Bloomberg is leaving the Republican party.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg changed his party affiliation from Republican to unaffiliated Tuesday, a move that will surely increase speculation he is considering an independent White House bid.
But Bloomberg, who has repeatedly denied he is planning a run, said in a statement his future plans haven't changed.
"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.
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I's quite disconcerting that someone can pull a switch and change their core values whenever it is convenient for them, Democrat or Republican.
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While Bloomberg remains steadfast in his statements about not running for the presidency, his actions clearly indicate otherwise.
While there is a niche for a candidate like Bloomberg, he may end up being a sightly more relevant Ross Perot.
But who knows. It's still very early in the campaign, and when Bloomberg was asked about how much a campaign would cost and was told $500 million, he simply replied, "Okay."
we need this man as president
Looks like Michael Bloomberg may be a breath of "FRESH" air. The other candidates have become stagnant. It certainly would be welcomed to have a new and updated outlook in the political arena. Most people are tired of the "business as usual" philosophy. I just hope that if he runs on the Independent Party ticket, he does not become a "spoiler", something we have seen in the past. Actually, I believe he has been a "Democrat" all along. Let him come forward so that he has the time to be seen and heard. He has some really great ideas and has done a remarkable job governing the City of New York.
Bloomberg running would be interesting.... I would listen to what he has to say and would vote for him if Hillary was the Dem nominee.
Bloomberg is not changing his core values – if anything he has been consistent from the beginning. Why must we use labels such as Republican and Democrat to define what values we hold? I think this is a bold, gutsy move and would vote for him for President in a second
Gabrielle in Providence:
Where did he mention becoming a Democrat? Also, what are the core values of Democrats and Republicans?
I can think of numerous things about Bloomberg, that when viewed independently of others, could put him on either side.
Fortunately, the world isn't as black and white as so many of you towing the partisan lines seem to think that it is. It's this sad frame of mind that our two party system has indoctrinated into too many voters (and non-voters who refuse to support either side because they differ on so many things with both)
You knew he was up to something when the tour started other several other states.
Sure enough he dropped the bomb.
Spells disaster for the Republicans... Ross Perot all over again. Though they seem to be struggling right now with current set of candidates. Might be a moot point, maybe that's why he did it.
I always thought Bloomberg was a "closet" Democrat. He has done a great job and would certainly add to the ticket.
More Republicans should try this...(like rats from a sinking ship...)
Being a New Yorker, I applaud the Mayor and only hope that his vision isn't trampled by all the others that are "stuck in the mud" with their own self importance.
It's about time that this country had someone at the top that has a real commitment to the people of this country and not to a special interest group or their bank balance.
Great, he'll run as an INDY, thereby ensuring the GOP nominee wins!
I think Gabrielle from Providence, RI has lost it. He isn't switching any core values. He's changes his label to more accurately reflect his core values. Wow, why can't this nation recognize those among us that are truly sacrificing for the public good and respect them rather than try to bring them down. This is why politics disgusts me these days.
we certainly do not need this man as president.
If you want a breath of "FRESH" air, then just look at ron paul, Kathleen Boyle.
I hope you run for president... you;d be better at it than any republican or democrat in the running right now. What this country needs is someone to unite... not divide or scare. Finally an intelligent choice for 2008!!!
Bloomberg isn't really a republican anyway. He hasn't "changed" his core values by dropping the republican tag. He merely used the party for funding, contacts and support. Now he doesn't them. Nobody in New York is surprised by this. Bloomberg has always been more of a libertarian anyway, and by the way he used to be a registered democrat.
I don't see any real reason to do this unless he's planning a run for the White House. There's been a lot of speculation about a Bloomberg/Hagel or Bloomberg/Schwarzenegger ticket. Would certainly be an interesting third choice.
I'm a Democrat...I'm a Republican...I'm a mayor with as many major accomplishments as Barak Obama...wait...I'm somone who has no chance winning the Presidency or any other office. Bloomberg, go back into finance.
Gore/Bloomberg?
Well, as an Independent, there's no Republican to vote for and only Obama tempts me from the Democrats. I guess it depends who he would be running against, to tell if I'd vote for him – and that's how it's supposed to be, vote for the best candidate.
This isn't so much a switch in core values as much as its a sign that a nation as varied as ours can't be described by the two party system. Few people fit comfortably as being true Democrats or true Republicans. There are shades and amalgamations of the two that really put an individual outside of the scope of either. Bloomberg making this choice is probably more honest of him that staying in the Republican party because its more convenient and easier.
I'm eagerly anticipating Bloomberg's candidacy. Not only is a he a very successful businessman, he's also done remarkable things as the mayor of New York. (Bloomberg is the real reason for NYC's recovery after 9/11 – a fact that Giuliani is desperately hoping to hide from everyone outside the Tri-State area).
It comes down, though, to the fact that he would self-finance. This is the bottom line to me:
So long as the Presidency is for sale to the biggest spender, we might as well vote for the man who's buying with his own money.
Can you imagine a President with no big fund-raisers to "thank" and no donors to "honor?" Somebody who isn't beholden to special interests for campaign cash?! What a miracle THAT would be!
I’s quite disconcerting that someone can pull a switch and change their core values whenever it is convenient for them, Democrat or Republican.
You can't be serious. A meaningless label doesn't change your core values. His values have been pretty consistent. His soul is the same; he just keeps changing his socks. No biggie. I would definitely vote for him.
"Great, he’ll run as an INDY, thereby ensuring the GOP nominee wins!"
Wow, what brash ignorance. This man could only leech off GOP votes... therefore, I hope he does run, not that any of the Repuglican candidates stand a whim of a chance anyway.