Bloomberg country
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has switched political parties again. Seven years ago he switched from being a Democrat to a Republican to successfully run for Mayor of New York. Now, he has become an Independent, presumably to run for President in 2008 as a 3rd party candidate.
Can he win?
Probably not. No 3rd party candidate in modern times has gained any political traction. In 1992, similarly rich, although much kookier businessman-candidate Ross Perot spent $65million of his own money and did not get a single electoral vote (for those who do not understand what an electoral vote is--don't ask.)
On the other hand the country is ready for a big, big change. George Bush is an abomination on the political scene--an anti-intellectual, evangelical, narrow-minded, cronyist imperialist. This election will have voters fleeing his shadow like rabbits hiding from a hawk, but where do they hide? John Kerry was one of the worst Democrat candidates in my lifetime and Al Gore ran a stupid campaign 6 years ago, regardless of his current image cleanup. So who then? Hillary Clinton is a known quantity and that may save her, but known doesn't always mean loved. Obama is an exciting candidate but if something turns up tarnishing his image, he's done for. Presumably there are numerous political operatives out there trying to do exactly that.
So why not Bloomberg? He's a pro-choice, pro gay marriage fiscal conservative who's wealthy enough to tell special interest lobbyists to go jump into the Hudson. I'd consider voting for him myself.
http://www.tmz.com/2007/06/19/oj-did-it-leaked-online/
Posted on June 20, 2007
