Bloomberg/Gore 2008?
Al Gore is reportedly mired in discussions with New York City Mayor and potential independent Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. Obviously, rumors are swirling that this means Gore could be a potential running mate to Bloomberg's Presidential run. That scenario seems incredibly unlikely, but Gore's disdain for the Clintons (Hillary in particular) does not rule out the prospect of Gore endorsing Bloomberg's candidacy should Bloomberg decide to run.
Bloomberg has zero appeal for me. Zero! I take very seriously the forfeiture of personal freedoms to lifestyle fascists, and there is perhaps no bigger nanny-state thug in America today that Michael Bloomberg, the man who views no bad habit unworthy of criminalization, be it cigarettes or transfat. Other than honing a reputation as America's highest-profile health-and-wellness tyrant, I can't think of a single noteworthy accomplishment that Bloomberg has pulled off that would qualify him to run for President. He has been a reasonable manager of New York City, already in rebound for several years before Bloomberg was elected to office, but "keeping a steady course" while steering through unturbulent waters does not a valid Presidential candidate make. Some will point to the fact that Bloomberg kept a shellshocked city afloat after the 9-11 attacks, but when you think about it, 9-11 was more of a gateway to economic growth for New York City than an impediment to it. The financial industries headquartered in the World Trade Center didn't move their headquarters to Omaha after the attacks, they just relocated in New York City, benefitting the local commercial real estate market by further driving up demand.
If Michael Bloomberg runs for President, a Republican (any Republican!) will win, as the left-of-center New York City Mayor will steal votes almost exclusively from otherwise Democratic voters who, for whatever reason, can't stomach the Democratic nominee. Across the aisle, only the microscopic remains of the old Rockefeller Republicans would vote for Bloomberg. He could well get 10-15% of the vote given his unlimited financial warchest, but can only serve the role of spoiler, handing an election victory to the very party he just walked away from on the grounds of it being too radical. I really hope Al Gore doesn't go along with this circus show, even as an applauding spectator.
Bloomberg has zero appeal for me. Zero! I take very seriously the forfeiture of personal freedoms to lifestyle fascists, and there is perhaps no bigger nanny-state thug in America today that Michael Bloomberg, the man who views no bad habit unworthy of criminalization, be it cigarettes or transfat. Other than honing a reputation as America's highest-profile health-and-wellness tyrant, I can't think of a single noteworthy accomplishment that Bloomberg has pulled off that would qualify him to run for President. He has been a reasonable manager of New York City, already in rebound for several years before Bloomberg was elected to office, but "keeping a steady course" while steering through unturbulent waters does not a valid Presidential candidate make. Some will point to the fact that Bloomberg kept a shellshocked city afloat after the 9-11 attacks, but when you think about it, 9-11 was more of a gateway to economic growth for New York City than an impediment to it. The financial industries headquartered in the World Trade Center didn't move their headquarters to Omaha after the attacks, they just relocated in New York City, benefitting the local commercial real estate market by further driving up demand.
If Michael Bloomberg runs for President, a Republican (any Republican!) will win, as the left-of-center New York City Mayor will steal votes almost exclusively from otherwise Democratic voters who, for whatever reason, can't stomach the Democratic nominee. Across the aisle, only the microscopic remains of the old Rockefeller Republicans would vote for Bloomberg. He could well get 10-15% of the vote given his unlimited financial warchest, but can only serve the role of spoiler, handing an election victory to the very party he just walked away from on the grounds of it being too radical. I really hope Al Gore doesn't go along with this circus show, even as an applauding spectator.
posted by Mark at 6:20 PM
7 Comments:
I do believe you are incorrect in that he will draw democratic voters. There isn't a candidate running, that has more enterprise experience than Mike Bloomberg. Part of his appeal is that he created a 3.9 billion dollar surplus of the city of New York. Fiscally he is the undisputed leader, especially if someone like Huckabee emerges. That's why we are trying to Draft Mike Bloomberg at Unite For Mike.
Let Gore and Bloomberg run. That will teach the Democrats for being complacent.
Even if it means 4 more years of noxious Republicans? No thanks! If that does happen, then I'm moving to Brazil for sure!
If Bloomberg's "lesson" for the Democrats is the same one Nader taught us eight years ago, I think I'll pass.
I have heard these "moving threats" countless times. They are stupid. Americans are not dumb enough to vote against anyone who is in the same party as bush. Bush does not equal all republicans. It becomes someone else's party in fall 08.. maybe even Feb 6th.
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Like Rudy McRomnabee is really better than Shrub! To me, they are one in the same.
I will consider respecting the R's more when they start electing more Mark Hatfields.
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