NYT: NY's Mayor Bloomberg sounding like a candidate for the White House

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT: Mayor Says No National Bid, but Actions Keep Question Alive
By DIANE CARDWELL
Published: May 29, 2006

For a man who says he is not running for president, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has been sounding a lot like a candidate for the White House lately.

He spent last week thrusting himself into national politics, making pointed comments on issues like illegal immigration, stem-cell research and global warming. But then on Friday, he denied any interest in higher office.

"I'm not running for president," he said while discussing immigration that day on his weekly call-in radio show. "I've got a city with 500,000 undocumented, and I want to leave a better world for my kids, and your kids."

Still, there is substance fueling the sense in some political circles that the mayor, nominally a Republican, could be persuaded to run. Kevin Sheekey, the deputy mayor for government affairs and Mr. Bloomberg's lead political architect, continues to work behind the scenes, chatting up lobbyists and other operatives to promote the idea of Mr. Bloomberg running as an independent.

In addition, Mr. Bloomberg has been auditioning a new political persona in his public statements, casting himself as the kind of pragmatic, results-oriented problem-solver that Americans tell pollsters they are looking for....

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/29/nyregion/29bloomberg.html?hp&ex=1148961600&en=9b3b51e08b40e4ea&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[saltpoint]

1. I would pass on a Bloomberg candidacy but would enjoy watching Rudy

and Mike go at each other in the Republican debates.

That might be very illuminating for Rudy.

[Placebo]

2. If he did run as an Independent...

I wonder which of the two major parties he'd draw more votes away from.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. That would make "three on a match" from New York state:

Mike Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani (both switched from democratic to republican party), and George Pataki.

Let's r-r-r-r-r-rumbl-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-le!!!

[Totally Committed]

4. I've been thinking this for awhile now...

I'd love to see him knee-cap Giuliani -- AND -- out-"straight-talk" McCain. It would be a pleasure to watch. The added bonus: He's from NY, so he COULD also neutralize Hillary, who has triangulated so far to the Right, she sounds more "Republican" than Bloomberg these days.

It's all good. I'd never vote for the guy, but this could be a real show!

TC

[Cha]

5. THis seems preposterous

to me. Bloomberg is way too moderate and even very Liberal in some cases to be the repuke presidential candidate.

"Bloomberg Wants Same Sex Marriage Licenses"


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2310974

[ruggerson]

6. What would happen if Bloomberg ran third party?

against, let's say Hillary and McCain?