Bloomberg's dropping of his Republican affiliation is over-rated. The problem with Bloomberg it will always be viewed that his Independent conversion is a calculated move to run for president. If he was truly and independent he would of dropped his affiliation a long time ago.

Bloomberg was dependent on the Democrats when he was a Democrat and he was denpendent on the Republicans when he was a Republican.

And now he can't run as a Democrat and he can't run as a Republican.

Bloomberg running as an independent is like Romney running as a pro-life, pro-gun, anti-gay conservative.

Political opportunism, and that's all it is.

Yes this does put some pressure on both the Democrats and Republicans to become more accountable.

Hopefully this will cause more action to outline specific plans versus the usual meaningless small talk rhetoric.

SKEPTICAL however as to how Bloomberg will be much different.

He is a billionaire and former CEO of corporate America…not to mention a notorious supporter of President Bush.

Now all of sudden when it is convienient he opposes Bush policy?

Yet I agree it is critical to revive a strong 3rd party again in American politics.

Bloomberg has always been known as an opportunist. He runs with whomever he feels he can get the most mileage and support from. He tends to be an extremely persuasive egomaniac. Watch his press conferences and count the number of "I's" in them. As a Republican, I say we are better without him and his constant clamor against Republican values.

good luck bloomberg. No chance he can win. but he could screw one of the other parties over, just like perot and nader have done. the question is which party?

all the opportunism talk is a little ridiculous in my opinion.

what politician has not taken advantage of an opportunity to be elected?

you go where you can win, it is nothing new.

Hillary shifted from bloody liberal to "moderate" in hopeso f winning the general election, edwards shifted to leftwing nut because the moderate field was croweded by hillary and obama.

fred thompson shifted from moderate to conservative, romney, guliani as well.

it is called politics. who cares.

EXACTLY. All you others who commented are tied up in the mess of issues that don't ever go anywhere and the politics that surround them. This is about a group that wants to focus the election on issues that REALLY MATTER. The politics around issues like gay marriage, gun control, abortion, etc. are all very highly emotional issues, and that is why they are always part of the political debate, because they get people riled up. Can we not focus our attention on current matters and leave the political rhetoric behind for a while. We need to rediscover our ability to work together and advance America's common interests. The Dems and Repubs aren't getting this done. They are too tied up in the politics of it all and their special interest groups.

Bloomberg is a no go for me. He is anti-gun which equates to anti freedom and anti constitution. Count me out if he becomes the candidate of choice. Besides all of the above - he is way to rich to be trusted.
I prefer someone like Ron Paul.

http://www.understand2008.com/OurIssues explains the disconnect between people and politic as well

Obviously it is why 42% of the public do not vote.

I just started reading this Unity 08 page yesterday. I was more then a little disappoined to see that Unity 08 was pleased that Michael Bloomberg, might run. If this is the type of person unity 08 is going to support, I want no part of it. I for one would not vote for Micheal Bloomberg, under any condition.

I was under the impression Unity08 was to even the political playing field. So our choices were not limited by billionaires or corporate lackeys. The first thing I read is "Unity ‘08 thrilled with Bloomberg". Come on guys were counting on you, don't sell out.

"Majors Against Violence." - Bloomberg's pet project. Bloombergs FUD campaign with this organization shows that he is no different from any other politician. Instead of actually being against violence and campaigning for stricter penalties against criminals how do harm to society he is proving that he is just another politician more motivated to stay in the spotlight instead of actually solving problems.

We need a third party in the country, one that doesn't double talk and can give straight answers. However, in order to do that, Americans must be able to accept someone that we may not always agree with. We need to understand that we don't have to agree with our candidates on every single issue. It is statically and realistically impossible to agree one every issue, we need to find common ground and go from there, as community and not argue over partisan lines.

Let's give Bloomberg a chance…..We've had Bush's and Clinton's for way too long. In fact, we've had Democrats and Republicans way too long. I've just switched to Independent. I am so tired of the candidates not listening to what the voters actually want. Bloomberg couldn't do any worse. If he causes a dent or change for either parties it would mean we (voters) won. If they (Dems/Reps) think they will loose their hold on the country they will change their policies and start listening to the polls.