him.
16
This makes no sense.
All Mike would have to do is pay Trump like 5 billion and he'd leave. Much easier than dealing with all this party nominating silliness.
6
Important comments:
I will vote for Mike enthusiastically!!! I've known Mike for 30 plus years since the mid eighties... he's the real deal... and the "we don't need any more billionaires in the race" individuals have taken no timeto better know Mike his record and what he stands for! The most important thing to understand about Mike are his values, what he stands for as an individual. He's been one of the most generous philanthropists of the last decade with contributions estimated at in excess of $8 billion.
NOTE: More to come in following posts
15
Makes total sense. "The nation turns its lonely eyes to you."
2
Sooo predictable.
Des Moines Register cancels their poll after 76 years because of a Mayor Pete complaint, an app financed by Mayor Pete and his SuperPAC, built by the DNC Shadow spooks, and overseen by Hillary’s campaign manager, the Iowa State Dem Party having nothing to offer as to why there was no final count, and CIA-Pete claims victory with no results.
Cue all the Bloomberg talk in the media.
Like Pete, he'll be another media creation. They tried to make Klobuchar a thing, it almost worked, yet all they did was cancel Biden.
This was all orchestrated to dismiss a Bernie win, so everyone can say it doesn't matter, and to bolster CIA-Pete’s and NY billionaire Bloomberg’s profiles.
They even changed the rules (the ones they had claimed previously were unchangeable) to accommodate Bloomberg.
And shouldn’t the fact that Buttigieg paid for the app automatically disqualify him from the race?
Of course, if the "Bernie Bros" complain, they'll be called divisive, sexist communists.
The fix is in.
Again.
8
@Chris Sources for your claims? A lot of us love Buttigieg and also Bloomberg. It’s a choice not a conspiracy.
@Chris
You nailed it. CNN and MSNBC loaded with corporate Dem commentators explaining how Bernie can't win. Shades of 2016 all over again. Watch for more hit pieces on Bernie in the NYT as they move to Bloomberg now that Biden is toast.
1
Honestly, a breath of fresh air
7
I plan to vote for anybody whose not a rich white suit. I guess that means I won’t vote this election.
Nothing says “Your vote doesn’t count” like being given the choice of Billionaire A or Billionaire B.
2
Mike started a great fintech business that still dominates wall street after 25 years--no discounts etiher :(
He is a moderate, focused on the issues, can't be bought and will pull non Trump Republicans from under their beds to join with us Dems to end this bloody tyranny and end this nightmare!
Go Mike Go!
18
The Democrats Savior:
"Mr. Bloomberg, a billionaire (Republican) businessman making his first run for public office, welcomed Mr. Giuliani's endorsement"
"Mr. Bloomberg, who is spending an average of $350,000 a day on television advertisements, is likely to feature Mr. Giuliani prominently in his advertising campaign and in his direct mail"
https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/28/nyregion/in-homestretch-of-campaign-mayor-endorses-bloomberg.html
2004 Republican Convention:
"I want to thank President Bush for supporting New York City in changing the Homeland Security Funding formula and for leading the global war on terrorism. The President deserves our support. We are here to support him. I am here to support him."
Unbelievable that this man is now the establishment choice for the Democrat nomination. It is disgusting.
1
@John
What is disgusting is what is sitting in the White House now. Bloomberg can attract independents and disaffected Republicans enuf to win swing states. The "left behinds" bought Trump's hateful garbage populism hook line and sinker and will, amazingly, vote for Trump again even though he has done nothing for him, so I've lost sympathy. I'll make the necessary compromises to accommodate Bloomberg because of two words: SUPREME COURT. You can consider that or let the court dole out a lot of pain for an entire generation.
Bloomberg is the James Holzhauer of the Democratic party's Jeopardy game. All the other candidates are gripping their buzzers with sweaty hands and wondering where the Daily Doubles are.
4
Our founders supported George Washington. He was wealthy. Plantation. Slaves. Thomas Jefferson, slaves. James Monroe. The Adams family. FDR was wealthy. TR was wealthy. GHW Bush was wealthy. George W. Bush wealthy. Al Gore, Obama, Jerry Ford wealthy.
Harry S Truman was poor. Why?
Do the history. Founders wanted wealthy senators, governors, Presidents.
1
Just double it? Gosh, guess his heart isn't really in it then. Now, if he would Quadruple it, then he would prove how much he Really wants it. So come on Mike!! Four Times the Money or just go home.
Just what we need. Another elitist out-of-touch billionaire who switched parties, apparently when it was expedient, with a rotten and, up to only recently, unapologetic record of mistreating minorities.
3
Here's my silly litmus test: the wince factor.
When I try to imagine any of the candidates going up against Trump, I fear for all except Bloomberg, that I'll be wincing with each bullying blow Trump levels at his opponent.
14
The answer to Trump is Bloomberg .
13
Just what we don’t need... another New York billionaire tyrant.
@F. Jozef K.
If that billionaire tyrant is the only who can vanquish Trump then it is exactly what we need.
Bloomberg is a thousand times smarter and a million times richer than trump. Let’s hope he exposes trump for the fraud he is.
11
It is unfair to write a headline that Bloomberg is "exploiting" the chaos in Iowa ... or anything else. Is Warren "exploiting" Buttigieg's youth? Is Biden "exploiting" the cost of Sanders' proposals? This is a contest and everyone is trying to win, in their own way. That may not be what the NY Times headline writers like, but that is the way it is.
9
American's have been so brutalized by a disgusting political system for so long, it doesn't surprise me that the dim-witted swing voter will probably fall for this grotesque oligarch. Our only hope is to continue to expand the base, turn out the poor and working class to defeat plutocracy.
1
It is sad to see American elections bought by a plutocrat and sold by a traitor.
Not much of the Republic left.
1
Didn't Hillary spend TWICE as much as Trump in 2016?
hmm...
4
I'm for Biden but if he slips badly in NH and whatever the results are in Iowa, I may go with Bloomberg. He's got the experience, his own money, and can take on Trump Plus, he's from Meh-Fuh!!!
3
Bloomberg like the Koch Brothers, buying whatever their heart desires.
1
@Jacquie
Yeah, given we have to play by the current campaign finance rules (or lack thereof), I'd much rather Bloomberg be doing the purchasing than the Kochs. Bloomberg will appoint Supreme Court judges that will not make decisions like Citizens United.
1
Being from Ohio, I was never really interested in supporting a NYC Billionaire, until:
1. Henry Louis Gates said in a recent NYT's Magazine profile:
"I’m going to vote for whatever Democrat emerges. I want to say this right, because I haven’t said this to anybody: Among all the candidates, the person who I believe could stand toe-to-toe, strongest and longest with Donald Trump is Mike Bloomberg."
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/02/03/magazine/henry-louis-gates-jr-interview.html
2. My wife got two calls from Bloomberg Ohio Campaign staffers, right here in Ohio, and one call led to a one-on-one sit-down at Angel Fall's Coffee Shop in Highland Square, Akron.
Bloomberg is much bigger than a guy who does million dollar ad buys. He's bigger than "John" Trump [pun intended], and smarter, too. After Amy Klobuchar, Michael R. Bloomberg's looking very good.
14
You don’t think religion will play in the swing states? Smh
Dear NYT:
Bloomberg to the rescue! I am sure that Mr. Bloomberg can finance a new election app or perhaps just modify a Bloomberg terminal for this purpose.
And I love the Democrats new motto:
Our billionaire can beat your billionaire!
2
Russian be warned. Surfs up. La Jolla Point has been re-taken by sanity. Personal responsibility must come to Iowa. At any cost.
The cowboys of CPT ride again. Deputize now. Everyone forgets about stop and frisk. Big states, like big dawgs matter. Trump doesn’t have enough money for Bloomberg. I like Mike.
4
Mike Bloomberg / Stacey Abrams 2020
Formidable.
4
I wish Mayor Bloomberg would use his money to ensure a democratic majority in the house and senate.
Trump is a corrupt, ignorant, and racist buffoon but it is our complicit republican majority senate that allows him to weaken the constitution and our standing in the world daily.
The republican senate had not worked on any legislation since they obtained the majority in 2014. They might as well put up a sign that says, “Tax breaks and judges”.
The US could survive Trump if he was checked by a democratic majority in the house and senate.
3
bloomburg is what the current president pretends to be and can beat him easily
6
Why is Iowa the first caucus state? Tradition? Time to change the tradition given those hilljacks don’t represent America anyway nor can they ever get through caucus day without problems. Please change Iowa to the LAST caucus state!
2
Amazing how many commenters here have no qualms with a billionaire buying his way into the White House.
2
@Durr Adoya
How is it any different than a candidate being funded by the Koch brothers & Citizens United. At least this is transparent.
@Durr Adoya
Buying the presidency is what Americans want or they would vote otherwise. So, if them the rules I'd rather have a billionaire who will appoint Supreme Court judges like Merrick Garland buy his way in rather than the rich (no proof he is a billionaire, remember) alt right tool that sits there now ready stack the Supreme Court.
If Bloomberg were to become the nominee does anybody believe that the supporters of Sanders and Warren will rush to support him. Many will view of him as a wealthy guy who bought the nomination.
A real possibility is that his nomination will result in the end of the Democratic Party and it will go the way of the Whig Party here and the Liberal Party in the UK.
1
@Steve
why do Sanders & Warren supporters assume Biden/Bloomberg fans will support them?
Whichever Democrat wins doesn't matter as much as Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer.
2
@DitchmitchDumptrump You are absolutely right! With Democratic control of both houses, Trump will go nuts when his Vetoes are overturned one after another while a Democratic congress restores sanity to everything that Trump has destroyed.
But Democratic control of all three can make a real difference if they stick to the basics of unraveling all of Trump's "Executive Orders" with statutes that forbid their being touched for 25 years.
And, most important expanding the Supreme court to 15 with six new liberal judges.
Don't waste the advantage like Obama did, strike fast and hard.
Bloomberg is ready to spar. Unlike Trump he's a real business success, he can put forward a plan to grow the economy and help save the human race. He knows many brilliant people --- and he'll need them to rebuild the US govt after Trump's looting whole departments and then turning them into shooting ranges and outhouses.
13
Three years ago I thought that if America was really determined to have a New York billionaire as our President, Mike Bloomberg (a REAL billionaire), was who they really wanted.
Mike is the one candidate that would have El Presidente Grande refusing to engage in one-on-one debate. Mike has all the dish on Trump, who knows it.
He gives a good case through his life that great wealth can be achieved by contributing something that is valued, and that it CAN be used to achieve good ends.
We CAN work together.
14
Bloomberg is the only one who has a chance of beating Trump. The rest of them are hopeless cases especially the far-left extremists Warren and Sanders.
11
Anything Bloomberg ads that weaken Trump should be rejoiced. Please Democrats, keep your eye on defeating Trump at the electoral college. Nothing should be more important. NOTHING!
9
This is a direct assault on democracy.
1
Bloomberg gave the DNC over $300,000 then days later it changed the rules, so he could be in the debates. The same DNC rules that eliminated other candidates. This all really stinks another billionaire buying an election
2
The old saying that it "takes a thief to catch a thief" should perhaps be co-opted as it "takes a billionaire to catch a billionaire." I am all for Mayor Bloomberg "buying" this election as a Democrat. While many of the other candidates would make excellent Presidents, we cannot lose the sight of the main goal of this election: Trump needs to lose. In my mind Bloomberg is the only candidate with the chops to take Trump on head to head. He is the one candidate I can see Trump fearing. A scared Trump is a vulnerable Trump.
12
It’s amazing how the Dems don’t realize MB is actually a Rep mole. He won’t make it, though, although he would make a great President. As long as the economy roars, no scandal will topple DT.
You just wonder what the trillion-a-year deficit that DT is living from will cost the Americans one day. Something must give, there have never been free lunches. God bless America.
3
I am also warming up to Bloomberg. As a 3 term mayor in NYC, he has the most executive experience of any of the candidates(VP doesn't really count) and he also built a $50 billion plus dollar business.
He is certainly not charismatic, but his no-nonsense, get it done attitude may play off nicely against the unhinged Trump.
And you gotta love that he will not be outspent.
151
@Sparky
A democracy bought by the highest bidder is not a democracy! We should not vote for Bloomberg.
1
@Sparky
I love that he did a good job as mayor of NYC and that he cares enough to run. He's a lot more than just his money. He has good people working for him and solid ideas.
8
@IndependentVoter
America? It is what is. Not what we assumed to be true. I look forward to seeing and hearing both Bloomberg and Trump on a debate stage.
Bloomberg looks like our best hope to remove Trump. The democrats in these primaries need there heads examined it’s about electability to an entire nation not just a fringe wing of the party. Look at what happened to Corbin in the UK versus Johnson, it was a landslide. It will be a landslide like 84 if Sanders or Mayor Pete win the nomination. Wake up Democrat’s.
IN BLOOMBERG WE TRUST
12
At this point, Bloomberg is only one who is wealthy enough, tough enough and sharp enough to handle the tonnage of attacks Trump will throw. I can’t wait til he speaks Spanish with his New Yorkish accent in his commercials!
11
Mike Bloomberg has the bucks and the brains to beat Trump. AND he is a New Yorker, and could easily stand up to Trump. I look forward to a debate between the two! Mike is going to save us!
12
Bob Dylan once sang "Money doesn't talk, it swears." Michael Bloomberg is living proof of the truth in that statement.
7
So, Mr. Bloomberg wishes to buy the Presidency. If that happens then Democracy is dead in this nation
3
@Mike Murray MD
Mr.. Bloomberg might just be trying to save the Presidency
Although I would choose Bloomberg anytime over Trump (although my bar is extremely low, I personally would chose a cockroach over Trump) I'm wondering how a Bloomberg presidency would actually look like. Would he distance himself completely from his businesses? Contrary to Trump Bloomberg is an actual billionaire, what about his myriads of business connections all over the world? How would he differentiate between personal favors to cronies and policies that would actually benefit the country? In that sense Bloomberg wouldn't be that different from Trump, aside from his character of course (so I assume). I think Bloomberg would serve best by standing behind the Democratic nominee, whoever it will be, and unleash his immense financial power in favor of that nominee.
3
Sanders - too liberal to win a general election
Warren - too liberal to win a general election
Biden - lost too many steps
Pete - too young
Bloomberg - just right
16
The idea of him as the potential Democratic candidate is growing on me; though I initially dreaded having another rich white guy toss his hat in the ring, he really does seem poised to put up the best fight against Trump.
11
A DINO who wants to buy the nomination. Doubt it will work.
Bloomberg: terminal.
3
@Pottree
A RINO did it. He bought it w DB.
Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line.
Bloomberg is an accomplished man.
I will vote for him but then I will vote for a cadaver over Trump.
Bloomberg built several real businesses and was Mayor of the biggest city in the country. He did make some bad decisions there but no one is perfect.
Bernie Bros will vote for Trump (again) if Bloomberg is the nominee.
And I hate to say it but many Americans (particularly in the South and rural areas) will not vote for Mike because he's Jewish.
4
Although a forceful case has been made that the party doesn’t need a billionaire oligarch running on the Democratic ticket to unseat Trump, I think as the primary season wears on, the public will see Bloomberg on his merits: a principled, smart, innovative leader, who is unafraid to stand up for his convictions. He might not have all the plans that Warren has put forth to solve many of our nation’s problems, but he can be trusted to build on the legacy of the progressive victories of the past, while stopping the right-ward lurch we are seeing in large swathes of the country. A Bloomberg/Harris ticket perhaps?
6
I don't think there is any doubt that Bloomberg is the only candidate who can Trump from office. The other candidates seem to be wandering willy-nilly around the forests of primary land. Mike has a good track record in NYC and is a proven and successful businessman and entrepreneur. He can do the job and appeal to moderate republicans and democrats. But his greatest asset is his political savvy! He lives rent free in Trumps head, and Trump fears him! Mike knows this! He can go toe to toe with Trump!
6
Someone get Chris Matthews on the line and ask him if he still thinks ”oligarch” was too strong a word to describe Bloomberg.
Okay—“aspiring Oligarch.” Either way, is that who we want in charge of the progressive party?
3
@Disillusioned reader
Funny question considering already have an "aspiring Oligarch" in charge of our country.
1
Bloomberg should use his money for something other than his vanity run for president. While I will vote for him if he is the dem choice (ha!) I disdain what he is doing. It is totally unAmerican.
6
Go Mike Go! The only adult in the field - from both parties.
5
Bloomberg supporter. He can take on Trump in every way.
6
I would vote for Bloomberg in a New York minute.
Against Trump, he would only carry NYC by about 95%.
8
@Brian
Brian - I agree - but don't forget - it's not about winning NYC - Hillary did that, too.
2
At last someone DJT is truly scared of running...Michael Bloomberg. MB has everything lacking in Trump, a heart, a mind, much more money, the story of the self-made made man, a soul, morals, a system of beliefs and most of all, EXPERIENCE!
I’ll take Mike.
9
I'm sure he'll have the best grassroots campaign money can buy.
2
@voreason So what’s wrong with that?
It doesn't take a weatherman to know which way readers from the NY Times are leaning! Only 4 comments here as I write. Bloomberg, the man, not the TV network or terminal feed, has been my choice even before he announced. He is a billionaire, but not for the greedy, sycophantic reasons many others are. He is wise, knowledgeable, and quite ready to assume the office of President from day 1. He is also a septuagenarian, but with no ostensible sign of any cognitive decline, whatsoever. A ticket of Bloomberg and Klubacher is a dream ticket, one that could defeat Trump. That assumes that the Sanders folks will turnout, but that is not likely.
10
@boji3
I agree a lot of the Sander bro's may not turn out. But, Bloomberg may pick up some of the R' who might have stayed home.
Mayor Bloomberg, I urge you to recruit a young, dynamite running mate now so two of you can throw all you’ve got at Trump. Show voters the kind of talent you’ll attract and put any concern about your age to rest. Many of us are as scared by Pence as Trump.
6
Never ever voting for a billionaire.
3
@Carol Why don't you get to know his policies and accomplishments before you make a decision? Please avoid knee-jerk reactions. This makes as much sense as voting for someone who doesn't have money simply because he/she doesn't have money.
1
@Carol
so you're good with trump?
How many Democrats does it take to manage a caucus?
No one knows, they can’t count past three
2
Whoever can win in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and Ohio has my vote. I think that person stands the best chance of beating Trump. Plus the ads showing a very fat Trump made me laugh. They sure annoyed Trump, so Bloomberg has this in his favor. Two scrappy New Yorkers playing fisticuffs. Iowa and New Hampshire are the new big yawns.
5
Electability! Who has it? ABT: Anybody But Trump
Mayor Pete: great guy, VP material, the mid West is not ready for a gay president
Bernie: self claimed socialist, I would have to hold my breath to vote for him, Trump would destroy him in the general election.
Warren: angry school teacher, reminds me of my mother lecturing me. No warmth.
Biden: too old, erratic, he had his chance
Bloomberg: I looked into donating to his site, can’t do it. He truly is the only candidate I see capable of beating Trump.
Let’s do it
9
I like all of the candidates (some more than others) but I am convinced that Bloomberg is the ONLY one who can knock this buffoon out of the White House.
As long as we're going to have millionaires and billionaires in our national politics for the foreseeable future, I'd at least like to have a REAL billionaire with some REAL accomplishments instead of the tragic sociopath we have now.
7
"Bloomberg Plans to Double Ad Spending After Iowa Caucus Problem: Encouraged by the murky results in Iowa-"
Oh what a baloney NYT spin:
Biden is expected to come in 4th, below 15%, and will lose big in NH, and has scant bucks or feet on the ground to actively campaign in other states after.
So his campaign is running on empty.
And so - with the complicity of the Democratic establishment that changed rules to let him into the race late - is spending 100s of millions of dollars to be the 'Democratic establishment plan B and buy his way to the nomination...
...with full force, now that Sanders' main opponent is known to be even weaker.
Bloomberg's opening the taps of his effectively bottomless billions has NOTHING to do with Iowa "murkiness;" everything to do with Biden's imminent campaign failure.
4
@Jackson
Well technology is suppose to be the answer to everything. Listen to the great CEO's of tech who are making money hand over fist .
I can imagine so 20 something who convinced the older government people to purchase this sham app . Decades they did it the old fashion way and it worked
But some to bit app company destroyed the system and they should be held to pay. In the same manner that Facebook threw our democracy away to the Russian for money. More money in destroying democracy when you are a hand maiden to Putin
So there is a conspiracy theory being formed and the people in the conspiracy are the same ones who are involved in the massive cover up with Ukraine.
Wait till the real election comes and Trump will be not having to worry about his reelection it wont happen since Bloomberg will flood the airwaves with the Truth vs the Trump lies. Cant wait
Bloomberg finally is going to do the right thing in his life for the entire country except being just a taker and telling people how to think.
@Jackson Check the results. Buttigieg is Sanders’ main opponent and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Buttigieg or Bloomberg - what awesome options!
@Jolton
"Buttigieg is Sanders’ main opponent and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Buttigieg or Bloomberg - what awesome options!"
Speaking as a Sanders supporter - but for the legion woke Bloombergers here, Jolton - it's Bloomberg:
Buttigieg has focused on IA and NH to stay in, but has bottom grade support from voters under 35 or African Americans nationally (like, maybe 3% for each demographic); whereas Bloomberg - w/his effectively limitless money - is carpet bombing the 48 remaining states w/his polished ads.
1
I love it!!!! Go Bloomberg
7
This guy rocks.
6
Oligarch! Oligarch! Oligarch!
Plutocrat! Plutocrat! Plutocrat!
Billionaire! Billionaire! Billionaire!
9
It's time for Mighty Mike to come to the rescue!
4
Fight fire with fire ... DEMS need Bloomberg!
7
@J L. S.
As a democratic supporter not as president. He is no different than Trump just more polished. But he wants his way all the time and fails to listen to other thoughts.
You all just need to concede 2020...like the DNC did a LONG time ago - you know, focus on 2024.
Trump will scald "Mini Mike", the same as the rest of them...
Besides - don't the D's think they need BLACK people to win (already deserting the party in droves)? Bloomberg doesn't quite fit that demographic.
oh well - get 'em the next time, I guess ;O
1
Imagine a debate between the brilliant Mike Bloomberg and celebrity clown Trump.
Democrats, please nominate Mike.
2
I was not even considering Bloomberg but he seems to understand a crisis and knows how to respond to it. The Iowa caucus is not a "crisis" but it's a stupid flub and we can't make stupid flubs. So now he's in my radar. I don't want candidates squabbling about stupid things or stuck in another era.
5
Run Mike, win!!
5
This is like a bad dream, Bloomberg is the only democratic candidate who is not an improvement over trump, the question is do you want a loundmouthed windbag like trump or a sneaky, charmless sniveler like Bloomberg to rule over the little people and continue the upward distribution of wealth? I will not vote for him under any circumstances .
3
The only boneheaded comment we have NOT heard from is Trump claiming victory in Iowa.
Well, this is the same guy who thought the Kansas City Chiefs were from Kansas, right?
Seriously!!! (Thanks PD - great closer line)
1
Crooked outspent Trump 2 to 1 in 2016.
Just saying...
1
When looking for a better meal, start with a better menu. Not one advertising leftovers or untested recipes. Michelle where are you?
1
Go, Mike, Go!
I like Mike. He’s the perfect mix of pragmatism and vision. If he can do for the country what he did for NYC and his business empire—I’m all in. An added bonus—he’s got the funds/message sufficient to rattle dumb Donald.
2
@Merik
not sure what he did for people in NY who werent rich and white. He loves being an elite and spent his weekends in Bermuda like Trump in Florida while we suffered thru snowstorm's stuck on the A train in Rockaway during a nor'easters and hurricanes. He removed people who were expert in their fields and replaced them with lawyers and tricked Quinn into giving him a third term. He ensured that the people on the upper east side had their streets plowed and whatever the white folks wanted, want to see black people arrested, Stop& Frisk was there for Bloomberg. His friends lived there Bloombergs gave them.
Remember Elizabeth Black the school chancellor told the teenage girls in the Bronx why dont they use birth control. she was a rich girl with no experience that Bloomberg forced down our throats. He cared about education for rich white people not for ordinary people. He took public schools and gave them to his cronies.
Bloomberg has never been a friend to minorities and never will. His infocommercials reflect that he is out of touch.
However Bloomberg needs to work with others and design great hit commercials to Trump's bigotry
I like Mike.
1
Go Mike, Go!!!!
1
Bloomberg is the Man
1
The NY Times does not support him. That's obvious. NYT endorsed Warren and Amy. That's okay but expect coverage to be unbiased and headlines like "exploited chaos" are low journalism. No, he did what any other candidate would do if they were in his position. I like Mike and think he would be a good President
1
Keep buying ads...heaven forbid you should go out and talk to real people...
2
I see a brokered convention on the horizon after none of the candidates receives the requisite number of delegates. Sanders may win a majority but it won't be enough against a split moderate vote. And you can be sure that his most hell-bent supporters will refuse to vote for the chosen nominee if it's not him. Disaster on election day! I like Bloomberg but he makes this outcome more likely. It's all stomach-churning. I'm going out to take a long walk.
I like that he takes the gloves off with Trump. I like his pre-emptive strikes and I liked him as mayor. H'mmm.
1
I liked it a lot when Trump called Bloomberg "little" during his Super Bowl interview. Bloomberg's campaign shot back, "fake hair, fat, with a spray on tan, whose the better man?". That's what winners do. never give an inch. Especially to a bully coward like Trump.
5
The thing I like most about Bloomberg is he realizes that the Trumpite infestation is the greatest threat to America. Priority one is sending Trump and company back to Mar a Lago - that is where the depravity began.
4
Mike Bloomberg is holding a Royal Flush!.He has pledged his money to help the Democratic candidate get elected.The other candidates cannot anger him and criticize because he will eventually support them. In the meantime he is making a strong case for his own nomination and is very persuasive.He is perhaps the only person who can beat Trump=Bloomberg is much, much smarter than Trump and much, much richer than Trump and honest and has experience governing.Bloomberg is a good candidate!
1
Bloomberg's right. The Democrats are trying to win in a new game but still playing by the old rules. The breakdown in Iowa is not the problem - it reveals the problem!
The data for how to Beat Trump exists but the Democrats are wrapped up in "small ball' politics, ignoring the big picture, and simply playing into Donald Trump's hand. With this plan they will loose the election. Guaranteed.
If Bloomberg can cut through the noise and right the ship - he has my vote and I will go to work for him.
15
@Lisa Maree Meyer Bernie Sanders isn't talking 'small ball' (pretty much). But I'm for Bloomberg's involvement (altho the DNC changing debate parameters was unfair). Why? He hates Trump and will spend it seems like more than a billion dollars just to punch Trump in the face.
2
My personal opinion is that there should be a cap on how much presidential candidates can spend, and that they should have to account for every cent of it... and that would tell us a lot about each person.
That said, as someone who has had Bernie stickers on their vehicle since 2015, I'm willing to take a look at Bloomberg. I've peeked, and have been okay with him.
9
Bloomberg is going to have support from a much broader spectrum than either Trump or Sanders. This is how we win and I could not be happier about it (though I’d also love to see Buttigieg’s rise continue).
15
Why did Hillary Clinton lose the 2016 election?
Part of the reason is that she descended to the Trump level. Instead of focusing on issues, she castigated Trump on the "Access Hollywood" tapes, which led Trump to seek out the accusers of Bill Clinton's extramarital affairs.
We need to avoid that mistake.
Sanders gives a very appealing stump speech. The ads of Mike Bloomberg are appealing but superficial.
The Democratic Party needs to provide debates between Sanders, Bloomberg and others, which focus on issues.
The devil is in the details. Sanders wants to fund universal health care with a wealth tax. But France tried that and it didn't work out so well. Moreover, much of the wealth of the 1% is tied up in the stock market. Would taxing that wealth away result in a market crash?
Regarding global warming and immigration, we need to discuss the impact of population growth. The book "Limits to Growth" of 1972 argued that continued population growth was unsustainable. The argument was that SOMETHING would cause population growth to come to an end, starvation, fighting over resources, running out of oil. Global warming is caused by population growth and provides the mechanism whereby population growth will end, essentially by heating up the planet and rendering much of it uninhabitable.
So the issues immigration, global warming and population growth are interwoven. How do the candidates see that interaction between issues?
4
@Blaise Descartes
Republicans won because they fight dirty. Democrats don’t and lose. Hillary didn’t fight dirty enough if at all. Calling Trump a liar and a cheat backed up with evidence is fine. Commercials exposing Trump’s undersides, his obvious failings, his physical problems, his slurred speech are acceptable.
1
@Blaise Descartes
Blaise, I disagree, the devil is NOT in the details. He's sitting in the White House.
1
@Blaise, Mrs. Clinton would be president now, if it were not for the antiquated Electoral College. She received three million more votes than Trump.
1
Bloomberg built his fortune on developing reliable software, the kind that was sorely absent in Iowa last night.
And he displayed considerable political savvy in choosing to just say no to the Iowa caucuses.
He also has a dry sense of humor. When asked if America really needs TWO billionaires running for president, he replied "Who's the other one?"
I like Mike.
23
If Bloomberg promised to offer each of the Dem candidates a position in his cabinet upon winning, he's be a shoo-in. Each of the Dem candidates have their strengths and each should be able to contribute to the next administration with Mike at the helm. Trump wouldn't stand a chance.
7
@pork chops That's a novel idea!
1
I think Bloomberg would make a fine president but I don't think he can win the nomination. He's a little too cold when it comes to retail politics.
But I welcome him and his money into the race. With his money he can take on Trump, and damage him, in ways the other candidates can't.
4
@Hugh CC - Whatever it takes. I also want him to win. Mike Bloomberg is an American Patriot.
1
Bloomberg seems to be the person who understands Trump best and can mess with his head.
Combine that with his political experience as NYC Mayor and his amazing business acumen and I expect him to run a great campaign.
I live in Virginia where Bloomberg donated a fortune in 2018 to help us elect more Democrats.
I'm all in for Bloomberg, a billionaire with a conscience --- and a plan.
18
Bloomberg is the best qualified candidate for President because of his great record as Mayor of N.Y., his positions on many issues essential to the Democratic Party and for being very successful as a self made billionaire. He is also a philanthropist who donates to important national and international causes.
11
Most Americans perceive the economy is going well and they want that to continue . They mostly find Trump contemptible but they want a pair of safe hands for the economy.
Bloomberg is that pair of safe hands, in addition he will start to deal with critical issues Trump has turned his back on. Health Care for all, at a lower cost, reduction of income inequality by lifting people up not knocking them down including a fair tax code where Corporations and wealthy people pay their fair share. Climate change , education, infrastructure etc.
Bloomberg has a plan for all these issues we should , including the young listen to him.
He will get things done , he is not beholden to special interests
In addition in financing his own campaign he will enable we cash strapped Democrats support key Senate and House races.
In addition it will be fun and instructive to see Bloomberg and Trump compare tax returns.
Time is of essence , Republicans are awash with cash , Trumps approval is rising .
We have ro resist indulging in wishful ideological thinking and vote for a person who will work for future generations, win independents and moderate Republicans . Otherwise we are doomed to another 4 years of Trump and decades of devastating consequences
5
Bloomberg is still sharp.
At a recent XMas party, one of his PhD financial employees told me Bloomberg followed his analysis presentation with pertinent questions.
Plus, the man is running a radio news network based on finances.
If the argument for Trump is based on the economy, I would trust Bloomberg first.
13
If he will pledge to fix the Voting System and our outdated voting machines, and stop voter disenfranchisement, I would vote for Bloomberg.
PS He should pick Stacey Abrams.
THAT is a winning ticket.
I would even quit my job and work for this ticket. The stakes have never been higher.
6
Almost any Democrat would be wise to pick Stacy Abrams.
This country desperately needs a better choice than a Marxist and someone who doesn't know what state Kansas City is in.
I don't call Bernie a Marxist as an insult. I have respect for his courage challenging HRC. But if 2016 proved anything it's that restricting people's choices doesn't win an election and you can't be comfortable when the most radical of the other party's contestants gets nominated.
Marxists see the world as divided by the oppressed and the oppressors. In Bernie's worldview the Middle Class will always be oppressed by a gang of villains: multinational corporations, big Pharma, medical insurance companies, and banks.
It is irrelevant to him and his followers that the Middle Class is doing very well, probably better than its ever done. Unemployment is at a peacetime low, more Americans are insured (he shouts at every debate there are 87 million uninsured when the real number is closer to 20 million), and wages and wealth are rising faster for the bottom 20%.
Complicated problems like lack of access to medical care can be fixed by destroying an industry that employs 3 million people, insures 140 million, and is present in 70% of American portfolios. Student debt can be fixed by nationalizing banks whose only sin was lending money to people who asked. Our pharmaceutical industry has produced the world's best cancer survival rates-better than those countries whose medical care he envies so!
Even as a third party candidate we need Bloomberg to run.
2
Good for Mayor Bloomberg. I don't think any of the other candidates have a chance at defeating Trump. All I want is someone who has a chance. And Bloomberg seems to be the only one. So bring on the ads, Mr. Bloomberg. And keep them targeted against Trump. I live in Pennsylvania and really like what you have thus far. They aren't nasty ones. They are truthful ones. What a uniqueness that is!
7
I would vote for Mr. Bloomberg. He is the one candidate with the money, brains and seriousness to defeat Trump. But the best aspect is his election would satisfy the stock market that the economy would not tank, as it would with an ultra liberal. Also, he has the money to post an election observer at each site to thwart the coming attempts at election fraud by Trump and his Republican side kicks, and to initiate court cases as will inevitably be necessary.
4
There are a lot of vacuous comments here supporting Bloomberg. I can’t help but wonder if he’s paying people to flood social media with expressions of support. That’s something that happened around the Trump campaign so it can’t be discounted, especially since Bloomberg has so much money and so little support evidenced from talking to real people in my community.
5
@Cedar Green
No one is paying me for political support and I want to see Bloomberg run.
1
@Cedar Green I’ve read the comments and find them far from vacuous. And as someone from NYC, I can say that Bloomberg was an outstanding mayor, not perfect but pretty close. He has my vote and as I’m in Ohio, my blue vote counts.
In the next election, the Democrats will have to beat not only Trump, but also Putin , who’ll enjoy collusion approval by the Senate, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and mist importantly, the Trump voters who’ve proven that they’d be delighted to accept Russia’s help.
Bloomberg is by far the most likely candidate to win the battle against all those forces. He has the resources , the experience, political savvy , a proven electability record and above all, he represents realistically progressive views that most Democrats, and independent voters as well , which will make him a formidable campaigner and a great president.
6
Mike Bloomberg is a decent guy, as well as being highly competent. He is not afraid to take concrete steps toward progressive change. That is all that matters to me.
6
Bloomberg seems to be the person who understands Trump best and can figure out how to beat him.
Combine that with his political experience as NYC Mayor and his business acumen and he can run a great campaign.
I live in Virginia where Bloomberg donated a fortune in 2018 to help us elect more Democrats.
Thanks, Mike.
3
Moderates and centrists who have abandoned the current crop of DEM challengers to now endorse Bloomberg is hilarious. I am surprised that after losing 1000+ democratic seats the democrats continue supporting republican lite candidates. What’s even funnier is Bloomberg lobbied and spoke at the RNC convention for Bush, who before trump, was also seen as an existential threat to democracy, LOL. The fact of the matter is Bloomberg has no real support just like joe Biden who was exposed last night. It is all a mirage to weaken progressive candidates by effectively buying votes and endorsements, legally. If Bloomberg somehow wins the nomination he will be romped. I can already see it now, Trump will debate him, call him little and he will lose his composure and seem weak, just like Jeb bush, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.
@Commenter
A misreading of the current political climate. A far right climate doesn't mean that left wing wins as the alternative. Note that those awful moderates and centrists delivered in 2018's election. We wouldn't have the House without them.
It seems Bloomberg feels the hard work of campaigning from the starting point, is beneath him. Working so hard for such a small delegate count, is not the way an Oligarch wins an election. He'll win the old fashioned way, money, money money.
4
If Bloomberg bought his way to the nomination Warren/Sanders/Yang supporters should not support him. We should make Warren/Sanders to be third party candidates.
We should not stand for oligarchy in democratic party. No Bloomberg ever.
4
Michael Bloomberg is indeed competent and intelligent -- and his ideology matches mine, too. But his actions aren't the actions of a democrat. They are the actions of an oligarch. Same with Tom Steyer and Donald Trump.
Democracy doesn't begin with the ultra rich buying their way into office. That's how it ends.
4
Agree with the commenters on this article. More I look and hear the man the better he gets. He could easily go toe to toe with trump in a debate. The contrast between Bloomberg and trump is stunning. He just might get republicans, the smart ones of course, to give him serious consideration.
5
An incredibly wealthy, former Republican investment banker who started the Stop and Frisk policy in New York, Mr. Bloomberg definitely has the ego to run for President, but he's got four strikes against him, as listed above.
He did sign a pledge to give half his wealth away. So far, there are no personal testimonies of those who have benefited from his largesse.
Can an ex-Republican investment banker relate to average and poor Americans, and do what's best for them? Stop and Frisk was illegal and punitive. Did Americans lose their houses to his firm(s) in the 2008 recession?
That he doesn't want to play by the old rules is not reassuring. America has endured the horror that is Trump, who doesn't follow the law, the Constitution, tradition or rationality.
Mr. Bloomberg should continue giving his money away to help other Democrats get elected. Bloomberg's buying attention and avoiding the legwork of getting to know Americans signals a slick aggression to win, an ego, but not an interest in America.
5
It’s going to take a real billionaire to unseat the fake billionaire.
If the Democratic Party wants to win, they should take stock of their Iowa fiasco and welcome Bloomberg.
As a Democrat or as an independent, I really hope Mike Bloomberg is in this race to win it.
2
I fully support Mike Bloomberg’s candidacy for President of the United States. I hope he finds a great VP running mate.
2
I'll vote for whoever becomes the 2020 Dem nominee. Bloomberg has his faults, like being center-right and a billionaire in our era of Gilded Age 2.0. Now is when we need transformative change as envisioned by Bernie or Warren. However, Bloomberg has that streak of meanness and cunning that will match up well against Trump in the July-October debates. He is the real self-made billionaire that Donald's voters wanted in 2016.
[Submitted 3:40 pm CT]
2
He can write a book after all of this is done for all of his billionaire friends. "How to buy the nomination for the Democratic Party." This is exactly why private money and PACs should be eliminated. The audacity and hubris of the billionaire class. "We are billionaires and as such we know better than anyone else how to govern." Recent examples would suggest otherwise.
If anyone wants a good read about the folly of the mega-rich read "A Short History of Financial Euphoria" by John Kenneth Galbraith. It was written long before the financial crisis in 2008, but it clearly outlines how the wealthiest class has always made the same mistakes throughout history. These mistakes ultimately hurt everyone else and seeminly do little to the wealthy class. BEING REALLY RICH DOESN'T MEAN YOUR REALLY SMART. IT JUST MEANS YOU'RE REALLY RICH.
2
At the risk of being ageist, not sure I'm voting for Biden, Bernie, or Bloomberg. Even Warren is on the wrong side of 70. A lot will depend on who the VP is since there is a reasonably realistic chance that a Dem president will die in office. Needs to be a very smart team and agenda. I have never not voted in an election but Hillary didn't thrill me and this field thrills me even less. I'll pull the lever for any Democrat but it's not the same as voting with someone I support without reservation.
2
I agree with @ewarren, no billionaire, no matter how well intentioned, should be able to buy a election.
3
Mike is my number one choice and I feel he is the most viable candidate to defeat Trump, which is my sole objective (and hopefully is the sole objective of other democrats). He has a successful track record in business and politics, he’s been a champion for women’s rights, the environment and other progressive causes, he obviously has the funding to go toe to toe with the RNC and he tracks both center left and center right in policy, which is what I’m looking for. He can attract the biggest tent from both parties and will get support from the business community (which matters because otherwise they throw their lot and money in with Trump super pacs). I just hope the you get progressive wing of the party will enthusiastically throw their support behind him, as well as the African American community. His platform will offer something for everyone.
1
Agree with his strategy of sitting out the early primaries.
He has the name recognition.
They only help an unknown.
I'm all in for Bloomberg. He can turn Trump's light out! Glad he didn't have to go through the Iowa nightmare - which to be fair is so very unfair to the caucusing candidates affected. But still very glad he didn't have to be part of that.
Go Mike, Go!
3
Bloomberg, like Trump, believes that everyone and everything is for sale, and sadly, the breathless comments of support only prove he's right. When you have unlimited resources at your disposal, there is no point of diminishing returns when you are out buying votes. I thought we were too jaded by now to be beguiled by an onslaught of vague, glossy, TV ads; in fact, I thought that people's eyes would glaze over with Bloomberg's overkill, but apparently, we still choose a President with the same meticulous regard that we choose a toothpaste.
I find it insulting that a candidate assumes they can do all their "campaigning" from a studio, so as not to have to mingle with the unwashed masses. Paul Krugman recently wrote a column insisting that no matter what Democrat is the nominee, the policies enacted would largely be the same, but I could not disagree more. We don't just elect a President, we are also voting for the people they will surround themselves with. Does anyone imagine that Bernie's cabinet would look anything like Bloomberg's, or the advice they got would be the same? Aside from the obligatory sprinkling of women, and people of color, Bloomberg's cabinet will look like a waxworks replica of the Goldman Sachs boardroom.
1
We absolutely don't need another billionaire on the political scene, even if he is a real billionaire. We're trying to move away from billionaires and Citizens United.
And if voters were dismayed by the baggage obliterating Hillary Clinton, just look here.
3
In response to comments from people who don’t like the fact that Bloomberg is using his billions to “buy” the election, please remember that until we get rid of Citizens United, every candidate for president is dependent on hundreds of millions from super PAC’s and big donors to whom the candidate is thus beholden to. Sadly, Big Money “buys” elections and politicians’ loyalty in our system. Bloomberg is bankrolling his own campaign. He owes no one and no one owns him. Bloomberg has my total support. He is smart, he can beat Trump, and has a consistent record of supporting progressive and moderate causes.
3
Upper East Side folk hero Michael Bloomberg is a Republican. He spent millions to reelect Senator Pat Toomey of PA, who beat his democratic challenger by 1.5 points in 2016. He was a keynote speaker at the 2004 Republican National Convention. He was a Republican his first 2 mayoral terms before declaring himself an independent, as if that changed his positions.
Bloomberg is also an oligarch, possessing dozens if not hundreds of human lifetimes' worth of great wealth. He's using that wealth to buy his way onto the debate stage, and to soak the airwaves with ads.
Don't be fooled by Michael Bloomberg. His attempt to buy his way into the presidency shows his contempt for democracy. He's a lifelong champion of unregulated finance capitalism, of the kind that's frying the planet and leaving millions struggling for the basics. And, for goodness' sake, he's a Republican.
1
He has my vote.
\Been successfully convincing others as well.
2
Mike may very well benefit from not following the rest of the pack. Iowa was a waste of everyone's time, effort and money. New Hampshire is just more of the same to push forward candidates which likely not energize Democrats in more diverse states. It's the very type of momentum that will get Trump elected yet again.
Let's not start the "he has money" and "owes no one" thing.
I've heard it too many times before.
[For me, "he has money" is a negative, not a positive, just to begin with.]
3
When the audits come out you'd find only one billionaire.
I realize The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health doesn't hold a candle to Trump University.
His giving of 1.8 Billion to said school is like dwarfed by Trump donations.
Charlotte R. Bloomberg Mother and Child Center at Jerusalem's Hadassah University Medical Center.
No doubt it sits poorly unnoticed in the shadow of the Trump Center for Venereal Diseases.
3
Mike B will turn 78 years old on Valentine's Day.
We've given Sanders and Biden a hard time for being old. Will Bloomberg be criticized for his age as well?
1
This billionaire is buying a brokered convention, the DNC has rigged the rules and the corruption is hiding in plain sight.
When Booker asked for the rules to be changed to allow diversity on the debate stage he and Castro were told "the rules are the rules" we won't change them for you. Rules are rules, right? Except they aren't -- when Senator Gravel followed the rules and got enough individual donations to qualify for the debate, the DNC decided to pass him over for millionaire John Delaney in an arbitrary application of the rules.
Now, after saying no to Booker and Castro, the DNC is changing the rules to allow another old, white male billionaire onto the stage. I guess the color the DNC really cares about is not black or brown but green.
2
As long as Bloomberg directs most of his attacks against Trump, I wish him well and hope he goes as far as he can. More than any other Democratic candidate, Bloomberg recognizes that beating Trump is paramount. He knows Trump's psyche better than anyone else.
1
I may be a lifelong democrat, but my fellow Dems have a terrible habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of an obvious victory.
Right now, the right wing seems insanely oblivious of something so obvious. Trump is not fit to be president. All we have to do is focus on his failures. But Dems can't even muster an APP than can count votes.
Democracy as we know it is really in trouble. Trump doesn't need guile to win in November, rather, all he needs is democrats doing what they do best which is lose.
3
Dear progressives and folks that are mad about other folks running with money.
Mike is self funded and has done more for your causes then anyone in the current field. Real results, not promises, not talk and ps Bernie and Warren are both millionaires but neither can boast creating real jobs with good salaries and excellent health care. Just consider it.
3
I have heartened to hear that Trump believes Bloomburg to be a big threat. Whether Bloomburg does well in the primaries or not, he's committed to using his money to defeat Trump, for which I, for one, am grateful.
2
@AKS This is literally because Bloomberg is on the ’tube all the time. Trump has no grip on reality, only reality TV.
Nobody is perfect for everyone. He was a good mayor for NYC, a large city with a lot of competing interests. Nevertheless while he was mayor the city did well, and compared to the current mayor, was a better place with better public services. The difference is palpable.
I imagine he would be a good president. He's on the right side of climate science, gun control, and understands the importance of education for our kids. Unlike our current president who is always looking to increase his own coffers, Bloomberg is a philenthropic and generous man. He became successful because he built a product that people want.
If you want a revolution, think Bernie's ideas are sound, and believe the government should run our services, then he's your guy. For me, it sounds more like pie in the sky. And politically unattainable.
I hope Mayor Mike's got some legs.
3
Democrats were complaining how Bernie was not a "real Democrat" . What happened ? Bloomberg was a Republican who supported Bush. Funny how money changes everything. He did not participate in any debate, he did to contest in Iowa, New Hampshire, made the DNC change rule for him. And all elites are its ok. He is our guy.
1
On paper, I look like a "liberal" in a number of ways--including researching, writing, and teaching in the Humanities at the university level--but I was raised around guns and I am by all means an advocate for gun rights.
If Bloomberg was to get elected, that white billionaire would pass laws at the federal level that would make me a felon literally overnight--it’s rare historically for such tangible and concrete consequences to occur due to a change of power. How am I to respond to that?
I can’t say that about Trump (yet) but at the same time there is absolutely no denying that Trump is the foulest billionaire on every other level--I could never ever cast a vote for him, not ever.
I’ve never voted in my life, and in my humble opinion, this will be an election that especially solidifies the soundness of this policy--the system is terminally broken, there is no clear line between the public and private sectors, and the choice looks like it's going to come down to two of the most narcissistic, megalomaniacal billionaires out there. Only with Bloomberg, I know that I will inevitably be put into a position where I will have to defend my home and myself...some choices.
Love,
An English professor in the city of Detroit, with a CPL, who legally owns a number of "high-capacity" rifles and handguns that are always secured in a gun-safe when at home, who is completely fine with lengthy and rigorous background checks on all gun-purchases, and who will never be a member of the NRA
1
Bloomberg already spent $250 million, so I he’s gonna up that to $500 million? He could still set a hundred dollars on fire for every dollar of that, and remain comfortably a billionaire.
I don’t want an oligarch no matter if there’s a D or R next to their name.
1
In simple terms do you want the best guy for the job? The one with a proven track record for important causes and giving employees great health care and salaries?
I care less about the process and more about the final result. This an easy choice folks. Go Mike!
1
Trump was impeached because of his attacks on Joe Biden. Oh the glorious irony that Biden may not even be the nominee!
Bloomberg understands data. He understands how to use data to reach people. His operation will make the DNC look like a bunch of school kids trying to play grown up. The DNC is beholden to internal politics and favoritism and consequently wastes money and resources like crazy. Bloomberg does not.
If he catches fire, he could rejuvenate the entire Democratic party and modernize it to where is actually works and gets people elected.
Trump is fueled by massive funds from the ultra rich. (Do you think these people are the least bit concerned for the blue collar working class)? Bloomberg can outspend all of them.
Bloomberg is for green energy, reproductive rights, and healthcare. These are the cornerstones of progressive politics.
I am excited about Bloomberg because he can bypass the circular firing squad that has always been the bane of the DNC. It may take a billionaire to create a DNC that actually serves the needs of the people instead of itself.
3
Bloomberg is trying to buy the nominations and there’s some chance he’ll succeed.
1
There are worse things than losing an election; just ask Republicans. If Democrats nominate a plutocrat with a checkered past on race issues, they might as well stop calling themselves Democrats. I'll stop calling myself one, anyway.
This election will not be decided on policies. It will be decided on personal charisma and who voters connect with as a leader.
As vile as he is, Trump does have charisma that many voters connect with. And he will continue to use his bravado, wealth and power to bully his way.
But you know who he can't bully? Mike Bloomberg. A man FAR richer and more accomplished who knows exactly how to get under Trump's skin.
Bloomberg's recent Trump "golf" ad was brutal. I wouldn't say I support him yet, but his decision to avoid Iowa is certainly making him look more and more "viable" right now.
3
Feels like the DNC sabotaged the Iowa caucus to undercut Bernie, who they don’t want, and boost Bloomberg who they do want.
Blatant.
2
Let's face it, Bloomberg has the one personality trait the likely Republican senate post 2020 respects/fears, namely, money. Bloomberg will not have to resort to Trump's Twitter tirades to get Republican ditto-heads in line. All he needs to do is use money to destroy one or two politically early on and the Republican senators will quickly realign and march in lockstep to a new master. So, sadly, it appears the best hope for a Democrat that might actually get anything meaningful passed though our twisted and collapsing system is going to have to be an actual multi-billionaire. Thank-you Citizen's United (however, don't expect the main beneficiaries, billionaires and CEOs, of CU to actually fix it once elected unless maybe they run on a platform of re-stacking the Supreme Court). Meanwhile, if you support Bloomberg, then pray Bernie beats Joe, so Mikey can better lay claim to the 'center' ...
1
Was Mitt Romney not available? What about Jeb Bush? Maybe the DNC could get Scott Walker to run for the nomination. Michael Bloomberg is not a Democrat in any legitimate sense. He is for himself and for the rich and has been his entire career. I will not vote for him under any circumstances and neither will most of the Midwest.
Anyone who can survive years on Wall Street and be as successful as Mike has to be an amazing politician. Mike is a good bet to be able to beat Trump.
1
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of a billionaire buying the Presidency. They seem to have forgotten that the Koch Brothers are already buying government ... Let's fight back.
4
If Bloomberg gets the Democratic nomination, he will gift Trump four more years in office.
He's a condescending oligarch running a campaign entirely devoid of a political ideology and volunteer engagement in the field. He would not be able pull Trump voters back and fail miserably at the all crucial task of turning out new voters.
So the Democrat's answer to an old white male billionaire with ties to big business is another old white male billionaire with ties to big business. Both have belonged to the Democratic and Republican parties at one time or another in their careers, whichever supported their business needs at the time. Both have contributed millions to the opposite party. Both are opposed to financial regulation. Both supported "stop and frisk". Both have "adopted" their respective party's agendas, to some degree, to become President. And both are wealthy enough to buy the oval office. Bloomberg is a far cry from all of the other candidates running to be the Democrat's nominee. If you're a true Democrat you'll have to swallow hard to vote for him.
Bloomberg’s exploitation of chaos reminds me of something some other swollen-headed New York billionaire might do. Does fighting fire with fire really make sense in an era of carbon dioxide fueled climate change?
Best Mayor NYC ever had. hard to run a city with tens of millions of people as well as Bloomberg did. Can't wait to vote for him. The Iowa turnout last night was the real urgent issue for the country. Guess no massive Bernie wave of enthusiasm, or shockingly large stampede for Buttigieg. I'd be fine with a Biden/Warren ticket but that won't happen. We should be grateful that a real billionaire cares enough about this country to give billions and billions of it back to towns and cities through the country, not just blue bastions of liberalism. Smart man. Thank You Mr. Bloomberg!
2
To "exploit the chaotic outcome for the Iowa caucuses" is a cheap way for one's presidential campaign to "bloom".
1
To the person who is quoted as saying: "Billionaires should not buy elections," may I point out that t is (purportedly) a billionaire. Go, Mike, go!
Nominating Biden would be like sending a lamb to slaughter.
Yes, only a moderate is going to unseat Trump, but that moderate is not Biden. Nor Buttigieg or Klobuchar.
I can't wait to cast my vote for Bloomberg in March.
3
No, no, no. Just say no to plutocrats attempting to buy the presidency.
1
I am philosophically way to the left of Sanders but I find Bloomberg's maturity and his apparently sharpness really good. He's not like Trump, all bluster and he appears to have a sense of humour, comes off a bit cocky (a bit more humility would help) and again, he seems to has been blessed with being able to retain his intelligence. So I think he'd be a good candidate but he should've come in earlier and done it properly. I don't see him winning the nomination but perhaps his bet will pay off.
1
I can’t get past Bloomberg’s actions as mayor and not just stop and frisk. I’ll leave aside the misbegotten attempt to build a stadium and the Olympic bid. He almost emptied Manhattan of the poor and middle class and started working on the other boroughs. He attempted the destruction of public education ending by appointing an absolute disaster as chancellor. I worked for awhile in the NYC Department of Correction. The mess at Riker’s Island is down to him. He refused to renegotiate city worker contracts for years leaving it to DeBlasio to work out along with the Rikers mess. Oh yeah, pre-k, which really does help families, didn’t come from Bloomberg. (BTW, I didn’t vote for DeBlasio). The kicker was the droit du seigneur of an illegal third term. He called in every favor he ever did for anyone and dragged Christine Quinn into it just about ruining her political career. He recently pulled the “you owe me” routine by getting a bunch of guys he gave money to to show up and endorse him for president. Now, I’m a disinterested bystander since I live in NYC so my vote in a presidential contest is meaningless but a Bloomberg candidacy is rich, in more ways than one.
2
@Jc Thanks. Was waiting for the more negative picture from a New Yorker.
3 of the 4 current front runners are fatally flawed in a general election. The only one who isn't - Biden - can't seem to generate enthusiasm, which is to say money. The other 3 play to the traditional Democrat fascination with shiny objects, like free college. If Biden doesn't make it out of February, and if there isn't greater interest in Klobuchar, then Bloomberg is the right candidate. Beat Trump in WI, MI and PA, and make it interesting in FL and AZ.
2
Mike Bloomberg wholeheartedly endorsed Rudy Giuliani and George W. Bush. How well do you think that will play with the democratic base when Sanders starts running TV ads showing those endorsements?
Buh-bye, Mike.
Republicans have been sharpening their "socialist" campaign attack strategy to smear Dem candidates for years. Is there anyone in the post-Impeachment acquittal era who still thinks they can't win with that in the critical swing states?
And while we may not like billionaires buying campaigns, let's be honest, having the money in advance means the candidate can focus 100% of their time on winning the election. Not sniping at other Democrats, not paying homage to progressive ideas that are unfortunately dead on arrival.
Let's also not forget, the person we elect is going to have a heck of a time restoring international respect to the White House. And we need someone who can mobilize corporations and Wall Street to tackle climate change.
Is there anyone on the stump with a better chance of actually dislodging grifter Trump and his kin, or doing any of the above, better than Bloomberg?
169
@Neander Your completely missing the other side of Trump's America first which is Bernie's democratic socialism. There is a serious current of nationalism and unilateralism in this country and the world. Unless Bloomberg is a better Bernie, Trump's America first no matter how idiotically presented is what the people want here and in most of the rest of the world. Trump still beats an old man who isn't Bernie. One is America First without the redistribution of wealth, and the other is America First with a hand out.
@Neander
Having money in advance means he will not be beholden to donors, or as our current resident of the WH foreign "lenders".
5
@Neander
And we all know it takes multiple millions to win an election for President. Whether it's private donors or not it takes money. I like that Mike can use his own.
I really like that he has enough to take on the Mercers.
4
Michael Bloomberg is the candidate Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party fear most, and with good reason. He is everything DJT isn't, an ultra-successful self-made businessman who is universally respected. Of course the Democratic Party will look a gift horse in the mouth, shoot itself in its oversized collective feet, and nominate one of the most left-of-center candidates guaranteed to loss a national election. The DNC will once again prove to be the gift that keeps on giving - for the Republican Party, that is.
178
@DlphcOracl two words: George McGovern
2
@DlphcOracl Outstanding! You really said it all! I hope this post gets the amount attention it deserves (only 11 minutes ago as I write here). Let's loose the cynicism and make your message a defining, rallying cry:
"Democrats, Independents, open-minded Republicans:
Michael Bloomberg is the "gift horse" we have all been longing for. Even if he is more moderate than your politics, we really can't elect a far left-of-center candidate in 2020 when Donald Trump is the opponent. We Democrats have erred in the past with "purity tests" and a failure to appreciate what is at stake - our democracy, nothing less - and how the game must be played if we are to win. What a blessing: a candidate that can beat Donald Trump at his own game, but who is an honest, decent man with a superb track record running the largest city in America for 12 years and who is sacrificing a huge portion of his honestly-earned billions to lead us out of the dangerous circumstance we are now trapped into. This is not a man looking to use his money and influence to make more for himself; this is a man willing to drain much of his personal fortune to save our country!
(Someone can say it better than I, but I just want to turn @DlphcOracl 's message into a positive one!)
2
@DlphcOracl Bloomberg is not universally respected. He would have a better chance of being universally respected if he was willing to join the other candidates in the early states. Rich people should not be able to skip ahead in line.
Bloomberg's approach to the primary will probably prompt another round of rule changes for the DNC. His ability to avoid the debate stage but stay relevant is concerning.
Beyond that, I'm not sure who his candidacy benefits more than the competitors who are least like him. The cast of centrist Democrats is already pretty full. This keeps Warren and Sanders more toward the top of the pack than they (perhaps) ought to be. Biden, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer are all occupying the same space Bloomberg is vying for. At what point is more helpful for Bloomberg (and Steyer, for that matter) to focus their wealth on boosting team blue in the Senate and holding the House?
4
@Chris: I am not concerned at all that Bloomberg is not on the debate stage. I think he did not qualify according to DNC ruled and that it’s not his choice. That being said, the debate stage has become a media-dominated circus (remember Trump inviting Bill Clinton’s accusers in a presidential debate which was apparently okay with the organizer?) that distracts from a candidate’s proposed policies.
@Chris The "debate stage" is simply a stage production by network television, whose anchors are instructed to induce dramatic clashes of temper and/or opinion. Accusations, innuendo, etc. It sells on TV.
Bloomberg knows this and won't participate in the dramatization. He could buy the entire network three times over, and they know it. Don't get mad at him. Most people who watch those televised "debates", complain of how contrived they are for sound bites that are replayed again and again when TV pundits make their points.
1
It seems pretty obvious that Democrats have not figured out how to coalesce around one candidate, or even 5. Also, there is a lot of trepidation by swing voters on all current Democrats, save Bloomberg.
It's good that he's in the race. The idea that he's buying the Presidency is pretty funny. So is Warren, and so is Sanders. They just choose to use OPM in the form of smaller bills.
Well, whether the suitcase is owned by you or someone else, and whether it's filled with ones and fives, rather than 100's or 500's, and if the same sums must be spent by anyone trying to do this, then it's quite silly to state that he's trying to buy it.
Now, it sure FEELS like he's trying to buy it, but it's not actually for sale. he's just using a lot of personal money to reach you and let you her what he has to say. If that's buying the election, that's not so bad. He is most certainly NOT calling up primary election officials and offering them millions to pack the ballot boxes in his name. That would be buying it, but that's not happening.
So, chill out, all y'all, and let's not forget the last line of the Declaration of Independence:
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
18
@Jason Kendall
Last time we checked, neither Sanders, Warren or any other candidate (save for Hillary Clinton) donated vast amounts of their personal money to the DNC.
In a total coincidence, the immutable debate qualification rules changed so that Bloomberg would qualify under these new rules. Funny how these rules were set in stone when Booker, Harris and others were still running but now they're not.
If you want people to "chill out", then maybe just stop pretending that you care about what members think. Elect whoever you want behind smoke-filled rooms. Or pay people to vote for your preferred candidate instead of wasting hours of their time caucusing like it means something.
2
@Jason Kendall I agree with this Bloomberg sentiment. who cares if he is buying ad space? It is his money. Plus, his message is clear, direct and focused on a limited number of issues.
He also appears to be the only candidate capable of seriously getting under Trump's skin.
1
Hey Mike, I'll sell you my vote. Otherwise, concentrate your ads towards Trump's refusal to pay Taxes. His 3 day weekend costing us $10 million dollars a pop, could shake some of supporters. And, he goes on Campaign stop/shows that costs even more.
What about it?
1
I like him; the way he and his staff speak, their on-the-ball planning including using the Iowa issues to their advantage. Plus, after all the other candidates have exhausted their welcome after running for months and months, he will be the freshest and strongest in the field.
27
I am considering Bloomberg, too. I agree with those who have written that Trump will be threatened by him in a debate. Bloomberg may be 77 but he is in shape and seems better able to bring in moderate Republicans, too.
Plus, his money has been well spent on gun reform issues and climate change.
I believe he will also impress our allies, all of whom need reassurance that we are on their side.
69
As a longtime Bloomberg News subscriber, I've always appreciated the professionalism of his various enterprises, however I was doubtful about his candidacy and what it would mean for the US and the world, at large. Not anymore, he would probably have the required gravitas to exercise a lot of changes within the American body politic and economic, by enlisting bipartisan support for various restructurings that are absolutely necessary to bring the US fully in the 21st century, reassure US allies and counter the rising influence of malefic China.
66
I admire Mike Bloomberg, I respect Mike Bloomberg, and unless something drastically changes with the other Democratic candidates, i will vote for Mike Bloomberg. Some are complaining that he is trying to buy the election, but look at it this way: his self financing of his campaign means that he himself can't be bought, and that he will be accountable only to the people who vote for him, and given his mature temperament, to all other Americans, too. For a moderate like me, what's not to like?
94
@IrishRebel98 What an election year it might be: On the one side a man who can self finance and on the other side a man who has been bought by everyone.
@IrishRebel98
Isn't that the same argument Trump used, that he's financing his own campaign and therefore can't be bought?
Bloomberg's public service shows that he can (and was) bought. That's how NYC turned into a playground for the rich while everyone else was either priced out or paid to leave on a bus.
Bloomberg's tax proposals are superb. Repealing Trump's robbery of 90% to benefit himself and other fat cats is the first part and he adds further steps toward taxing the very rich more fairly. These sensible proposals raise a huge amount in an an effective and progressive manner. Bloomberg is a man of principle who will not be in debt to special interests. Yes, we need to reform political finances so big money does not dominate but that has not happened. Given the realities, Mike Bloomberg is the strongest candidate to defeat Trump and far more likely to be able to achieve much of what we Democrats support than anyone else.
129
@robertrweller LOL right a Republican vs a Republican for president. Yeah that'll motivate Democrats to come out and vote.
I was all in for Bloomberg from the minute he announced. He's the guy who can take Trump down. No doubt about it. I like Mike, and everyone else would do well to do the same!
166
I'm not moderate, actually very liberal, but i like Bloomberg best of all our candidates.
104
@Jaleh
" i like Bloomberg best of all our candidates"
And when, pray tell, did you begin to really "like" Bloomberg? Over the same period that Sanders was rising and Biden was weakening...by chance?
1
@Jackson I actually don't like Biden or Sanders...I will vote for any of them, including a rock, over t. but, I believe, Bloomberg has the best chance of winning against t.
Not only does Bloomberg have money, he is presidential. He is decisive and assured and a skilled negotiator. He owes no one a thing and has demonstrated his support for the environment and gun control. He has more than mere promises to offer. I also see Bloomberg as a strong leader who could appeal to many of the Trump voters. The gun issue could, however, be tricky. Joe Biden is a great guy but he cannot beat Trump. Bloomberg is the only viable candidate for moderates. I care about one issue: beating Trump. I believe Bloomberg is the candidate to do it.
113
@A2CJS
His position on the "gun issue" will make many of us felons over night--a vote for this white billionaire, is a vote for inevitable chaos.
Know this...
@A2CJS
"Not only does Bloomberg have money, he is presidential. He is decisive and assured and a skilled negotiator."
Nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh- he's "decisive and assured and a skilled negotiator BECAUSE he has money.
That's why Bloomberg is the deserving one too see to the interests and needs of the undeceived, the unassured, and the unskilled negotiators.
1
Who is most likely to give progressives the most of what they want?
When you do the math, oddly enough, it's Mike Bloomberg.
Let's say that if Bernie or Warren got elected, either would give progressives 100% of what they want and, if Mike Bloomberg got elected, he would give them only 80% of what they want.
Let's say Bernie or Warren have a 40% chance of beating Trump and Mike Bloomberg has a 60% chance of beating Trump.
For Bernie or Warren, the probability weighted value of progressives getting what they want is 100% x 40% = 40%.
For Bloomberg, the probability weighted value of progressives getting what they want is 80% x 60% = 48%.
To choose investments, sophisticated investors estimate the value of possible investment outcomes and the probabilities of those outcomes. They opt for investments that give the highest probability weighted present values.
Voters would do well to do the same.
Most likely, progressives best investment is Mike Bloomberg.
If you disagree with my numbers, plug yours in.
But a dream ain't worth much of nothing if it don't come true.
56
@Raised Eyebrows Bernie, Bloomberg or Steyer can take on Trump. ...even Yang because he is solid and authentic. He just won't make it in the primary because he is not as well known and doesn't have mega-bucks to make it that way. The rest of the field Trump would march through.
2
@Raised Eyebrows
Not a chance that Bloomberg gives progressives 80% of what they want. No chance. Nice try.
2
@Raised Eyebrows
By your reckoning, the Dems should run Romney.
i have lots of republican friends who are very supportive of Bloomberg, and have registered to help his campaign.
89
@Joe Yes, because Bloomberg was a Republican and his ideas are still Republican. A majority of Democrats would not vote for him.
3
Of course the Reps support him ! He’s their mole and would neutralize the Warren and Bernie commie threat and would let the Reps finally dump DT in a face- and country saving way. We Europeans hope God does America and makes MB Pres. He is on an extremely important double mission.
1
@Joe
I can't think of anything more absurd than volunteering for a billionaire. Meanwhile, there are hundreds of people pulling in millions riding Bloomberg's gravy train. I hope you at least get a tee shirt.
2
For the moment (will see how long this lasts) Bloomberg is suddenly coming to my attention. After Iowa, Democrats must pick a competent candidate, and one who demands competence from others. (It seems Bloomberg has a track record for this in NYC.) If that person can come across plausibly as likely to effectively champion the common person, that would help. (Bloomberg's wealth tax could factor in here - the US government needs more money to help the common person re health care etc..) Then if the person can demonstrate an effective "defense" strategy for Trump's belittling and distorting style of engagement, that would be good. If those are covered, I think I can put on the back burner of my wish list whatever foreign policy stances are at issue.
21
Bloomberg's candidacy is, overall speaking, a substantial asset to the Democrat's objective to defeat Trump in November. Although not among my short list, I would definitely vote for him if he were the Democrat's nominee. His principal policies are actually quite progressive, such his stand on addressing climate change, including weaning us off fossil fuels, diminishing the influence of big business , taxing the wealthy and corporations to pay for healthcare and readily available education, etc. , topics I am attuned to. My main concern is Bloomberg's age, as is that of the even older Sanders and the bit younger Biden, all of whom will be in their 80's before the end of the second year of their first term. They seem to be quite alert now and likely will make it through their first term, but I am not that certain about a second term.
But back to Bloomberg's asset, his wealth and willingness to spend it thus far, mainly criticizing Trump. If he stays competitive in the race through this summer , his advertising campaign and that of others will out-fund and outplay Trump, who already expressed his misgivings on Bloomberg's efforts thus far. I expect that he will continue to give substantial financial support to the Democratic contender, whoever that is.
33
Trump makes fun of Bloomberg's height.
But when Bloomberg stands on his wallet he is a giant -and Trump becomes a microbe.
162
I need to see more at this point. Bloomberg is clearly media savvy and smart and has worked on big issues, all to the good. Not sure his NYC mayoral time showed how he might govern and who his main cabinet and advisers would be. Certainly he is the better billionaire, if Trump even is one. (sorry about that, Tom Steyer too).
FDR was quite wealthy, as was Teddy and nearly all the founding fathers. Bloomberg didn't have family money and his wealth came from innovative ideas. I wouldn't want to rule him out on those grounds.
49
@bobfromva I'm all in for Mike. He's experienced, professional, and not ideological.
There is no candidate left who can win in the 12 states that matter.
1
@bobfromva
But FDR was not GOP for most of his life.
Can't we all agree that Bloomberg epitomizes everything wrong with our electoral process. His whole campaign is predicated on buying as much recognition as possible. Our electoral process should be based upon who wins the war of ideas, not the fact that X candidate has Y dollars to spend. I realize that money is integral to our electoral system, but the excuse of "that's how it's always been" is the poorest justification possible.
25
@Cory No, I disagree with you. I saw and listened to Mike Bloomberg last Saturday when he opened his office here in Denver and I liked what I saw and heard. He is intelligent, kind, compassionate, clear headed, literate, and knows how to govern. He was fortunate and smart enough to develop his own company and has been spending his own money for years on causes which he believes in, climate change and sensible gun legislation. He was elected mayor of NYC in Nov. 2001, two months after 9/11. During his time as mayor, the average life expectancy in NYC actually increased by 3 years due to his broadening peoples’ access to health care. He is an excellent administrator and surrounds himself with people who are experts in their field. He has also supported many Democratic candidates who ran for Congress in 2018. He is not buying his way to the Presidency. He is using his own money, not any special interests’, to let people know who he is. He is not asking for anyone’s financial support but rather only your vote, if you believe him to be the right candidate for the job. This is admirable not something to be denigrated.
147
True about money’s influence in politics. Deep and controlling. But that is the fight we’re in. This election is a street fight. Bloomberg has put his money where his mouth is on issues most Americans care about. Moms Against Guns, Climate Change, etc. The rest of the country doesn’t get to meet and talk to candidates like Iowans do. Ad’s get the message out. Money matters. Bloomberg takes no donations, is not beholden to any lobby. He’s telling us what he’d do if elected. He has experience. Not all billionaires are bad. Some use there money to promote the greater good.
I’m very glad Bloomberg jumped in. I’m progressive, but believe you have to govern from the middle. Any other way is too destructive to the country.
4
Beating Trump is my number 1, 2 & 3 priority. The fact that Bloomberg is spending his own money is a plus for me. It means that big Pharma, the NRA and the health insurance companies won’t get the pass they enjoy with politicos who are beholden to donors. Perhaps that leads to eliminating the big-money influence at the Congressional and Gubernatorial levels. Perhaps it leads to public funding of (much shorter) election cycles.
5
I am reading "A Very Stable Genius". For those who think the time has not yet come to rally around Mike, I would strongly suggest the book. It is no longer about politics, rather it is about minimal competence. There is now a real urgency to back someone who knows history (including to paraphrase Jeopardy, What Is Pearl Harbor") and how to govern professionally.
41
I'd vote for him if he promised to be inclusive of the other candidates once elected. I mean, he's buying his way to the presidency.
4
@Susan Here’s the thing - it takes a huge amount of money to get elected, no matter where it comes from. At the end of the day, I’d rather it came from the person running for office than a laundry list of corporations and other billionaires, each with their own interests and demands.
23
@Susan That should entirely disqualify him in all of our books.
@Susan Who isn’t? Just different wallets.
1
On the one hand, it would be disheartening to have a general election with two billionaires competing against each other.
But it is amusing to think of the contrasts:
One is a self made, worth 60B. He grew up without a lot.
The other might have a net worth of 8B, but only if one considers the worth of his "brand". He was given a fortune and squandered much of it.
One is a former Republican, now a Democrat. The other is a former Democrat, now turned Republican.
One founded Everytown for Gun Safety, the other brags about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue.
One is a prolific philanthropist. The other uses his foundation to buy portraits of himself for his golf clubs, and his foundation was shut down by a judge.
Maybe this election will be fun after all?
227
@Cousy who is the other billionaire that he would be running against in the general election?
4
@Cousy "The other might have a net worth of 8B"
Might being the operative word here. We have no clue how much Trump has, or doesn't have. My money is on doesn't have.
I would rather enjoy the real billionaire debating the fake one. Bloomberg doesn't appear to be afraid of anything.
9
@Cousy Elections are not for fun. For poor and middle class people , the policies of the government is food on the table, access to medical care, education, jobs. it is not entertainment.
2
I would be fine with Mike Bloomberg as the nominee. The one thing, the only thing, that matters right now is stopping Trump. If Trump isn't stopped, there will be no chance of ever making this country better for all of us. Nothing else matters.
88
@Maureen Gotta call you out: you speak the fundamental truth. Thank you. As I read these comments I am getting very excited that what is quickly convincing me is doing so with many of us: it has to be Bloomberg!
Here's my question: if I can't donate money, what do I do? (lol, volunteer, of course!)
2
@David Marie
And volunteering doesn’t have to be for his campaign. It could be related efforts like voter registration and other get out the vote efforts.
2
@Maureen
"I would be fine with Mike Bloomberg as the nominee."
ie, you've figured out Biden's on the verge of going under for the third time.
2
With all the money Bloomberg is spending, he is not buying my (or any other voter's) vote (or buying the election). He is simply buying my (and other's voter's) attention with all his ads. Each of us can choose to pay attention or ignore them.
It is up to the individual voter to determine how they vote.
And given the really bizarre times that we are in, Bloomberg's mega-bucks makes him formidable. e.g. when the NRA says they are going to spend X amount of dollars on ads, Bloomberg, without batting an eye, can easily outspend them. No contest.
Enough with the purity tests. Keep your eyes on the prize, folks, and vote DJT out of office, whatever it takes.
102
@Voter Thanks for making the critical point - Bloomberg is only buying air time, not votes. Don't understand why people are worried about a rich man spending his own money - like that's bad? The problem with campaign financing is the secret dark money influencing politicians who are essentially bought. At least we know this guy is willing to put his own money where his mouth is. And who else has the international financial savvy and influence to fix the trade mess Trump is creating, or address climate change?
1
Who cares what he's doing in California and the East coast. What's he doing in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania? That's were the election will be won or lost.
8
@runner2 . . .California is ready to start early voting. If he doesn't approach them now, it could be too late, so he has to follow the calendar.
If Indiana was starting early voting and had a plethora of Electoral votes, he'd be right in the heart of Indianapolis.
11
@runner2 Check out his Twitter page. Bloomberg had an event in Detroit earlier today, and one in Philly this evening.
One of his messages is that while all the other Dem candidates are spending all their time in Iowa, the only candidate going to the swing states is DJT. And now Mike.
1
Just received my mail in ballot and will be voting for Mike soon!
1
I share all the thoughts about buying the election, respect for the process, etcetera.
But playing by the rules has gotten us exactly nowhere.
I think Mike Bloomberg can beat Trump. I don't think any of the others have the funds, the staff, or the capacity.
The Devil is in the White House. We need to get him out. It's no time for hairsplitting, or worrying about one medical plan over another.
There is only one priority.
68
@Concerned Mother
I hope there a large number of voters who 'get it' the way you do. I am for Bloomberg for the same reasons.
3
@Concerned Mother - This, what you have written, it was what I wanted to say, but couldn't put the words together. Outstanding! This. Is. It. And It Starts Now!
@Concerned Mother
"I think Mike Bloomberg can beat Trump. I don't think any of the others have the funds, the staff, or the capacity."
Thanks, Concerned Mother, for backing up your view that "Bloomberg can beat Trump" vs. others.
Oh, wait - that's just what you "think," never mind - you can be safely ignored 'til you support your opinion.
1
Bloomberg can't be bought. Instead, he buys other people. Just look at all the Mayors that have endorsed him. Score another win for Trump when he's convinced even Democrats that Billionaires buying elections is a good idea.
11
@Sean
But how did he "buy" those mayors? With money, or ideas and a track record which they believe are the best right now?
3
@Sean: Every candidate is buying the elections. Bloomberg just does it with his own money, so he cannot be bought.
1
@ Sean - Agreed.
1
I look forward to hearing more of his platform and positions.
18
Mike will get skewered in the debates. His record in NYC isn’t as rosy as some claim (stop and frisk), he has bankrolled Republican candidates and conservative policy oriented PACs (even one against the current CA governor, so this isn’t a ‘in the past’ issue), plus his speech at the RNC in 2004 (cheering Iraq’s demise), his buying into the debates (300k donation to DNC beforehand), and his blatant disrespect for the primary contest and voters in general by skipping the first four states. Advertisements do not win elections, as Mike will find out soon enough.
13
@JM
Stop and frisk he will probably express regret over, your other issues show he is a moderate which would draw in more independents (and disillusioned Republicans).
I like Bernie, a lot, but Bernie will be a much harder sell to the general populace than Bloomberg. I want Trump out. And so should you.
6
@JM We'll find out soon enough, won't we!
1
@JM: The swift boat veterans against John Kerry beg to differ about the effectiveness of ads.
Until Citizens United is overturned, elections won't be "fair."
So don't whine to me about Bloomberg's money not being fair.
All I care about is if he can beat Trump.
Like all the other Democrats, he would stop the madness and appoint smart people to the cabinet, rather than industry hacks.
55
It takes an obscene amount of money to run for president. So you have candidates spending a great deal of time trying to raise big bucks and are often perceived as being beholden to the big donors.
Bloomberg is paying his own way, good for him.
Everyone is trying to “buy” the election, it is just most are using other people’s money.
It should be about ideas and not the source of funds. I would love to see a Bloomberg/Warren ticket. What a powerhouse of brains that would be!
34
@D. L.
Bloomberg-Warren would make a wonderful team!
3
@D. L. Warren would be a drag on any ticket. Her deceitfulness is a disqualifying factor.
1
Another day, just another piddly $275 million. He won't have to scrimp at the grocery store, unlike half the country.
Every election hereafter will be one billionaire vs. another. Buy enough ads and the masses will obey.
9
@The Poet McTeagle It’s sad to see you write the ‘masses will obey.’ Pretty low, dismissive opinion of your fellow citizens.
1
I am a 2016 Bernie Bro, was considering both Warren and Pete this year, but am now 100% behind MB. The sole objective is to defeat Trump and Bloomberg has the best chance. Also, he gets under Trump's skin and that is just delicious gravy.
65
Interesting that Bloomberg using his own money is perceived as a problem. Instead of buying an election, another perspective might be that Bloomberg is going into public service to uphold a democracy that he values and believes Trump is destroying. It might also be considered honorable that he is using his own money to fight for what he believes to be the public good, with no expectation of personal monetary gain.
53
I don't know why but when I see and hear Bloomberg, I think Trump.
I know a lot of folks voted for Trump because they thought he was smart, savvy, tough. And he is/was but for all the wrong reasons. And yet, millions still love the guy because he "doesn't act like a politician".
Granted, many folks thought Bloomberg did a great job as mayor of New York City. But there's a huge leap between that job and being the president.
I don't know why, but I have concerns about him. I wonder if he might like the power of being president more than being the president in a responsible and effective way.
One of Trump's biggest issues is he likes, relishes, and craves the power behind being president.
Bloomberg? I guess we will find out if he becomes the Democratic candidate and actually can beat Trump.
The real end game for me is to dump Trump, and so be it if the person to do that job is Bloomberg.
9
Like it or not, the candidate with the most money almost always wins.
4
it will get tougher as he gets more scrutiny but hes running a brilliant campaign so far.
16
Anything that can be done to hit T’s ego is a good thing. Multiplying it over and over is even better tactically.
It’s a new era given Citizens United. The man is committed to undoing T and that in itself is worthy.
Thank you Mayor.
18
@Rk We've got a dog in the race!
A dog in the race!
Move over, here comes Bloomberg!
1
Bloomberg is a man of character, intelligence, and dignity who has supported gun control, healthcare, climate initiatives, women’s reproductive rights, education, etc., etc. in his public life and with his personal fortune. FDR’s wealth was not held against him — why should Bloomberg’s? He is broadly respected by Independents and Republicans. Mike can defeat Trump. Let’s get behind Bloomberg and put an end to this disgraceful chapter in American history.
46
@Bren Ungerland - Congrats, you have written the "elevator pitch" (30 seconds) for all Democratic, Independent and sane Republicans to hear! Too bad it won't fit on a bumper sticker! Still, nicely written - and spot-on.
3
I'm by no means a fan of Mr. Bloomberg. But if his campaign moves us past this ridiculous reliance on the first four states to play such outsized roles in picking the presidential nominees, perhaps something good will come of it.
19
the Bloomberg strategy is prescient - more evidence of a preeminently successful life and career
16
I am still waiting for the one surefire sign that Bloomberg is considered a serious candidate for the Presidency: A volley of nasty tweets by Trump. That would indeed mean it's "on". Right now, at least the Republican strategists aren't taking Bloomberg's candidacy serious.
4
@Pete in Downtown You must have missed the salvos of tweets on Sunday about "little Mike". The fat lady has sung, Pete.
Good move. While I would have preferred Bernie or Warren, Bloomberg seems to have avoided falling thru the outhouse seat that the others experienced in Iowa.
7
The real reason probably has more to do with Biden’s expected poor showing.
@Is
Have the Iowa results been released?
@Is
I'm more concerned with Biden getting into trouble with his mouth.
1
Bloomberg is the best chance for Democrats to expand their coalition.
37
This year cries out for a super solution to a drastically bad leadership situation in DC. Trump must be defeated by the strongest woman or man possible. Mr. Bloomberg is a savvy successful man who can put Trump to shame. We need our biggest ammunition available to defeat the new would- be dictator. I am personally scared to death. None of the traditional field on their own seem able to defeat Trump. Bloomberg presents that defeat-the-tyrant possibility we must take up. I am new to this support a billionaire thing. I feel Bloomberg represents strength far greater than Trump. Let's admit we need something new, to permanently squash this dreadful President outlaw in the White House. I would love to see a first woman (vice) president. For me that would be a Bloomberg/Warren ticket that could combine the the parameters of a very wide tent, left. right and middle.. Let's go for it.
40
Bloomberg is not running to become rich . In fact , if elected he may be the only President who ends up poorer from the job . Given his honest record as a business man , his success as Mayor, his intelligence and program , he is the best choice to save our constitution and put an end to corruption .
61
I'd suggest that Mr. Bloomberg contribute his fortune to the homeless living on the streets in NYC and other localities instead of enriching the networks and advertisers.
Perhaps he'd have a greater following.
8
@AMC . . .another idea would be if all those who already gave billions to promote the Iowa caucus that has become such a fiasco, had given it instead to get every person in every city living on the street food and shelter, including veterans, and let Bloomberg pay his own way.
If we Democrats behaved with actions more in line with our values instead of spending money to get elected, we would have not nearly the trouble winning people over to our side.
7
@AMC
If you do some even superficial googling, you will discover that Mr. Bloomberg has a record of charitable contributions that are, frankly, jaw-dropping - and for organizations that most Democrats would support. We’re talking, at the least, in the hundreds of millions. Ask the Johns Hopkins medical school what he contributed, for example.
26
@Mitch come to NYC, the homeless population has increased exponentially. Great, he's giving to charities but he and others are attempting to buy the presidency.
The more I think what is possible with Bloomberg, plus moderate Repubs might vote for him, I’m all in for this guy!
45
There’s seems to be a lot of concern about a billionaire using their own fortune to bankroll a political campaign. Since when has there ever been a time in America when money was not an integral piece of a winning campaign? If Bloomberg can beat Trump with his own fortune, then by all means, we should encourage him to do so.
55
@Christian
He can't even be Trump's opponent until he defeats the other Democrats and gets the Nomination. He won't attack them now but why should they avoid attacking him when he starts to become the Front Runner? They will, he will then return the fire and the Civil War will be on. The winner of that War will be Trump's opponent. Good luck with those odds.
1
@Christian I agree, why does it matter if he is willing to spend his own money to not only support his campaign, but also to support other democrats? Bloomberg is not owned by anyone. He is an actual self-made billionaire, I don't know why that has become evil.
Trump is owned by the NRA, Evangelicals, the Fossil Fuel industry, and possibly by Putin. He is not a self-made billionaire, he might not even be a billionaire at all.
4
Many California counties, including mine, are now vote by mail only. Ballots are being mailed out this week. By the time the rest of the candidates start paying attention to California, I will probably have already cast my ballot. Whatever else Bloomberg has wrong, I think he is right about the "old rules".
43
So if he wins, it will be our kindly overlord vs. their evil overlord. A government of, by and for the people." Oh, wait, as Michael said, "those are the old rules." Nice job, America.
13
If Bloomberg uses his money to win the election as a democrat, that may convince a few Republicans to stop blocking campaign finance reform.
65
@TomL . Indeed. The old "what's good for the goose.." may just be what's needed. Unpleasant experience if the really rich guys (most of them are guys) can basically buy themselves an election, or at least stack the deck in their favor.
5
@Tom Thanks for silver lining! I hope you are right.
The 14th and 15th century Italians had the Medici family. The USA in the 21st Century has Michael Bloomberg. After Trump, If Mr. Bloomberg wins the nomination .... I'll vote for him.
81
I Really Think Bloomberg is our best hope for our country. He has great ideas, on climate, healthcare, infrastructure, taxes. He is a real businessman. Working with a democratic congress, I think he would be a great president.
223
@Bernie "Businessmen" haven't worked out so well: W. Bush. dj trump. Not that they are really any good at business....
@Bernie
and especially gun control
2
@hddvt
W., despite his Harvard MBA wasn’t a businessman in any true sense.
Like Trump, he made his fortune via family and connections. Like Trump, it seems he lost a fortune or at least needed to be bailed out by family and friends.
Bloomberg: a kid from working / middle class town north of Boston. Got himself into a a good school, and made it big thru his own smarts, hard work, and, I suspect, a good upbringing.
Ideologically, I’m with Bernie/ Liz. Pragmatically, I could be fine with Bloomberg, especially since he has been strong on climate change and the NRA.
We get our turn to choose in a month, on Super Tuesday. See you at the voting booth.
2
Hey Mayor Mike, maybe while you're at it, toss a few mil to the democratic party in Iowa to fix their software problems?
34
Flushing money down the drain
9
I’m for Sanders all the way.
But Bloomberg is my second choice. His record in NYC is mixed, but overall the city improved.
And, he’s a real businessman.
34
@Craig
Bernie earned his Mayor’s pay as he did his congressional and now Senate pay.
He made Burlington VT into a very nice little city.
I want someone who can resoundingly beat Trump! Mike looks like that person. (Congress can fix Citizens United after his win.)
Run, Mike! Run!
245
If it was anyone else, would you want citizens united fixed before or after their win?
2
@Diana - This is a candidate who doesn't have a glass jaw. He can take it and dish it out. He can counter-punch. Not with his rivals for the nomination but with the president of the United States
Reporter to Trump: What do you think of Bloomberg
Trump: Very little, I just think of little
Bloomberg: I stand twice as tall as he does on the stage, the stage that matters
Trump: Now Mini Mike wants a box for the debates to stand on
Bloomberg: The president is a pathological liar who lies about everything: his fake hair, his obesity and his spray-on tan
5
Come on, guys. Bloomberg is not exploiting the chaotic outcome. He is exploiting what looks to be Biden’s bad showing.
73
@Jeremy Matthews We are all saying the same thing, but a few of us are saying it best - you, @Jeremy Matthews, are one of the few. Bravo!
I think the new "movement" has started. I have tingles.
Billionaires buying The White House? Zuckerberg 2024 would be America’s worst nightmare.
17
@Anonymous
Don't forget the fake billionaire who's there now.
15
@Anonymous He'd have no chance. Not all billionaires are created equal.
@Anonymous But could anyone be worst than the present one? Really?
1
Putting aside the genuine concern of the rich running the world AND buying an election, I applaud Mike for ignoring Iowa.
The results of their strange little gatherings have no real bearing on the election. Yet for decades, they have been seen by candidates and the public as an Oracle.
The Iowa caucuses serve to give those doing poorly in the polls a semi-valid reason for ending their candidacy early.
I can only imagine, though someone can add it up for us, the amount of money spent in Iowa to impress a group of mostly white, mostly middle-class voters.
The Dems should treat Iowa as they would any small state with 56 delegates.
75
II suggest Bloomberg use his money to make sure all 2020 voting machines in this country work and are hack proof.
28
@RDB
No voting machine is hack proof. No voting app is hack proof.
Bloomberg and Sanders understand what most Republicans and too few Democrats do: politics is more important than policy. The winner makes policy and winning is getting your voters to the polls.
35
@MKR Except that Bloomberg has policies and a record of achievement...
Mayor Bloomberg is a welcome addition to a race in which the exciting candidates are not qualified (e.g., Buttigieg, Yang, even Sanders), and the qualified candidates are gone (Inslee) or are failing to get the traction they deserve (Klobuchar, Warren). Yep, he's a billionaire but he is also the best mayor New York has ever had.
Interviewer: Is the nation ready for a race between two New York billionaires?
Bloomberg: Who's the other one?
324
@Robert
That " qualified " for Presidency concept is a hallow one, since there is literally nothing to prepare one for such a monumental responsibility. The only ' indicators' if I can call them that, are the past decisions in choosing one's collaborators and advisers. That to me is the only indication of a successful presidency or an unsuccessful one. But in the end, the final decision rests with the President. So one should scrutinize a candidate's history of decision making, both in public and personal lives, his/ her history of collaborative endeavours as clues that might predict future outcomes. And that should indeed point to Bloomberg, because the ratio of successful endeavors and enterprises to missteps is relatively low. ( And would not have pointed to either Hillary, nor Mr. T as viable Presidential material , but that's bygones.)
9
Ridiculous.
Here are some of the reasons conscientious people oppose Bloomberg, apart from the fact that the very idea of his “I can buy the Presidency” candidacy is a bad joke:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/12/13/the-bloomberg-factor-authoritarianism-money-and-us-presidential-politics/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/17/nyregion/bloomberg-stop-and-frisk-new-york.html
https://www.newsweek.com/bloomberg-defended-stop-frisk-years-now-hes-sorry-give-me-break-opinion-1474523
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/dnc-bloomberg-michael-moore/
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/michael-bloomberg-media/
http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/15137/bloomberg_snooping_not_just_on_their_clients
Of course everything is for sale in America, but you are supposed to don a fig leaf, not celebrate it.
At least I thought so.
3
@Robert, I'm not sure Bloomberg was a better New York mayor than Seth Low, Fiorella La Guardia, or Robert F. Wagner ... but I do rank him as the city's best mayor so far in the 21st century.
7
"Billionaires should not buy elections" is a good point that is also beside the point. It's a valid criticism of the system and our society, but not of any particular candidate.
If you prefer the 2020 election to be purchased by Sheldon Adelson and the Koch brothers, then by all means follow Bernie down the rabbit hole and attack Michael Bloomberg for using his own money to pursue issues that matter: guns, health care and climate. He's been spending his money on those issues before he threw his hat in the ring and he's committed to doing so for whomever the Dems select as nominee.
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@A Boston Thank you.
Just as you don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, purity tests belong in the classroom, not the real world.
How much self-sabotage do Democrats have to do before this gets through?
43
@A Boston. Or simply follow Bernie by voting for him!
5
@A Boston Also, think of the hundreds of millions that would be freed up and could flow to Senate and House candidates since Bloomberg is paying for everything himself.
7
If Bloomberg isn't viable after Super Tuesday he should pledge to not only back the eventual nominee, but to donate to down-ballot senatorial contenders so that the democrats can begin the difficult task of undoing the chaos that Trump has wreaked and the current republican senators have been complicit in.
20
@Paul He already has pledged to keep funding anti-trump ads/candidates through the election.
13
@Paul:
He did that already.
3
@Paul I'm pretty sure that's his intention.
2
Bloomberg didn’t create the rules that enabled him to accumulate vast stores of wealth, so why blame him? Until the tax code and other systems and institutions that create and perpetuate the immoral wealth disparity in our country are changed, the issue shouldn’t be how much money Bloomberg has, but how he earned it (being smart, working hard) and how he spends it (public service and charity). These stand in stark contrast with Trump, who inherited his money, used a sham charity for his own gain, makes a mockery of public service, and spends money for his own image and comfort. Frankly, I’m delighted Bloomberg is a billionaire. He can take on Trump, bypass super PACs and other special interests, and make a positive impact on this election whether he wins or not. Having lived in New York City while he was mayor, it’s clear he knows how to get things done in a pragmatic and intelligent way (most of the time, anyway). In my eyes, he just might be the best hope for our country and our planet.
187
@Mom He has also been very generous in spending his money fighting climate change, the gun lobby and I believe has given the largest gift ever to a university ($2 billion to Johns Hopkins, his alma mater).
9
@Mom camels and sewing needles.
Jesus was clear in the myths: you can be a great person, but wealth will still keep you from the life of the ages.
@Craig
As with most things it's not just a matter of one thing or the other. The best economic system lies somewhere between laissez faire capitalism and pure communism.
1
As a moderate currently leaning toward Amy Klobuchar, I am very interested in Mr. Bloomberg’s campaign. And, interestingly, my husband, who voted for Trump four years ago (I know, I know...) says that he could vote for Bloomberg - but not ANY of the other Democrats in the race.
Maybe Bloomberg’s decided advantage is that he is truly a self made, extremely successful businessman who also has major governing experience. If he were to get the Democratic nomination and he is compared directly to Trump, it will show what a charlatan we currently have in the White House.
150
@Susan
You are missing the point. Trump voters don't care if he is a charlatan. Your own husband "might" vote for Bloomberg. Translation: He is voting for Trump and "might" lie to you about it to keep the peace.
Trump has finally cracked the 49% approval in a Gallup pole. He will be a very formidable opponent.
4
I have mixed feelings. The other candidates are good and have worked hard but it's not clear that any of them can beat Trump. It may not have been a strategy but I think Mr. Bloomberg and his staff were smart to get a late start. I will pay attention to his commercials.
27
So the fact that it took awhile to count some votes is supposed to cause us to question the candidates who are subject to and don't make the rules? And somehow Bloomberg is emboldened by the fact that he couldn't get his act together in time to be present? Doesn't. Make. Sense.
7
@Ben
The current uncertainty about whether the pack of candidates we have can beat Trump has very little to do with the vote tally issue in Iowa - though it reinforces how fluid the race remains, after being subjected to months of campaigning by a horde of candidates.
Bloomberg probably did not wait because "he couldn't get his act together in time". He likely waited because he sensed that this time around, there was a different play that could work.
4
@Ben
No, it didn't take a while to count some votes. The app used in the counting and transmission of the votes didn't work properly as far as anyone knows, but no one knows exactly why. Plus we just impeached a president for soliciting interference against Joe Biden for the 2020 election and in 2016 Russia interfered in the presidential election. See how that all might work together to produce anxiety? Not everyone is quite so cavalier about voting as you are.
1
@Ben
The only pay off Iowa offers is an early boost of momentum if you finish well. It didn't just take "a while to count some votes", it was a complete organizational catastrophe.
Bloomberg was vocal from the start that his plan was to skip Iowa and that his campaign wouldn't suffer for it. That decision now looks brilliant, vis a vis every other candidate's squandered resources.
I want a brilliant, well-funded, generous and good candidate to beat Trump. I like Mike.
3
It’s rather easier to ignore the first four states when you have a couple billion dollars to spend. The fact that Bloomberg apparently thinks this amounts to strategic genius on his part tells you exactly why it would be a disaster if he were nominated.
7
@Christian Haesemeyer Disaster? worst than 4 more years of 45? Remember ANY Dem. would be leading an excellent team - not semi-failed... you know what...
personally, I want Warren. But I prefer Bloomberg to either Biden or Bernie. I don't think either Biden or Bernie can win.
27
Mr. Bloomberg was a transformational mayor. New York is a better city to live in now than it was prior to his 3 terms in office. I am not blind to his failures; stop and frisk, his selection of Cathleen Black to be schools chancellor, his vacation in Bermuda while the city was digging itself out of a record snowstorm. But he is smart, visionary and competent. I am not quite riding the Bloomberg train yet (I am still considering Mayor Pete) but as the election cycle unfolds, Bloomberg's strengths are slowly looking better and better. Even his way of campaigning, breaking the old rules, is a visionary type of thing to do, and I would bet in 12 years or so, most of the old rules will be gone.
468
Trump would have to wear diapers if he had to go up against Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg got what Donald Trump always wanted but no matter how hard he tried he never got -- respect from New York City.
Bloomberg wouldn't have to crush Trump. Trump would self-implode.
At least we wouldn't have to endure debates between the two parties' candidates. If Bloomberg's the democratic nominee, Trump won't show up.
109
@vet teacher , " Even his way of campaigning, breaking the old rules, is a visionary type of thing to do,"
You can't be serious. The only reason he can "campaign" this way is because he's a multi-billionaire.
25
@vet teacher The visionary new thing I want is Democracy. You can't fight for democracy by supporting someone who literally bought his place in the election. Don't forget how black voters feel about Bloomberg either. They are reliable and politically active constituencies in multiple battleground states. Choosing Bloomberg is like looking at the authoritarian impulse that elected Trump and saying: "the left canon do that too". We shouldn't be using every tool, because some tools are undemocratic. That abyss stares back.
29
I like many of the Democratic candidates; all of them, to some varying extent. But I hope the Democrats don't shoot themselves in the foot with outdated purist arguments...like wealth being a hindrance to good governance. As far as I have seen, Bloomberg is good at governance. He also has supported great causes, and done so effectively...partly because of his wealth. He is vigorous, clever, pragmatic, and may gradually win over those in the swing states (or even California) who are interested in getting results. New York City was better after his tenure.
111
@John Hawley
" Bloomberg is good at governance. He also has supported great causes, and done so effectively-"
You mean like making NYC citizens of color feel targeted for random stop and frisk searches vs. white people...yea...yea, John...guess he was pretty "effective" that way.
1
Mike Bloomberg’s tremendous support for Everytown.org which has tirelessly worked on solving the rampant gun violence issue in the US is just one aspect of his “let’s stop talking and start doing attitude.” He cannot be bought. He stands by his convictions and has the intelligence to forge a path towards accomplishing change. He offers the strongest candidacy for president and would be a respectful leader.
102
@World Expat And his Sierra Club support and partnerships addressing climate change. He has my vote.
3
Yes, he's a billionaire, but in these times is money not the true source of power in our politics? He may be a billionaire, but he's our billionaire.
83
@Bill Is that really the best the Democratic Party has to offer? Has American democracy devolved into merely picking which insanely rich person should rule over the rest of us? It saddens me to see that progressive voters have been so beaten down that this is the most they hope to achieve. Pathetic.
The Democratic Party base is very unlikely to turn out to vote for Bloomberg, because the Democratic base mostly does not like very rich people (with good reason).
For the people quaking in fear of Trump and crying about "electability", money alone does not win elections; just look at the vast war chest Jeb Bush had in 2016 and his complete failure in the republican primary.
2
@Bill You really nailed it, thank you! I could come up with 1,500 words to explain in detail why both your points have great merit and relevance, but no need. You said it perfectly!
I don't like that anyone can buy their way into office. Candidates I've voted for before all came out against Citizen's United, rightfully so.
However it is naive to believe dems can win on principle alone.
If you believe Trump is an existential threat, he needs to be dealt with as such. Putting democracy back together again will have to be dealt with after the 2020 election.
And p.s. unlike many billionaires running vanity campaigns, Bloomberg has run one of the largest cities in the country, so he's got that.
51
The late entry into the campaign means the loss of significant scrutiny. I don't trust him.
I'd vote for him over trump.
18
@hddvt He was mayor of the biggest city in the country for 12 years; he's undergone plenty of scrutiny.
11
@Jeff Not really. Not the sort that presidential candidate go thru. As I said, if he's the candidate, I'd vote for him.
2
Bloomberg is right; "those are old rules." Like Trump in 2016, he is abandoning the but-this-is-how-we've-always-done-it-playbook and playing his own game by his own rules. After last night's embarrassing fiasco in Iowa, Democrats need to rethink their stale approach. I, for one, respect Bloomberg's new strategy here and am very curious to see how it plays out in the coming weeks and months. If he's our best shot to beat Trump, well, he's got my vote. And no, I don't care if he had to "buy" the presidency.
49
Money is the key component to beating Trump. The people who benefited from Trump's tax cut and amended inheritance tax will be donating millions to preserve their wealth. And, Trump knew that when he did it. Keep in mind, our deficit 2019 was nearly one trillion dollars..somebody has to pay this one day.
Biden, although experienced and competent has some baggage.
But, Bloomberg does not with 12 years managing a complex city like New York is more than most states. That said, my vote will be for Bloomberg. Unlike Trump, he is honest, has integrity, loves America, it not beholden to the Russians and can fund his campaign without donors. Go Mike! LTC, US Army
81
Three term NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is the only one who can beat Donald Trump and he will do it. Bloomberg is a self-made billionaire - no scandals of any kind - and while he ran for a third term - and won - (an exception was made by the NYC City Council to let him run for a third term). Mike was an excellent Mayor and is, perhaps, as alarmed as many people are that the Occupant in the Oval Office - scandal ridden, a debtor (with Russian financing and believes bankruptcy is a business model) and a braggart who is an emotionally stunted hollow shell of a human being - the perpetual bullying name-calling - as an example - who can not continue in the White House for another four years - as he is unfit to serve on every level and threatens our democracy at its roots. No respect for the Rule of Law, the Constitution and won't even disclose his taxes. Mike Bloomberg will be a formidable opponent -on every level to get our country back on track - and Trump knows it!
As an aside - last nights Iowa voting fiasco- it is imperative that citizens around the country look at this inability to correctly tally votes as a precursor to what will happen in November - if mechanisms are not put in place in every state to ensure correct tallying and tamper-proof voting. I hope Mike Bloomberg is paying attention to this as it appears our election process across the country is flawed - the Russians will know it and so does Donald Trump and Russian tampering with swing state votes.
31
@kkm There is no such thing as a self-made billionaire.
1
@John Malister : Coming from a middle-class family, Bloomberg made his billions through his own efforts and, in that respect, he is "self-made" and something Trump never was or could be - using bankruptcy as a business model to con his vendors out of what was honestly theirs and will never see payment in full. Maybe it's time for a finance course for you.
1
A huge opening for Mr. Bloomberg, let's see how smart his campaign will be.
18
Mayor Bloomberg must address the problem young people have with his candidacy: the fact that he is a billionaire. I am a Bloomberg fan and believe he can win but also believe his wealth is his Achilles’s heel. I’ve talked to numerous young people who believe being a billionaire is immoral in itself because they believe that one must underpay and take advantage people to accumulate so much wealth. Bloomberg must explain how he earned his wealth, which wasn’t by taking advantage of others but by innovation. He must get on top of this now and I believe he’s smart enough to know this and will. He must also continue to address his mayoral administration’s stop and frisk policy. I believe he is truly sorry for this because he learned from it. He is open to learning, a champion of the environment and of has billions to beat the immoral cheating man in the White House I say GO!
28
@Ozma the fact that people actually believe that being a self-made billionaire who built a successful business from the ground up is immoral, shows that there needs to be a stronger focus on business and economic fundamentals in high school education.
Is the fact that Bernie is a millionaire from publishing a book immoral?
3
@Ozma Yes, and he is the one candidate smart enough, honest enough, media-savvy enough and properly motivated enough to develop that message and communicate it to both young voters and voters of color, who he will need to win, but who can be convinced - with truth, honesty and sincerity - that not only is it in their self-interest to turn out and vote for Bloomberg because the alternative (who will win if you don't turn out) is worse for YOU and for America's future. but that not voting is a terrible, unpatriotic thing to do. I implore those of you who didn't vote for Hillary in 2016 because she wasn't your preferred Democrat: please don't make that mistake again! As horrific as the first term of Trump has been, a second term will do irreparable harm that *you* and your children will suffer greatly from, and you can't possibly believe that Mike Bloomberg's past suggest he is not a decent, highly competent person, who truly wants to save the country.
1
He's trying to buy this thing like an admissions spot at Princeton. What next? A new building for each state party? Is he going to buy a Dr's note for extra time to answer at the debates, too?
12
Aren’t the other candidates trying to buy the election? It’s just a different money stream and for Bloomberg, a stream he is not beholden to anyone.
8
@sf If he can beat trump, and I think he can, I'm all for it. Critical issues like the survival of our planet and our democracy are more important than high minded but ultimately empty principles.
4
meanwhile roads go unpaved, hospitals unbuilt. he really could be doing wonders with this money if so he badly wants to show he's a good guy.
but he isn't.
14
@Chris Even Mr. Bloomberg cannot begin to shore up the infrastructure in this country on his own, badly neglected in recent decades (witness Singapore, Sweden, Japan) and especially so in the last few years as the circus invaded the White House.
18
@Chris I lived here in the city through the Bloomberg years. I didn't like stop-and-frisk; didn't like some of his schools decisions; wasn't a fan of the underhanded scheming to secure a third term. But he was a good mayor, and one of the things he was great at was getting roads paved and hospitals built (Johns Hopkins has the Bloomberg School of Public Health). DiBlasio? He's showing us the shortcomings of having a condescending political speechifier with insufficient attention to the importance of basic management. I'm not convinced I'm on board with Bloomberg, but one thing I can't really criticize him for is contributing to our decaying infrastructure.
8
@Chris Not the responsibility of a private citizen. But you can count on him to direct spending that way from the Oval Office.
5
Iowa isn't a big deal so early in the race. But I find it interesting that Bloomberg is encouraged -- did you say -- by the murkey outcome. Michael Bloomberg is a spoiler. He doesn't have much skin in the race, having entered late. Just because he can spend a ton of his own money doesn't mean he is the most qualified, it just means he'll buy his way in. The impeachment sullied Joe Biden, fairly or not, it didn't help his chances. There are so many in the race to begin with and the Democratic party is polarized in itself. What is the most discouraging are those candidates, like Bloomberg, who claim they are the most apt to beat Trump. Is that the only reason to vote for one, or doesn't their background, plans and outlook matter? I hope this race won't be for sale.
5
Trump, recall, would be beholden to no one, he promised, because he would self-fund his campaign. He was lying. Bloomberg isn’t—and he truly will be beholden to no one. Not sure that’s a good thing or not, but no doubt he’d be a better president. Or a better anything, really: man, husband, citizen, businessman. No, wait, not a better golfer. No time for it. He works during the day.
66
Bloomberg seems to be a candidate with a lot of political and no nonsense business acumen. He sounds like a centrist which may be just what the country is looking for. Me, I like the fact that he is not trying to be my best friend. I want a President who is competent and works in the background. A couple of speeches a year and a focus on passing legislation has my vote.
69
I won't be complaining if its Bloomberg vs Trump and Bloomberg outspends him 3:1. Rather that than Sanders vs Trump with Trump outspending him 2:1. As far as billionaires go, Bloomberg seems like a decent person.
37
He’s a smoothie and a great speaker. Very charismatic too. But not worthy of presidency for his lack of compassion as related to massive wealth. Not to mention his political, economic, social and environmental views.
Just say no
7
@Paul G, the bigger issue is just say no to Drumpf. If the Democrats nominate Bernie, might as well look up your history of the 1972 election.
6
@Paul G why is is massive wealth a lack of compassion? He's fighting and beating the NRA, fighting for the climate, and for affordable healthcare, not to mention the fact that he helped to fund many candidates that helped to take back the House in 2018.
6
@Joyce In 1972 we were in the midst of a cold war and Red Scare propaganda was still commonplace. In 1972 a serial-cheating, foul-mouthed crook like Trump could not have won in a general election. We're living in different times now and we should act accordingly.
Good for Bloomberg. These ARE old rules. And it's time the Democrats, if they want to have a snowball's chance, understand that.
45
The Democrats have two billionaires seeking their nomination to compete against a third billionaire for the presidency.
There is something seriously wrong with this situation.
17
@Ken Belcher
Yes, one problem is that you seem to have bought into Trump's claim that he's a billionaire. Maybe in Monopoly money, but otherwise no.
15
There's a saying that you don't take a knife to a gun fight. Bloomberg brings heavy artillery.
Unless and until there is public financing of campaigns, big money yields big results.
This election is too important for purity tests.
266
@Michael Henriques
Money helps. No doubt. But there is a litany of candidates who have vastly outspent their opponent and lost the election. David Brooks did a piece on this very subject awhile back.
That being said, I doubt there has ever been a BILLION dollar rollout in the history of any marketing campaign. Still, I have the opinion that Donald Trump has ruined the concept of any future billionaire candidates from New York for a long time.
2
@Michael Henriques I would give your comment 10 likes if I could!
Perhaps Bloomberg should stop transferring wealth to advertising agencies and instead take control of Fox News or one of the other propaganda outlets for the Republicans. It might be more effective than his campaign in changing the kind of president American choose this November.
9
Perhaps if elected Bloomberg will support federally financed campaigns, as do I. But Bernie supporters are wrong to call Bloomberg an oligarch and suggest the rich should not be allowed to run. Bernie himself is a millionaire. It's a free country, and under the current rules everyone is entitled to run. I'll support any candidate who has a good shot at beating Trump.
58
@A Realist I'm frustrated by the narrative that equates Bernie's wealth with Bloomberg's. The Sanderses are worth $2.5 million, a not-outrageous sum for a post-retirement-age couple (77 and 70) who both have college degrees and worked professional jobs for decades. Were Bernie to retire tomorrow, financial professionals would advise him to live on a budget of about $100K/year (4%/year), a fair bit less than his standard $174K senatorial salary. The median U.S. household income is $60K, so the Sanderses are probably in the top 10% of American retirees (again, as befits their degrees and professional achievements), but they would not be able to live lavishly while remaining financially prudent.
By comparison, Bloomberg is worth $60.2 billion. That is 24,000 times what Bernie is worth. Were he to retire tomorrow, his 4% a year in responsible retirement spending would be $240.8 million.
Both men are more well-off than the average American, but you cannot say that these two versions of "well-off" are not very, very, very different, and it reflects in their policies. The Sanderses could still be bankrupted by a health crisis or a liability suit for a car accident. Bloomberg cannot be bankrupted by anything.
Bloomberg is an oligarch, plain and simple. He uses his vast sums of wealth to change our politics, whether you consider his actions for good or ill. Bernie's personal wealth cannot accomplish even a tiny fraction of what his can.
11
@A Realist, Bernie is a poor sport and a poor loser. He’s also has years to declare himself a Democrat, which he has yet to do. That doesn’t earn my vote. I’d take Bloomberg any day - I don’t care how much money he’s got.
1
@Joyce
You do know that Bloomberg did not become a Dem until 2018, right?
And that he was GOP for decades?
Mike is a smart man. He has experience. People respect him.
I wish him the best of luck in defeating the guy currently in office.
55
Ah.....another millionaire New Yorker wants to buy a presidential election. How do we compare and contrast this with the Supreme Court "Citizens United" decision? Is there really a difference between a wealthy company buying an election with lots of cash and a wealthy person buying an election with lots of cash? I fail to see the distinction.
13
@ka kilicli You've got to fight fire with fire. The only distinction is that Bloomberg owes NOBODY. The people getting their money through PACS owe EVERYBODY.
9
@ka kilicli By spending his own money, Mike Bloomberg is beholden to no one. This is far different from dark money funding allowed by Citizens United. Mike Bloomberg will defeat Donald Trump.
8
@ka kilicli A wealthy company isn't who is elected, it is the person that they financed. That person is beholden to the company that paid for their election.
Bloomberg (the wealthy person), on the other hand, is who is elected, and it is his interest, and his voters, who he is beholden to. I see a very large distinction.
As much as I don't like so much individual money being in an election, those are the rules that the game is played by. Play by the rules or be prepared to lose.
2
I don't like the fact that he has power to "buy" people because of his great wealth. It scares me. But on the other hand, perhaps we need a "benevolent dictator" to clean up this mess. No matter what we choose it is a great risk. He seems capable of doing much good. We'll see how he responds when people start criticizing his record. I'd like to really hear from a lot more of you from New York City.
6
@Karen Think about it. We already have a dictator but he is far from benevolent...
8
@Karen Not sure why you equate self-funding one’s campaign with being a “benevolent dictator.” He’s not buying votes or an election, nor does he aspire to dictatorship. He’s using his money to promote his past record, values, and hopes for a better future for the people of this country. That his money buys him a larger market in which to do this is not a bad thing.
9
@Karen
A traitor to his class is what we need. Like FDR.
1
The man is a legitimate, successful American entrepreneur, earning his dollars building a company that made him wildly wealthier than the current corrupt TV billionaire president, who, it appears, would relish a head-to-head with Bloomberg. A friend of mine worked in Bloomberg's mayoral administration in New York City, making new city service vehicles electric ones (city buses, taxis, cop cars). No one's perfect ("stop and frisk)" but he gets credit as a good mayor in New York, over his three terms there. He's the candidate who could grab those disillusioned former Trumpers where only Biden still might. Whomever takes the Democratic party nomination, I hope Bloomberg stands by putting his dollars behind the candidate against Trump.
42
I've seen a few of Bloomberg's ads. They pull no punches about the necessity of beating Donald Trump. I think he can beat Trump and he may be the unifying candidate that will lead the Democrats to the White House.
146
Bloomberg deliberately violated the constitutional rights of his citizens with stop and frisk. He is not fit to serve. We have one authoritarian as president, we do not need another.
7
@Emma
Hogwash. I'll stand in line to get frisked if it would keep us from another 4 years of Donald Trump.
45
@Emma Ess Bloomberg did not invent stop and frisk, Guiliani did. Bloomberg had a huge learning curve to get over when it comes to NY politics and he pulled himself up by his political bootstraps. He had run-ins with Police unions, Sanitation union, teamsters, teachers unions,etc. ,Albany. NY politics is a different beast compared to the rest of the country. He was even critiqued as being "Patrician". One thing you cannot accuse him of is being an incompetent exec administrator. Take a look at Bloomberg news if you want to know where his head is at. He knows where Trumps bones are buried and his history in NY.
3
@Emma Ess, Bloomberg is not suffering from serious cognitive decline and narcissism. Times change - the ‘stop and frisk’ is not a deal breaker for me. Another 4 years of the Orange Horror and we won’t have a planet to get stopped and frisked on, quite frankly.
4
I like and sometimes respect Bloomberg -- he is a local boy and philanthropically supports some institutions I care deeply about. He is clearly a data guy and not driven (solely) by his ego. I heard a very persuasive interview of his campaign manager, Kevin Sheeky, by Dem guru David Plouffe, that really changed my thinking on the delegate counts in larger, more diverse states, and how ridiculous the "first in the nation" traditions are becoming. All that said, after last night, he looks like a genius -- what a total FAIL by the Iowans, the DNC, and really the "by the book" candidates who are hurt by association, and look like they got suckered (which we all kinda did). I think Bloomberg my be the one who "wins Iowa" after this!
36
The results aren't out, but there are many indications that Biden performed poorly in Iowa, probably in a distant 4th place. That's why Bloomberg is increasing his investment in claiming support from moderate Democrats. Contra the headline, it has nothing to do with Iowa's caucus mismanagement. It's all about Biden's weakness.
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Lovely.
It isn’t bad enough that the Iowa Caucus ended on a debacled low note last night, but now Bloomberg has to get into the act and “exploit the chaotic outcome of the Iowa caucuses” by escalating his TV campaign ads AND publicly making the case of this messy outcome.
Good grief, and here I thought Trump would be the biggest threat to the Democrats. Apparently, the once Republican now reformed Democrat Bloomberg remembered some of the less than stellar tricks of the trade from the party he once pledged allegiance to.
Bloomberg’s reckless and aggressive exploitation of the mistakes that occurred in Iowa will not help him but only add credence and strength to the Republican Party. He will hurt us more than help himself in the long run. His attempts at dazzling folks with brilliance will only result in them being baffled by his baloney.
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@Marge Keller What good are political labels? Reagan was once a Democrat; Warren was once a Republican; Trump was once a Democrat; Sanders is NOT a Democrat; and Mikey is a chameleon: he's whatever he has to be to win.
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@Marge Keller Bloomberg has literally pledged to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on purely anti-Trump ads, and has also pledged to **keep spending and keep doing this even if he is not the nominee**.
I don't, under any scenario, see how he is going to hurt "us"
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I think that Bloomberg may be the candidate that I'd vote for, but I want to see him debate the other candidates. TV ads just aren't enough. I'm pleased that we're likely to see him in the next debate. No candidate is a lock to beat Trump, so we still need options.
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I have to disagree David. I think all the candidates are very capable of being president and beating trump to get there. vote
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@She That's what we all thought about Hillary. Complacency is too dangerous when the stakes are this high.
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@David You can look up on youtube for hundreds of Bloomberg speeches, news conferences, interviews. What will a debate get you that you haven't already heard?
Say Blomberg loses the debate. It doesn't matter, he'd still probably be the best democrat to beat Trump.
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When I first heard Bloomberg was entering the race, I wasn't so sure. But as a moderate I find his message resonates with me, and I suspect will with moderate Republicans as well.
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@itsizzi
I like Bloomberg more just because he is doing things his own way without the incompetent Democratic Party and not allowing unrepresentative, bumbling states like Iowa to determine his candidacy.
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At this point, I'm not sure I even care about what is happening in Iowa. There are too few delegates at stake.
I want to know - NEED to know - what the voters in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania think of Bloomberg.
We've absolutely got to remain focused on swing states with a rich delegate haul.
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@Cousy
It's a little early for worrying about general election swing states. I assume whichever Democrat gets the nomination will campaign heavily in those states for the general election. No matter what anyone thinks the candidates won't repeat any of Clinton's mistakes.
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@Cousy I agree with MI, WI and PA, but with Bloomberg I honestly believe that FL is back in play as well. I am a moderate/registered GOP voter, and I am all-in on Bloomberg.
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no, it's not too early. incumbents typically win elections while the primaries are still playing out.
see Bush 2004, Obama 2012
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It's a little scary to think that Bloomberg may have made the right strategic call here.
Like many aspects of our lives, the electoral journey seems to be up in the air and changing quickly.
He's not my candidate, but I'm not counting him out like I was when he announced.
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@Cousy Just reading these comments, you seem to have a lot of company in your views. Iowa scared me (not the tabulating problems, the results) and I think the same is true for a lot of moderate Democrats. The trick will be convincing millennials to vote for him rather than staying home - and to convince Bernie, or another "progressive" candidate not to launch a third party challenge, and hand the election to Trump.
Old rules don't apply to billionaires. In the past you had to build momentum to compete in the upcoming states. Bloomberg doesn't need donors he can blanket the airwaves without regard for funds. Something no other candidate has been able to do before now. Sanders and Warren are right about him trying to buy the nomination.
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@KR I disagree, Bloomberg can spend all of the money he wants, but unless his message connects with those who will vote, it is all for naught. Remember that Bloomberg's policy when he became mayor was to surround himself with the smartest people he could find, whereas when Bloomberg called President Elect Trump, Donald told him that there was no one smarter than himself (Donald). So far Bloomberg's message resounds with me.
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On principle, the rich should not be voted into office.
Since almost all politicians in the running are wealthy, I suppose only the VERY rich can be pragmatically excluded.
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Money rules both parties so what matters is values, what are the candidates standing for is the question.
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@Jerry Engelbach
It depends on what they do with their money. Trump paid off porn stars and gold plated his apartment. Bloomberg gives most of his profits to charities like the Sierra Club.
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@Jerry Engelbach The only reason Warren is rich is because of her publishing deals which she earned every penny of. I can't speak for Amy and Pete.
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The man with the sign that says; "Billionaires should not Buy Elections", makes a very good point. However, I guess that it could also be argued that there could be at least some theoretical reasons as to why the opposite view could also be valid... Such as 'the billionaire person no longer needs to be so selfishly motivated by gaining still more $money$'. Interestingly, though, in Trump's case... he clearly still seems very focused on trying to make, still more $money$ ... and even worse yet; Via his political advantage & position. So this billionaire as a president question is definitely one to ponder carefully.
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@~ Eric ALL national elections in the United States are bought. The very fact that we know,barring any changes to the constitution, when national elections will be 4, 8,12,100 years from now, we will always be in what seems to be perpetual election cycles. The only question is who paid for the candidates election and thus who does the candidate owe. With multi-billionaires funding their own elections, at least we can take comfort in the fact they don't owe anyone anything.
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@~ Eric Trump doesn't actually have that much money though. He is after all the self proclaimed "King of Debt." I bet, when all of his liabilities are taken into account, he is not even an actual billionaire (which is sad, considering his daddy gave him around 400 million dollars years ago, which even with conservative investing would be well over a billion today).
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It’s uncomfortable to think a billionaire can buy an election. But honestly, the elections are bought by big money hiding in the shadows (on both sides).
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