Bloomberg for President?

In a previous post I said Bill Gates would be a good president because he’s rational, smart, successful, and has a good track record of targeted philanthropy. And he wouldn’t be in it for the money. I soon discovered that Bill Gates is not as beloved as one needs to be to get elected president. And he isn’t interested in the job.

Moving on.

Second choice: Mike Bloomberg, mayor of NYC.

Like Bill Gates, he’s rational, smart, successful, pragmatic, and is already starting his philanthropic organization. Best of all, no one seems to hate him for selling Windows. He’s a highly popular mayor who is regarded as highly competent. And he has the added benefit of not totally ruling out a bid for the Whitehouse.

He’s also right in the middle between being a Democrat and a Republican. He was a lifelong Democrat until he ran for office as a Republican. Both sides could embrace him as one of their own. He’s a Republican in name with Democrat views on social issues. It’s the Arnold Schwarzenneger approach. It works.

And Bloomberg could fund his own campaigns. He'd be beholden to no one.

I’ve often said that a real leader would tackle problems in the order of their logical priority, not the order they appear in NY Times headlines. Bloomberg has gone after smoking in public, and trans fat in restaurants. Smoking and bad diet kill more people than any other cause. That’s a leader.

Could a short, Jewish, highly competent guy get elected president?

Comments

[Vladlena Nyzhnik]

Yes, it’s nice point. I am totally agreed with you... Thank you.

[Think twice before you commit to a candidate...]

visit the website Vault for an inside look at the internal dissatisfaction that employees have.
Bloomberg, LP has been sued by the federal government for discrimination in the workplace on a systemic basis.
Mike has essentially hired his former deputy mayor to run his private company.
The high level of arrogance within Bloomberg, LP suggests a rather dangerous brand of leadership should Mayor mike consider running. (Capital Ms are reserved for those at least 5'8" tall).

[Think twice before you commit to a candidate...]

visit the website Vault for an inside look at the internal dissatisfaction that employees have.
Bloomberg, LP has been sued by the federal government for discrimination in the workplace on a systemic basis.
Mike has essentially hired his former deputy mayor to run his private company.
The high level of arrogance within Bloomberg, LP suggests a rather dangerous brand of leadership should Mayor mike consider running. (Capital Ms are reserved for those at least 5'8" tall).

[Andrew Jackson]

'When a door is closed, God has a tendancy of opening a window.'

Obama-Bloomberg would be a weapon.

Good luck and God bless to them both.

[Archiebunker]

I had supported, passivly, a Bloomberg run, but now think he would do nothing more than suck the air out of the Democratic bubble. He's a social liberal and a fiscal conservative, much as McCain, though neither will label themselves as such, and we can ill afford another 4 years or more of these Neocon ideologues.

Bloomberg would have no institutional backing; it is a recipe for a coalition between the moderates of both parties who would tirelessly work to stop any of his reforms. Our bippartisan system was broken (Romney is not the surgeon, even if he has diagnosed the wound) by the Neocons. They have polarized the system and have destroyed any opportunity for a moderate coalition to solve our nation's problems under the two party system, which is what it will take to address any of our real issues. Perhaps a weak Executive is what will turn the trick. We have had 7 years of no legistlative branch; why not as many with no exectutive one? Shades of the other coalition governments throughout the world.

I hate to say it, but the two current candidates who would most likely welcome such a coalition are McCain and Obama. Lordy, Lordy, who would have thunk it. Brought low by a frat boy cheerleader and the two guys with the longest resumes in the government, Rumsfeld and Cheney. 3

Pray for America. But for God's sake, don't vote for Huckabee, the guy running for America's Preacher. After his latest comment, how can anyone take the oath of office, after declaring we should re-write the Constitution in his image of God's will? Man, are we in deep doo-doo.

Stick McCain or Obama in there, and let's get on with it.

[Joe Clientelle]

Bloomberg is rational, which is a plus. But he is not good for average people. New Yorkers are having a hard time, especially young New Yorkers starting out. Median apartment price is now $2900 per month in NY. The city is becoming a playground for the rich, with average people suffering with rising rent and stagnant pay. Many many luxury developments are going up all over but very low goals and mostly talk about affordable housing. Where can our "heroes" like teachers and firefighters live?

[Think twice before you commit to a candidate...]

Think twice before you commit to a candidate...
Take a look at:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=3684511

This is an update on the EEOC case raised in late September 2007 against Bloomberg, LP wherein the US Government is suing the company for systemic discrimination of workers in a protected class(race, gender,age, etc).

Mister Bloomberg at first (9/27/07) said he wasn't involved whatsoever with the company dealings "for a very long time" and then a week later reversed himself to confirm his ongoing dealings with management when this claim was made by the three (now four) women impacted by the company's discriminant behaviours.
As further evidence of the doublespeak surrounding Mister Bloomberg, I would direct the readers to a story that broke in December 2007 wherein Deputy Mayor, Dan Doctoroff, resigned from his city post to become President of Bloomberg, LP.

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071206/FREE/71206003

The connections between Mayor Mike and Corporate Mike are so blurred that it makes a mockery of the NYC Conflicts of Interst Board and it's hands off approach to Mister Bloomberg.

Mister Bloomberg, meanwhile, has demonstrated in a series of decisions his willingness to choose paths where he "is above the law" and that is a very dangerous player for US national office.

No matter where your political beliefs reside there should be no question that "the law applies to all and no one individual can lay claim to an exempt status as a law abiding citizen".

Discrimination? Blatant conflicts of interest? At what point does the end stop justifying the means in Mister Bloomberg's decision making tree?

[anonymous]

I actually used to work closely with Bloomberg every day for a summer about 12 years ago. He is one of the smartest, hard working, honest, and successful people I've ever met. I sincerely hope that he does run.

[Rich]

I hope that this is not a repeat of 1992 and 1996, when that jug-eared dwarf, Ross Perot basically insured a win for the Douchebags-in-Chief--- Bill/Hillary Clinton.

Don't want Hillary to win because the disaffected vote for Mike, but I do have a campaign slogan for Bloomberg as a choice over Hillary---

"Vote for Mike, not the Dyke!

[David Tussey]

Worked at Bloomberg for 3 years without Mike. His absence was keenly felt. He is an immensely smart guy and also pragmatic. But his two tours as Mayor of the largest American city have been what really makes him a contender. He had brought great political, environmental, fiscal, and technological progress to New York City.

Given the mediocre choices across the board in the two major parties, and as a direct observer of his competence in business and politics, I'd be happy to give him my vote.

For bonus, I'd propose a Bloomberg-Gore ticket. Nice.

[JW]

Well, like Perot, he would certainly run the country like a business. Maybe that is what we need for a change. Politics aside, let's just look at the country as a potentially profitable entity. It might be nice. Except, to undo all of the mess that has been done, Bloomberg would probably have to go through 4 terms as president! But just think, the country might just become functional. Then we could go back to the 2 term limits so that the next guy could undo it all. Dream, dream, dream......

[SolveClimate]

From a climate change perspective, Bloomberg's the best in the bunch by far. Independently wealthy and not beholden to any antiquated, fossil fuel industries and their industry shills? Can't be that. And can't be his ability to unite on a global scale.

Here's a rundown on his latest visit to Asia:
http://solveclimate.com/blog/20071218/bloomberg-asia-planets-climate-spokesperson

[SolveClimate]

From a climate change perspective, Bloomberg's the best in the bunch by far. Independently wealthy and not beholden to any antiquated, fossil fuel industries and their industry shills? Can't be that. And can't be his ability to unite on a global scale.

Here's a rundown on his latest visit to Asia:
http://solveclimate.com/blog/20071218/bloomberg-asia-planets-climate-spokesperson

[Carlton Colquitt]

Bloomberg for President.

[Carlton Colquitt]

Bloomberg for President.

[Andrew MacRae]

Scott, it's a pleasure to know that this topic is interesting to you. At the Draft Bloomberg movement, we are very interested in finding out the answer to your question; "Could a short, Jewish, highly competent guy get elected president?"

We think he can, please visit UniteForMike.com to learn more.

[Keno]

Sam Nunn would probably run with Bloomberg. They think very much alike and both are disappointed with the bickering amongst the parties. Nunn has mentioned that he hasn't ruled out a run as an independent. He's very active in world affairs. Pass it on! Bloomberg & Nunn.

[Kelly]

He is an ideal candidate! Go Bloomberg!

[Kid-Bloom]

THE NEO-NAZI-CORPORATE-MEDIA HAS A PERSONAL VANDEDA AGAINST N.Y.C. MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBURG!!!!!!!

If NEWS REPORTERS are so conservative, they would not have a problem with Mayor Michael Blooburg running for President.The Corporate Media is afraid of BLOOMBURG because he has a BETTER CHANCE TO WIN THE WHITEHOUSE than a Democrat or a Republican. But the only way he can do that is if he runs.
BLOOMBURG HAS TO RUN IN ORDER FOR HIM TO WIN. THE ONLY REASON THAT HE WOULD NOT WIN IS IF HE PULLED A FRED THOMPSON AND NOT RUN UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

THE LIBERAL PARTY IS AFRAID OF BLOOMBURG, BUT THE SKINHEAD PARTY IS EVEN MORE AFRAID OF BLOOMBURG because Bloomburg (like Hillary) is in the center.
But Since BLOOMBURG-A MAN, HILLARY-A WOMAN, RACIST, PATRIARCAL WHITE MEN WILL VOTE FOR BLOOMBURG BEFORE THEY WOULD ELECT A WOMAN PERIOD!!!!!
IT'S TIME FOR THE NEO-NAZI-CORPORATE-MEDIA TO ADMIT THAT FACT!!!! AT LEAST ADMIT THAT THEIR NAZIES AND POLITICALLY BIASED, THIS ALONE WILL ELIMINATE ANY NEEDS TO PRESERVE THE "FAIRNESS DOCTORINE" THEREFORE MAKING AMERICA SAFE FROM FUNDAMENTALIST EXTREMIST LIKE CHENEY, PAT ROBERTSON AND FOX NOISE!!!!

[Karin Gallet]

The Draft Bloomberg effort was founded with the belief that the American voter will look toward qualifications in November 2008.
www.bloomberg08nyc.com

[Gerald Ledbetter]

Could a short, Jewish, and highly competent guy get elected?

Irrelevant to being short, Jewish, and highly competent, the question is could Mike Bloomberg get elected? I'm anxious to persuade the people to acknowledge effective policies in progress: education, health, and the economy. I challenge anyone to say they've done better, or are doing better. Action speaks louder than words. Every politition has told the auidiences what sounded good and promises might not get fulfilled, but Mike Bloomberg is doing what's good for a society that could well determine the fate of a successful campain to the White House.

[William Hicks]

I live in New York City; do you? I'm here to tell you that Bloomberg is just anorther golden spoon in the mouth priviliged snot who knows nothing and cares nothing for the middle class or the poor. I call him "Mayor Pothole" because the infrastructure of the city and the streets have fallen into disrepair, and he does nothing. These wealthy types seem to think they are above the law by virtue of their great wealth; just look at George W Bush, another child of privilege who thinks the country is his toilet and uses the U.S. Constitution as toilet paper.

[BLOOMBERG DARTBOARDS DOT COM]

THIS MAN IS SUCH A RAT AND USELESS PIECE OF SHIT THAT HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR NEW YORK CITY OTHER THAN RAISE THE COST OF EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH OR OWN. THAT'S WHY THERE IS A SURPLUS OF $3,000,000,000. THE MAN IS AN ARROGANT LITTLE PILE OF SHIT THAT THINKS HE'S THE PRINCE OF THE CITY. WHO SPENDS $65,000,000 ON 2 CAMPAIGNS?! I'LL TELL YOU WHO. THE SNEAKY LITTLE RAT FUCK THAT OCCUPIES THE MAYORAL OFFICE OF NEW YORK. WHY, BECAUSE HE'S DUDLEY DO-RIGHT? HE WANTS TO MAKE THE CITY BETTER? HE HAS JUST PUT HIMSELF IN A POSITION WHERE HE CAN STILL WHEEL AND DEAL WITH PUBLIC SCHOOL CONTRACTORS AND SUCH AND PAY FAVORS BACK, MAKE MONEY AND SET FAVORS UP FOR HIMSELF FOR THE FUTURE. HE HAS ACCESS TO DEALS HE NORMALLY WOULDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO. THE FIREMEN HATE THE PUTRID LITTLE BUGGER. THE POLICE HATE AND DESPISE THE LITTLE SNOT FACE. THE LITTLE TURD HAS DONE NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, FOR N.Y.C. JUST ABOUT EVERYONE DESPISES THE LITTLE NASAL SPEAKING BUG. EXCEPT THE YUPPIES AND THE WEALTHY, WHO HE CATERS TO, EVERY ONE ELSE IS PRETTY MUCH SCREWED. GO BACK TO BOSTON YOU FUCKIN' MUTT!!! GOD FORBID, NO, GOD HELP US IF THIS PIECE OF SHIT BECOMES PRESIDENT THE WAY HE BECAME MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY!! BUYING HIS SPOT! THE MERE APPEARANCE OF THIS SNEAKY LITTLE JERK OFF TURNS MY STOMACH!!

[Richard Soderberg]

Neither party could nominate him, now. Does Bloomberg pass the "tall, nice hair" criteria enough to win?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6722146,00.html

[Chris Koch]

There is a perceived debate amongst the scientific community. There isn't. If there is, ask if that person's paycheck is dependent upon not believing. There is man-made global climate change happening.

The real issue to me will be our inability to respond. We don't seem to have it in us as human beings. Show us smoking causes cancer and we smoke. I bring that up, because we could be shown the future to 100% certainty and we will still have the inability to change our current actions. Just my thoughts on the wisdom of mankind.

It may not be this issue that gets us, but it may be the next.