While the campaign seems to be crystallized around three candidates, surprisingly, some people anxious to raise their voice have emerged. It is noticeably the case of Michael R. Bloomberg who wrote an op-ed article in the February-28 New York Times.
Michael Bloomberg’s intervention is interesting for many reasons. Firstly, as the Mayor of New York City, he is undoubtedly an important political character. Secondly, Bloomberg cleverly fed the doubts surrounding his choice to run or not for the presidency. Thirdly, the time-frame as well as the message of his article are two interesting elements. Indeed, Bloomberg belongs to the Republican Party as well as Senator McCain, whose nomination by the RNC is now well-nigh certain.
Throughout this article, Bloomberg clearly wants to play a role in the campaign. The set-up of his article is mainly political. On the one hand, after he listed the issues the nation is facing, he points to candidates’ cowardice in not proposing the necessary solutions to the voters; “the vast majority of Americans know that all of this is true, but—politics being what it is—the candidates seem afraid to level with them.” On the other hand, rather than sketch plans or ideas to bring in the debate, Bloomberg advices an independent candidate to run as candidate, as the solution is, according to him, neither on the Democratic nor on the Republican side.
Independence is Bloomberg’s article’s key word. Yet, despite the fact that he keeps on pleading for a third way, that he claims he makes the right diagnostic and that he has the right solution, Bloomberg keeps on saying he will not run for president. Is that to be an independent?
Michael Bloomberg’s intervention is interesting for many reasons. Firstly, as the Mayor of New York City, he is undoubtedly an important political character. Secondly, Bloomberg cleverly fed the doubts surrounding his choice to run or not for the presidency. Thirdly, the time-frame as well as the message of his article are two interesting elements. Indeed, Bloomberg belongs to the Republican Party as well as Senator McCain, whose nomination by the RNC is now well-nigh certain.
Throughout this article, Bloomberg clearly wants to play a role in the campaign. The set-up of his article is mainly political. On the one hand, after he listed the issues the nation is facing, he points to candidates’ cowardice in not proposing the necessary solutions to the voters; “the vast majority of Americans know that all of this is true, but—politics being what it is—the candidates seem afraid to level with them.” On the other hand, rather than sketch plans or ideas to bring in the debate, Bloomberg advices an independent candidate to run as candidate, as the solution is, according to him, neither on the Democratic nor on the Republican side.
Independence is Bloomberg’s article’s key word. Yet, despite the fact that he keeps on pleading for a third way, that he claims he makes the right diagnostic and that he has the right solution, Bloomberg keeps on saying he will not run for president. Is that to be an independent?
3 comments:
I don't know whether I read this here, or elsewhere, but rumor has it that Barack has met several times with Bloomberg. I would not be surprised to see a Bloomberg Vice Presidency. It would be an exciting first--the first BIPARTISAN presidency in American history. Talk about uniting!
When I was watching the news the correspondents were discussing the value of Bloomberg as a running mate. Each correspondent talking said that he would be a great asset because of his wealth. It will be interesting to find out if he would run as a Vice President and more specifically, for what party.
Bloomberg met with Obama in November and also apparently he met with him a few weeks ago. I don't see Bloomberg being at the bottom of a ticket nor do I see the DNC being ok with an unaffiliated VP. I think he used these rumors to keep political capital and continue to push his agenda both nationally and as Mayor of New York.
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