July 11, 2006
President Bloomberg?
Dick Morris thinks it's a distinct possiblity:
Obviously, he has his bank account in his favor. Like Ross Perot in 1992 and 1996, he wouldn't have to convince skeptical donors that a third-party candidate could succeed for the first time in American history. He can cut short the conversation by just writing a mega check.
But he can succeed where Perot failed, because he knows how to handle himself in the public spotlight.
Bloomberg's years as mayor have fully equipped him to handle the national press corps. He's been on stage 24/7 for his entire term in office and through two campaigns. That education makes it unlikely that he will implode with paranoia or be rattled by the antics of the party national committees, as Perot was.
The mayor has played in the biggest of leagues in front of the toughest of press and media - not to mention the most wary of electorates - and has come out in great shape. It is no mean feat to survive as a Republican mayor in a liberal, Democratic city. And Rudy was no easy act to follow.
Morris says Bloomberg would draw equally from both main parties:
The mayor's strong anti-terror credentials and practical experience at keeping New York City safe from attack would be vastly reassuring to "security mom" voters. He has kept New York safe and even improved on Guiliani's extraordinarily low crime statistics. He has shown himself able to resist pressures for spending and taxes while keeping his budget balanced - and he's a strong advocate of charter schools and educational standards. All good Republican positions.
Democrats, meanwhile, would find his pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-gay rights, pro-affirmative action positions very attractive. His pro-city focus could attract large Democratic support, and he'd probably bring into his column the bluest of blue states - New York.
Of course it's too early to tell...he hasn't even said he's running (where have we heard that one before?). I don't know how I feel about Bloomberg in the White House, as I don't like some of his social policies.
What do you think?
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It is my understanding that he is a Republican only because he thought that was his best shot at winning the NYC mayor's primary.
I can't decide if he is any worse than McCain, who among other issues, would sell us out on Kyoto in a heartbeat.
Posted by: joe-6-pack at July 12, 2006 11:14 AMGun Control - The losing issue of the decade.
