Speculation is, he could be angling for a presidential bid as an independent — though the only people likely to vote for him are non-smoking, trans-fat-free urbanites who like their taxes high and their government big.
Meaning “moderate” Democrats — suggesting that a Bloomberg candidacy would almost certainly help Republicans, given that Bloomberg, despite winning his Mayoral race as a Republican candidate, is about as likely to embrace “conservatism” as Charlie Rangel is to start sporting a Julius Irving-style throwback ‘fro.
From ABC News:
The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelong Democrat before he switched to the GOP for his first mayoral run, said the change in voter registration does not mean he is running for president.
“Although my plans for the future haven’t changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city,” he said.
Despite his repeated claims, the mayor’s decision to switch his party affiliation stokes the speculation that he will pursue the White House, challenging the Democratic and Republican nominees with a legitimate and well-financed third-party bid.
Bloomberg has an estimated worth of more than $5 billion and easily could underwrite a White House run, much like businessman Ross H. Perot in 1992.
The 65-year-old mayor has fueled the buzz with increasing out-of-state travel, a greater focus on national issues and repeated criticism of the partisan politics that dominate Washington.
“The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy,” he said in a speech Monday at the start of a University of Southern California conference about the advantages of nonpartisan governing.
A Bloomberg entry would roil the already volatile and wide-open race to succeed President Bush.
[…]
The belief among some operatives is that Bloomberg’s moderate positions would siphon votes from the Democratic nominee. Others say it’s not that cut and dry; they say whom he would draw from depends on the nominees.
Should Bloomberg enter the race, the number of New Yorkers who are serious contenders would rise to three. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the Democratic front-runner and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP field in national polls.
Throughout his 5 1/2 years as mayor, Bloomberg has often been at odds with his party and President Bush. He supports gay marriage, abortion rights, gun control and stem cell research, and raised property taxes to help solve a fiscal crisis after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
But he never seemed willing to part with the GOP completely, raising money for the 2004 presidential convention and contributing to Bush and other Republican candidates.
Meaning he never seemed willing to part with the GOP identification willingly, until it served his interests.
But let’s face it: the guy has governed like a nannystatist and a would-be king, making him ideally suited to run as a “reform” candidate Democrat. Though for the “maverick” appeal, he’ll likely label his candidacy “independent,” should he indeed decide to run.
For my part, I could care less what he calls himself. I’m not a “party” guy, anyway — so I prefer to judge Bloomberg on his merits.
And until I wake up one morning and decide I’d really like some wealthy, arrogant do-gooder to arrange my freedoms for me — for my own good, you see, and to save me the trouble of having to make my own decisions — I’d say that Richard Gere has a better chance of landing my vote.
Because at least he would do something about that whole Tibet mess — not to mention bring a Karmic balance back to the White House that has been missing since the Billy Carter exchanged it for a case of Schlitz and a big platter of country-style ribs.
****
Other thoughts, from Allahpundit, Michelle Malkin, Sister Toldya, and Instapundit.
If we made of fun of Perot’s voice (and who didn’t)–the Mayor’s voice is comedy gold. Dana Carvey comeback in 3….2…..1…….
Gee, just what I want in my Commander in Chief. Grahh!!!!
Bloomberg vs. the terrorists. This will be Epic. Bloomberg cannot have failed to notice that Al Qaeda has refused to be a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. May God have mercy on their souls.
Good riddance to Bloomberg. Too bad we can’t get his nanny ass out of politics entirely. He’s bad for New York and the country.
Thinking Michael Bloomberg is a solution to the ills of partisanship and inaction in Washington is equivalent to having your arm amputated to cure a case of the clap. You just end up with another problem. I can’t see even the American electorate being this stupid. But given other choices which similarly evoke thoughts of venereal disease (Hillary Clinton), I could be wrong.
I think it was the New York Post who described him today as a "limousine virtuecrat." Can’t really sum it up better than that.I think Ron Paul would get more votes on a national level than this putz.
"Bloomberg’s moderate positions"
I want some of what those guys are drinking. Dictatorial is probably correct, but I’ll just call him a Fascist because that term has the right combination of "state control" and "ugh." The guy makes me want to go buy a gun, start smoking, and eat some fried food just because I can.
Run, Mike, run.
Bloomberg reminds me of Lord Farquar in Shrek.
Oh, good, an independent for President – that’s a solid strategy. Worst idea to come out of New York since Nelson Rockefeller’s last, um, you know.
"Bloomberg reminds me of Lord Farquar in Shrek."
He just reminds me of the meaning of the word "twit"
n. twit: A foolishly annoying person
He was a Republican? Who knew?
Oh, good, an independent for President – that’s a solid strategy. I could get interested in a third party candidate if the right one came along. But Bloomie ain’t him.
Giuliani/Bloomberg. Making Rockefeller Republicanism look better everyday.
much like businessman Ross H. Perot in 1992.
Hmm… I wonder if ABC News mean H. Ross Perot? I guess not since with all their layers of editors providing checks and balances they wouldn’t make a mistake like that, would they?
ah, so I’m not dyslexic.
Oh, please. Bloomie was a Republican like Julius Caesar was a Greek.
Word is, he’s going to form his own party, the Nanny-crats.
What, was "Pussy-crats" already taken?
YAAAAWWWWWWNNNNN!
Josie, Valerie and Melody all threatened to sue.
Considering Bloomberg’s opinions, in your title, “leaves” should be in quotation marks or followed by something sarcastic.
Bloomberg’s party’s campaign song:
"YOU! Winston 13647! You’re not TRYING, brother!"
You mean as opposed to the Reanuscans?
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