January 9, 2008
Posted: 06:25 PM ET
Bloomberg is testing support for a White House bid.

Bloomberg is testing support for a White House bid.

NEW YORK (CNN) – New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has launched a research effort to assess his chances in a potential bid for the presidency, a source close to the mayor told CNN.

The source said data is being gathered but that the mayor — who has been widely speculated as being interested in running for the White House as an independent — has not yet begun analyzing that data, the source said.

The source, who is intimately familiar with the mayor's deliberations, said he has set early March as a timetable for making a decision.

Bloomberg, a former Democrat who was elected to the mayor's office as a Republican, joined a panel of moderate current and former lawmakers earlier this week at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. The group, made up of both Democrats and Republicans, called for a return to bipartisanship in government.

"What has changed is that people have stopped working together," Bloomberg said at the Monday gathering. "Government is dysfunctional. There is no collaboration and congeniality. There is no working together and 'Let's do what's right for the country.' There is no accountability today … no willingness to focus on big ideas."

— CNN's John King contributed to this report.

Filed under: Michael Bloomberg


hughvic   January 15th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

But he already did buy an island! Only not for beads this time.

Anonymous   January 15th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Just another Zillionaire, wanting to show off… Why don't you go buy an Island and LEAVE NYC!!! We don't want you here anymore.

leslie   January 15th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

He'll give me a reason to go to the polls!!!!!

hughvic   January 12th, 2008 1:22 am ET

But if Mayor God's Gift makes a run for the Presidency and makes Hillary his rival rather than the enemy of his enemies, what's CNN going to do for breeder stories when Bloomberg.com stops placing defamatory nonsense from Hillary's oppo shop?

From The North   January 11th, 2008 8:42 am ET

"What has changed is that people have stopped working together," Bloomberg said at the Monday gathering.

No what has changed is that America gave George W. Bush free reign to bring America and the World to complete devastation TWICE!

Now we have the opportunity to observe if Americans have learned anything from their dire mistakes. And from where I"m sitting it doesn't look like it.

Ben, Boston, MA   January 10th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

If Bloomberg enters while Obama is on the Democratic ticket, then the GOP will win hands down.

Phillip   January 10th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

GO ADAM!!!!!!!! Except I would never vote for Obama. Hillary is the best canidate we have running to choose from.

Wire One   January 10th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Here we go again! Just like the Republicans used Ralph Nader to spoil the past elections, they are back again with the same tricks. What has Bloomberg done for the city that will make me give him my vote? Our city streets today have more pot holes than ever. BQE has been under construction for years. Instead of building new tunnels to connect NY/NJ to decongest traffic, this mayor is talking about levying fees on rush hour road users. This politicians put traffic light at the end of Holland Tunnel on New Jersy side which is responsible for backing traffic to Manhattan and this Mayor think rush our road users are the problem.

Linda Feldman   January 10th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Michael Bloomberg, an astute business man, has no reason to run as long as the leading candidates from both parties pledge to end the partisan politics that is destroying this country. One candidate, no matter how hard she'll try, cannot accomplish that given her past — even before Bill. Anger and angst worked during the 60s but the scar tissue is too deep and personalities don't change. It's the 21st century and we need a 21st century person to put Congress on pause and reorient the way we do business. I'm rolling the dice for Obama. I rolled it for Bill and Hilary and the pay-off? No health care reform and Gore's inability to run on Clinton's shoddy legacy.

Boruch   January 10th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

nobody outside of NY likes this Jerk! (I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he is a phony baloney opportunist)

Boruch   January 10th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

God save us from this fraud!

Michael Arnaud-Glen Burnie, Maryland   January 10th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Even if Michael Bloomberg pays for his campaign out of his own pocket (not like he can't afford to) the only way the Dems Or Repubs will let him run is if it hurts the other party. How does anybody think Bill Clinton won twice? Answer:Ross Perot.

I do believe that our system NEEDS more candidates, minus the party affiliation.
Yet, since the Dems and Repubs don't want anyone to have real choice, we're stuck with what we have. Til the Electoral College is abolished and the President of the United States is elected by popular vote ONLY, the voices of the people will never be represented in the White House, or Congress for that matter.

If Michael Bloombergwants to run for President, I say let him. It's just best to remember that the Dems and Repubs are only going to be looking at how they can use Bloomberg's campaign against each other. Nothing more.

Sal Phoenix, AZ   January 10th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Everyone talks about uniting the country..This country never has and never will be united, unless some past or current president dies then we all cry…As long as we have a 2 party system, you can forget about it..Get real, just get someone who can turn the econy around after 6 years of Republican domination and get us out of war…Just find Osama and I'll be happy…

mike   January 10th, 2008 11:45 am ET

bloomberg is a billionaire who controls the media, why the hell would we want him to run??????

Marti, FL   January 10th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Bloomberg? No thanks.

He would likely pull more conservative votes, considering he was Rudy’s Republican successor.

On the Dem side, it exemplifies the need for Hillary and Obama to be on the same ticket to combine their strengths and unify their numbers. Clinton could use her experience, and Obama’s likeability would appeal to many independents, who already appreciate his candidacy.

Unhappy   January 10th, 2008 10:38 am ET

The country is unified in its disregard for President Bush. It's sadly and grossly divded regarding an alternative to 8 yrs. of Bush. We are eager and hunger for a larger than life hero to step forward who can unify a nation that is starving for positive leadership. This person is not in the field of current candidates from either party. As a non-candidate some had hoped that Fred Thompson might be such a leader, but as a candidate he has shown us nothing. This person is not Michael Bloomberg either.

Colin Powell is such a person. Regardless of the party he would select, if he entered the race today, he could receive the party's nomination and win the White House. We need Colin Powell.

Jerry Calendine   January 10th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Outside of Jewish New York, Bloomberg couldn't get elected dogcatcher!

Tim, Arkansas   January 10th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Being the Mayor of New York isn't helping Guiliani, and it won't help Bloomberg either. Plus money hasn't resulted in Romney winning any races, and it won't help Bloomberg either.

We've seen enough candidates already. We don't need someone to enter the game this late into the election. Doing that didn't help Thompson, and it won't help Bloomberg either.

We've seen the candidates campaigning, and we've made up our minds. America wants Obama!!! Bloomberg could better help America by endorsing Obama.

Gus   January 10th, 2008 10:17 am ET

go ahead and sit this one out, pal. you're not that popular. please.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   January 10th, 2008 10:06 am ET

I think people are jumping the gun here a bit. Bloomberg who has a large fortune on his own said that his going to finish his term as mayor of New York City. I don't think people are going to flock to him because he is an independant. I would hope that all voters look at his record as mayor to see what he might do with the rest of the country.

Mike San Diego   January 10th, 2008 9:35 am ET

As a Indpendent/Republican,,,,,Thanks but no thanks….the guy gives me the creeps……

RB, from the bay state   January 10th, 2008 9:21 am ET

Mike, you must be bored.

Get a hobby or something.

Tom Good, Bakersfield, California   January 10th, 2008 9:20 am ET

Bloomberg is making a mistake if he thinks he has any chance of being paresident at this time. He would be wise to start a new party–Independent Party–and begin a 4 year effort to set the stage for for a 2012 run. We will be ready by then for a change I am sure.

Garrett   January 10th, 2008 9:19 am ET

A Bloomberg/Hagel Administration would work wonders for the country - - and bring back bipartisanship.

Ray, Collingswood NJ   January 10th, 2008 9:11 am ET

This guys is only been the Mayor of NYC??? What makes anyone think he could win or knows what to do? Rudy is not even doing a good job right now and he's from NYC. At least he had to deal with 9/11.

Tom, Boston Ma   January 10th, 2008 9:05 am ET

Obama / Bloomberg ticket sounds just as good as Obama / Edwards ticket,

only if Obama is secretely planning to deliver what many of his supporters are secretly hoping he secretely stands for but stops short of publicly articulating for,

because he knows the "conservative" and "independent" voters who have put bush and his cronies in power will come together again and put another repug in the WH again

if he clearly and publicly articulates what he secretly believes in.

pssst. all this is top secret, you people who secretly share my secret knowledge about Obama's secret. now go spread the secret and make sure it stays secret from the dumb voters who we know will flip if they find out about our secret.

now we have to think about how we're gonna hold Obama up to his secret promise if he fails to deliver our secret agreement once he's in the WH….

J   January 10th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Spoiled rich boy is going to ruin it for everyone. Might as well just re-elect Bush for another fours years (rich ppl are good at changing laws to suit their whims). Better the devil you know….

Justin, Houston, TX   January 10th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Tom thank you…Bloomberg is going to split the independent vote. Obama cannot win the presidency against McCain, or Guiliani. He looks like a freshman out of college compared to those 2.

Maybe people will start to wake up. Obama is popular because he's mastered one vocabulary word - change. And people are so ready to blindly follow him into the land of hope where everyone holds hands and sings songs together. Although he's offered no indication at all of how he plans to accomplish his great undertaking. I can just see it now, when the first abortion bill comes up Republicans are just gonna say - Obama wants us to get along so let's allow abortions or let's accept the gays or let's give free money to all the poor. Obama doesn't stand a chance against someone like McCain or Guiliani who are just as likeable. Hmm - Obama, I like him and he's offering a dream or McCain, I like him and he has proven experience. Where do you think all your Indys are gonna run.

Nancy Lewis   January 10th, 2008 8:29 am ET

I am sick of rich white males buying there way into political positions that they want to use for power, ego, and future personal gain. Bush is a great example that turned out just wonderful for the country. Bloomberg and Mitt Romney just continues the trend.

Lynn   January 10th, 2008 8:19 am ET

I am STILL going to vote for Ron Paul.

Jack K.   January 10th, 2008 8:13 am ET

Figures

When the Democratic Party was the underdog–and ran such jokes as John Kerry (much to my dismay) Bloomberg was sticking with the party that would get him into office.

I question his motives.

I question is ability.

I think we'd be stupid to consider him–because he has shown he'll prostitute himself any direction necessary to fulfill his own ambitions and agenda–with little regard for the impact or consequences. His delusions of granduer–are being fed every time the public actually take the time to listen to his "illuminating" ideas.

We all know there's a political divide–can a wank like him bridge it?

Anthony Brunello   January 10th, 2008 7:58 am ET

To begin, I think CNN and the Morning Show is asking the wrong questions and are too excited about Bloomberg entering the race to consider what a bad choice he would be for President, and that this Independent run is not about fixing the nation. It is about power and influence, especially from unhappy Republicans and conservative independents who see a Democratic victory ahead. In fact, very powerful and monied interests are wrapping themselves in the cloak of bi-partisan/non-partisan moralism to hide their desire to influence the election. CNN should not be asking the public if they think Bloomberg has a chance to win the election. In the end, the public does not know the answer, but they should care about a different question. Should Bloomberg run? Would he be a good President? Would America be better off? The answer to these questions are all an emphatic No. I really don't want to see another billionaire capable of buying votes, upsetting a presidential race that is already rich with decent candidates. In fact, the public is unhappy because the leadership of the Bush Administration and the Republicans has been such a disaster. In addition, it is easy to target where the negative, partisan politics originated in this country. Again, the play book of the Atwater-style attack politics, Gingrich wedge/power politics, Swift Boat deceptions, Karl Rove slash and burn wedge/hate politics came from one great cess pool. Yes–they/we are all to blame and responsible. But let's call a horse a horse. The billionaire Mayor who can't make up his party mind should back off for the good of the country. This does not help, and they should be honest. It is about power–pure and simple, and CNN should not fall in love with the drama of the horse race.

Nice, Houston, Texas   January 10th, 2008 6:50 am ET

If Obama isn't the dem nominee,

1. the 08 race would have the lowest turnout ever because young voters would tune out, they are already tunning out because of the NH results

2. Many dems just won't vote
3. Blomberg would run
4. Hillary would l
5 the republicans would be back in the white house

Hillary with her experience B.S would loss to Mcain

If the dems want the White house, they should rally around a uniter and winner (Obama), in my opinion its just common sense

duh, Obama/Biden 08

Johnny   January 10th, 2008 4:54 am ET

get a Clinton/Obama ticket………and let's run the show for the next 16 years!
for the rest stop the crap! Bloomberg can go a play some cards with Nader if he likes.

king A   January 10th, 2008 4:29 am ET

I do not thing people in New hampshire had a meeting and decided to vote for Hillary like the media decides to drive the agenda. I think people just went in there and voted their hearts out, hence the results.
Now, you find out that all the media is trying to do is, explain this voting phenomina too. Guys, it does not work like when it comes to humans. I have never trusted these polls, its rather unfortunate that the media is not allowing people to vote from thier hearts but always try to force the peole to believe their analysis and expect people to vote accordingly. I thing what they should do is come and give thier analysis without trying to drive their agenda and I believe its going to be much better. After all, you just dont creat a sample of people and think it will always represent the majority of peoples ideas.

One other thing, why is everybody calling Obama black, I just dont get it, this guys is half white and half black. why dont we call him a molato which is how people with mixed races are called instead of labeling him to be black that is not right. What I am trying to say is we have to get beyond this race thing because it is not going to help anybody. I think the guy is identifying with every body because he seems to be above the race thing, so blacks must stop thinking this one of their own and so must whites also stop thinking this is one their own and rather listen to peolpe and see what they have to offer. America, lets grow up.

Matt, New York Ny   January 10th, 2008 4:27 am ET

It's also worth noting, very interesting how Edwards has positioned himself in a similar way as last year, waiting for VP position.

I think Edwards could very well cut a deal with Obama to drop out if he gets the VP nomination. Edwards voters definitely would rather go with Obama than the oh so hated Hillary (especially now with her and Bill's recent attacks on Obama), crying and calling hope a pipe dream.

At the same time though, I think it'd be nice for Obama not to cave in to Edwards just yet. If he has to, he should, but not yet. I also feel that Edwards will lose a lot of support in the upcoming states now that people realize when you split the vote for change, Hillary wins. Being too picky about your candidate is a recipe for failure. You need to make some kind of compromise, and since Edwards won substantially in Iowa and came in very close to Hillary he's the next in line to do this. Not to mention the fact that he's overall more inspirational and well-liked by Republicans in a national election.

Matt, New York Ny   January 10th, 2008 4:18 am ET

If Hillary gets the nomination, that's going to be bad news for America. She'll have a very difficult time winning the nomination and quite frankly I don't think she should. I don't believe in a two family system.

That being said, if she gets it - Bloomberg should enter and team up with Obama. Either Obama Bloomberg or Bloomberg Obama. Whichever way works would be fine. They would revolutionize the system, pull away votes from the weak republican candidates this year and change politics in this country.

First of all, let's hope Obama can get the nomination here for the good of the country. We need someone who is totally new, fresh, and actually a great speaker. This country hasn't had a truly inspirational president since Kennedy, and in many ways Obama is even more inspirational. That kind of person has the power to really change the country internally and externally when holding national office.

b.t.m.   January 10th, 2008 3:37 am ET

Perhaps no person in the last 50 years is in a better position to answer Kennedy's question, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?" than Michael Bloomberg. Because he need not buy his supporters with a quid pro quo, he will uniquely qualified to do what he thinks is best for the country without being beholden to the vested interests of the power brokers in Washington. He could come to he presidency with fewer strings attached and fewer promises to pay–"if I'm elected" than anyone I can think of. As America slides toward the precipice, he may indeed our last best hope.

Peter Oriavwote   January 10th, 2008 3:31 am ET

If I am to offer my passionate advice as it were, I will definitely say, Mike do not jump into the fray because, as an independent you will lose big time. Save your hundreds of million of dollars for a better political opportunity. No not now.

Peter Oriavwote   January 10th, 2008 3:28 am ET

I am to offer my passionate advice as it were, I

Chris   January 10th, 2008 3:06 am ET

The only problem with Willard Roker´s assessment of third party candidates and the vote going to the House and Senate, has anyone forgotten Leiberman? He endorsed McCain and is likely to cause a tie in the Senate. The tie-breaking vote in the Senate goes the the Senate President Pro-Tempore or as we al affectionately know him: Vice-President Dick Cheney!!!

Let´s be careful guys.

John, New York, NY   January 10th, 2008 2:25 am ET

I'd like to see Mike run. He's been a hell of a better mayor than Rudy….and I think he'd make a great running made for Obama! Polls in NY and NJ show that his candidacy would guarantee the Dems winning those states….even with Rudy in the race.

B   January 10th, 2008 2:15 am ET

Everybody saying a Clinton/Obama ticket is dreaming. Obama has stated numerous times he will not be on any ticket that does not have him a president and we all know Clinton is to arrogant to be anybody's VP.

PW Va   January 10th, 2008 1:40 am ET

Does anyone recall a very "cozy" (front window at a Starbucks in NY, if I remember correctly) conversation that Sen. Obama and Mayor Bloomberg had a couple of months back? Obama/Bloomberg…now there's a ticket I could live with. We are all suffering from Bush/Clinton fatigue at this juncture. So Hillary, know this…enjoy your NH win 'cause the wagons are beginning to circle!!!

Chris   January 10th, 2008 1:11 am ET

"Government is dysfunctional. There is no collaboration and congeniality. There is no working together and 'Let's do what's right for the country.' There is no accountability today .. " What changes he has to offer?
The candidates of both parties have been speaking for decades for change with
no specific substance. The only real change has been bigger and deeper whole,
trillions dollars of debt, hopes of empty promises – brain washing the
people, filling their coffers, ignoring their duties, responsibilities, plunge
the country into a war for over 5 years and lost of lives.
A true change of substance will be when the people can express
“THEIR WILL” on ALL MAJOR ISSUES”. The duties and responsibilities of
the Congress should be and must be ”strictly construed”.
The future destiny, liberty, freedom to live , work etc. should be in the hands
of the people to “express their will” on ALL MAJOR ISSUES!
“Find out to what people will submit and you will find the exact measure
of injustice that will be impose upon them”. It is better to suffer,
rather than to relinquish any “HOPES” to express “THE WILL ON ALL
MAJOR ISSUES! It is a mistake to continue to give “unlimited power”
to anybody, to plunge the country into a “war, debt of trillions of dollars”.
The Congress did not comply with their duties and responsibilities!
Their greed – wealth came first before the country and the people.

Mrs. America   January 10th, 2008 1:07 am ET

This tastes sour. Romney couldn't buy his way in with his millions, so now Bloomberg will try with his billions? I think the American public is beyond being bought.

Harry   January 10th, 2008 12:58 am ET

If Bloomberg decides to run, I can tell my friend "I told you so". He's convinced that despite the media attention, he's not going to.
I think he might.
If Bloomberg decides to run, I'm not going to call him a liar. People can change their mind. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm sure that if you asked every President in history (save maybe George W. Bush) that there was at least one decision where they were flipping back and forth before really deciding on the issue.
Whether that's good or bad, the American populous has had worse. Just look at President John Tyler. His Accidency had no friends in American government his most of 4 years in office.

Jayson   January 10th, 2008 12:56 am ET

Willard,
Assuming the scenario you recite ever happaens I can almost guarantee there will be a move to ammend the Constitution neither the Democrats or Republicans would want to run the risk of the House or Senate making the call on who is President and Vice President.

That being said I hope that Bloomberg does run since it is about time that there was a 3 party system and actual compromise in regards to bills in the House and the Senate. It only makes sense to have a Liberal, Moderate, and Conservative party and would quite possibly increase the voter turn out by giving people a 3rd choice and give voters an even greater chance of not having to vote for the lesser of two evils.

Brenton   January 10th, 2008 12:55 am ET

If Clinton wins the nomination, she will pick Barack Obama as VP. He will, of course, accept, and they will win the election. Bloomberg will wisely decide not to run, as he will have no substantial support.
Obama would love to be the first black VP because the alternative is becoming long-forgotten footnote in U.S. politics. He's not above working with Hillary, and both candidates understand that "what is said in the race stays in the race."

Bloomburg really has no place, in any scenario.

Anon   January 10th, 2008 12:11 am ET

He's a liar like Obama. Both said they will not run. Obama said he will finish his term.

Obama might be ready in 2016.

D   January 10th, 2008 12:09 am ET

A third party candidate was the reason that Bill ‘can’t tell the truth’ Clinton won in 1992.

Dave, Houston, TX   January 9th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

Go for it, Mike! You'll let the Democratic candidate walk right into the White House.

The Republican party had been dominant until 2006 with an unholy alliance of the evangelical, "social conservative", Church Lady-types and the pro-business, Wall Street, country club elite. This is how they got working-class voters to vote against their own economic self-interest — whether the issue was abortion, gay marriage or immigration.

Huckabee will take the first group, and Bloomberg the second, and they'll both witness to the victory of Obama or Clinton.

Thanks, Mr. Perot, oops, I mean Bloomberg.

Mati   January 9th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Why do you hate Bloomberg? He is loving your Obama! You already forgot their 'mysterious' meeting in front of a cafe window? But certainly Mr. Obama is so honest with you, he cannot make deals with anybody (YES, HE CAN)

I am not surprised he is a fraud, I am a bit surprised so many Americans are stupid. If you don't see how hard are trying Republicans, Bloomberg and their arm extension Obama to keep Clinton out of the office… that's called stupidity.

Pete   January 9th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Wall Street and I include Bloomberg ( the flip flopper) among them would love to have Obama as a President, thats why they are also pouring money into his campaign. They know they can easy manipulate the rockie or buy HIS advisers as they have done with Bush!

Rene J.   January 9th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Why do you hate Hillary, Michael? Money does not make a president

Tom Davie   January 9th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Bloomberg is going to split the independent vote. Obama cannot win the presidency against McCain, or Guiliani. He looks like a freshman out of college compared to those 2.

We see the 'independent' vote . Its independent because americans are AFRAID. And they SHOULD be afraid . Very afraid.

This doesnt mean they are going to vote Ralph Nadar into power. They will decide on who can lead the country the best when push comes to shove.

Tyler in Raleigh, NC   January 9th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

If it was Clinton on the Democrat side, I would take a close look at Bloomberg.

Say hello to the Nader of 2008!

Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT   January 9th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Every primary Hillary wins increases the probability Bloomberg runs. Obama is the best chance we have.

That's not saying Hillary couldn't win but Bloomberg will take votes away from her because of her polarizing image.

Sorry, Bill. But we would be rolling the dice with Hillary, not Obama. Do I sense a little jealousy?

Robin   January 9th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

anonymous writes:

………..As for Obama supporters. Your canadate talks Uniter. Why are you all so mean spirited. You all have call Every contender that doesn.t agree with you names. That is a divider not a uniter. Obama's support is very young and they are the mean spirited ones. …………………….

I know. It was quite startling to me. You figure they would come on here and say clinton is a nice lady, very intelliigent and whatnot, but Obama is the one we need to make the change blah blah.

Instead, all the Obama supporters utterly HATE Hillary Clinton. They HATE the woman. I find that very difficult considing they are supposed to 'unite' the country. How do they then suppose to UNITE the hillary supporters after Obama wins?

they want obama out of HATE. Not because they are realisitically looking at the guy as a real viable candidate whom can do a better job than Clinton, McCain or Guiliani.

They HATE the system or whatever they percieve Bush has done to the country and blame everyone exept Obama for some reason.

How about you go look at the RECORD of Obama then decide who to vote for. We hillary supporters dont HATE Obama, nor any candidate, except Bush himself and he cant run for office.
—————————————————————————————–

What makes you believe that all Obama supporters are haters? What a strong word. I personally may not vote for Hillary but obviously that does not make me a hater. Yes, there are always bad apples in EVERY campaign. Think before you write. OBAMA '08 - Yes We Can! http://www.barackobama.com

AJ, IL   January 9th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Bloomberg as do ~55 to 60% of America knows that Hillary Clinton is a divisive political figure. He probably suspects that if Hillary wins the nomination and White House, nothing construct ivewill get done between the White House and Congress even with the slight Democratic majority in the Congress.

Jimmy from colorado   January 9th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Bloomberg take Obama as your running mate Let Huckabee win. we are fed up with this woman with politics of 90s.Good thing Bill clinton has said lots of negative words on Obama.Obama join Bloomberg as his VP.Am sure Huckabee will win by landslide victory.She is critical of Bush all times but i do not see any thing they did than million of scandels.What lesson she wants our kids to learn from clintons?They are devils

Robin   January 9th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

In my book I would never elect Bloomberg based on the facts that - He has waited this long to cover is behind, Bloomberg many times stated he would not run and again we a candidate that tries to emulate Obama.

Get a life. Bloomberg thinks he can do whatever the feels like and not be called on it.

Tyson   January 9th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

I am a former Republican now supporting Obama. I don't think Obama supporters hate Hillary but we do fear her winning. Obama could possibly change the math and build a large majority that could lead to true change in this country. Hillary is only capable of the same strategy that Karl Rove endorsed, 50 percent plus 1. She is just as devisive as Bush. I'm not saying it's her fault, in many cases it is because of the Republican Machine. If Obama wins the primary Bloomberg will stay out of the race, and Obama will probably win the general election by a landslide. Many people who were or are center-right are fed up with the Republican party. Give us a chance to vote for a change from the status-quo.

Arron, NYC NY   January 9th, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Bloomberg… Please kee you liberal A*s out of the national race…

The people within your own state, like me can't even stand you!

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 9th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

If Romney can't make it to the Repub ticket and if Obama can't make it to the Dem ticket, I would vote for Bloomberg in a heartbeat!

We NEED RE-UNITED and Clinton and Huckabee would further divide us and the rest of the candidates could't handle the entire job with a united effort (except Romney and Obama).

My dream would be Romney, Bloomberg and Obama somehow bringing ALL parties together from Left to Right and all of us that are in between.

Our country can be great once again, with the RIGHT leaders (takes more than 1).

Adam   January 9th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Young and for Hillary , 2008!

I'm all about Uniting the country as well, and she can do the best job. If Obama wins the primary, I will support him, because I am not a polarizing person, like most Obama supporters (at least the ones on the internet.)

Obama supporters, step back and look at yourselves! If you want unity, start preaching it, not just saying the words! Hillary, Edwards, and him are all on the same team.

-Adam

L, Williamsburg, VA   January 9th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Bloomberg running for President as an Independent will draw votes from the Democrat candidate. Wait for the Clinton hate machine to start slinging their slime towards Bloomberg if he decides to go for it. I say, "go for it mayor"….keep the CLINTON TRASH out of our White House. It was already fumigated and the DNA scrubbed off the walls when they left in 2000.

frequantFlyr   January 9th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

a third party candidate would never win, tho. Americans like to think they're open to it, but at the end of the day they are sheep

CE, Wisconsin, USA   January 9th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

How many people outside of the NY area care?

seunjohnson   January 9th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

People think the Republican can lose to clinton…Am sorry Hillary is no Bill,she accused obama of using poetry for speeches but that was part of the thing that won Bill the white house over Bush Snr.If Clinton thinks she can keep lying about her experience that never existed,let her keep doing it.The republican already have all details stored against her.I feel strongly that the republican will win.They are the best and mastmind of elections

Ed,Ellenville,New York   January 9th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

Bloomberg was a democrat,then a republican,then an independant. He's all sides at once. Most of all he's jewish and that fragments the process even more. I don't think he'll hurt the democratic party. Leiberman already showed that hand.

AJ, IL   January 9th, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Obama supporters don't hate Hillary, we either dislike her or think Obama is better. Obama is the agent of change that America is looking for in Washington. He has expressed a sense hope, collaboration, and classiness that the American presidency needs. When Hillary supporters were booing Obama (all because of Bill Clinton's distortion of Obama's position on Iraq) in New Hampshire you didn't her Hillary attempting to quiet them or mildly chastize them. Obama on the other hand was respectful and classy when addressing his crowds.

Obama in '08!

Rufus   January 9th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Talk about a flip-flopper! He's the worst of the lot. What is he, a republindeocrat? Pleeeeze Mr Moneybags, don't muddle this race!

Stephen J. Turk   January 9th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

I think he'd get more votes from the Democrats personally, especially in NY.

Obama I think will win the nomination and the presidency. The Republican base is so divided any of the top three Democrats(Clinton, Obama, Edwards) can and will win the nomination.

We've seen the turn out in NH and more Democrats voted the same will happen in November.

Ann   January 9th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Spoiler. He cares little about serving America. He's all about himself.

Jake, California   January 9th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

First off, there will never be a coalition of President-VP among any of the three remaining Democratic candidates, assuming Richardson is truly out as heard

The Obama camp has already accused Edwards of taking lobbyist and 527 contributions so it would be a blow against Obama to bring Edwards on his ticket or vice versa.

Obama and Clinton have too many contrasting positions and Clinton has too many negatives that Obama wouldn't want to work with be it on a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton ticket

Bloomberg can make a big difference with the large pool of independents which could hurt Obama and/or Clinton.

But there are some odds he[Bloomberg] has to face here.
1. If he waits too long and allows Obama to catch on national fire, it will be too late for him–Obama almost did that from New Hampshire…Nevada looks promising given the recent endorsement of that state's 60,000 union members.

2. American people will be disgusted by his money…they'll think he's trying to buy the country…he better take time to do his research.

Curtis Johnson   January 9th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

This is an EGO thing for Bloomberg. There's no need for an independent candidate in the general election, unless, of course, Mike Huckabee is the GOP candidate, in which case lots of people would vote for Bloomberg rather than vote Huck or Hillary/Obama

Biggdawg   January 9th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Who cares?

This butthole is looking to play the spoiler — for whom I don't know. Get lost Nader reincarnate.

S.K.M. Boston Mass   January 9th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Obama's the one using Bush and Rove's playbook? How about Hillary's statement Monday that Al-Qaeda is likely to attack when we have a new president and that Obama may drop the ball? How about the mailers dropped in NH, first about Obama "not being pro-choice" and then again about raising taxes on the lower and middle classes? How about Bill Clinton claiming that Obama is a flip flopper on Iraq, while in the same day claiming he himself was always against the war? How about her two surrogates on Monday and Tuesday who, in the same breath, compared Barack to RFK and JFK while also mentioning how they were both assassinated? How about Shaheen and Kerrey? How about the Muslim E-mail rumors that came out of her campaign? How about Penn going on and on about cocaine? Should I go on, or do you get it Anonymous? Oh wait, you said Hillary has more experience. Not true, unless being a wife counts. Should we count her time on the Wal-Mart board of directors as experience? Barack Obama has held elected office for eleven years to Hillary's seven.

Gary, Charlottesville, VA   January 9th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Bloomberg runs if Clinton wins the nomination. And she's alienating so many Democratic voters with the way she's run her campagin that many of them, myself included will be more than happy to vote third party. I don't care if it puts a Republican in the White House or not. I'd pick McCain over Clinton anyway, if there were no 3rd party. And I've never voted Republican in my life.

Mike   January 9th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Don't waste your vote on the Dem or GOP candidate, vote for Bloomberg…otherwise you will cause another average DEM of GOP io run the Whitehouse. Average isn't good enough for this job.

Tom Davie   January 9th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

anonymous writes:

………..As for Obama supporters. Your canadate talks Uniter. Why are you all so mean spirited. You all have call Every contender that doesn.t agree with you names. That is a divider not a uniter. Obama's support is very young and they are the mean spirited ones. …………………….

I know. It was quite startling to me. You figure they would come on here and say clinton is a nice lady, very intelliigent and whatnot, but Obama is the one we need to make the change blah blah.

Instead, all the Obama supporters utterly HATE Hillary Clinton. They HATE the woman. I find that very difficult considing they are supposed to 'unite' the country. How do they then suppose to UNITE the hillary supporters after Obama wins?

they want obama out of HATE. Not because they are realisitically looking at the guy as a real viable candidate whom can do a better job than Clinton, McCain or Guiliani.

They HATE the system or whatever they percieve Bush has done to the country and blame everyone exept Obama for some reason.

How about you go look at the RECORD of Obama then decide who to vote for. We hillary supporters dont HATE Obama, nor any candidate, except Bush himself and he cant run for office.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 9th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Bloomie could save us from a Shrillary or an Obaminable, or whatever rough beast slouches out of the GOP race. I'd vote for him, will not vote for either of the unelectable Dems, and have never voted for a now-or-formerly Repellican President in over 30 years.

Rafael Richmond Virginia   January 9th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Another lier in the ticket! this guy is a bellman in New York! Keep your money! Someone let this guy know that George Soros tried to buy the White House for Kerry and he was not able too! Someone tell him please.

Don Leitner   January 9th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Mayor Boomberg would make a good candidate adn GREAT President. If anyone would bother to examine his record as NYC Mayor, they would see how good he really is. He is rich and has no secret intentions other than the good of the country. He would be immune to special interest money. If the country ever needed a fresh face in the White House, it is now,in this election year The Democrats won the last election on promises never kept and the congress goes on as it always has with them doing the same old things that went on before.
Go for it Mike!! I'll vote for you.

Hawk,Texas   January 9th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Sure, go ahead and run. that would guarentee another republican in the white house.shades of ralph nader.he needs to stay and take care of the job he has.

Robert   January 9th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

A third party candidate was and will always be a spoiler to the Democratic party.

Carrie   January 9th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Bloomberg runs + Hillary wins the democrat nomination = another Republican for the next four years.

Obama/Edwards 08

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama   January 9th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Go away Michael Bloomberg.

We do not need or want you for President. Take your money and retire to some third world country like a good little billionaire.

I can't believe that you are letting this populist nonsense go to your head.

Mario   January 9th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Bloomberg is a psycho loser!

Willie   January 9th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Bloomberg seems well intentioned yet very naive. I guess he has the money to burn. The Dems and Reps will not let him in.

Mary, Michigan   January 9th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

I know nothing about him or his political views. Listening to talk radio he's the most liberal Republican on earth.

Isn't he a multi-billionaire?

Ben   January 9th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Microtargeting? Billion dollar ad campaign? Sounds like Romney squared.

G   January 9th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MAYOR BLOOMBERG
AND HIS POSITION ON THE ISSUES.
I AM SUPPORTING RON PAUL AND WILL PROBABLY
WRITE IN PAUL'S NAME IF HE DOESN'T WIN THE
NOMINATION. I WANT A PRESIDENT THAT'S
NON-INTERVENTIONIST, SMALLEST POSSIBLE
GOV'T AND ULTRA THRIFTY WITH TAX $.

JFD   January 9th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

I cant help but think that Bloomberg would take away liberal votes from Clinton. It would facilitate a conservative Republican win. Would it not?

Jim in Orlando, FL   January 9th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

"Its time for a third party candidate …."
or
"He's the only honest candidate …"

Blah blah blah.

He's a rich egomaniac, without a chance in Hades of winning, who just wants to boost his ego in a new venue. He couldn't win the nomination as a Republican or Democrat, and will make Ross Perot look like Ronald Reagan before he finally gets the message to amscray.

Anonymous   January 9th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

I think this will be a good thing. Voters who thinkthat Bloomburg likes Obama just because they heard they had a conversation in a cafe. Wrong. Obama is a threat to Bloomburg as is John McCain. These two canadates are not winning with their party, but with independents. Clinton won the Democrats vote in Iowa and N.H. Obama only carried Iowa because of the mast number of Independents there. I think Independents should have to have their own primaries. Any thing less then an Clinton/Obama, will be a losing ticket. They will need each others power to win the White House. It is very clear the Republicans want Obama, because they know they can beat him. They are slamming Senator Clinton so hard because they are afraid she will beat them. Which without Obama on her ticket this could be hard but possible. Obama deffently can not win without Clinton.

As for Obama supporters. Your canadate talks Uniter. Why are you all so mean spirited. You all have call Every contender that doesn.t agree with you names. That is a divider not a uniter. Obama's support is very young and they are the mean spirited ones.

I am a democrat that is tired of status Quo. We have voted new people for to long We need experience. George Bush also ran on change and being a uniter. Obama stold it right out of George Bushes and Karl Rove's play book. Very dangerous to play with Karl Rove. another example of Senator Obama's mis givens

Also his use of parting and drug use to get the young vote was very bad. If he has lead one child to drugs he should not even be in public office. After 8 years a a Vic. President he may be Ok. has akot of seasonings togo.

jayjournal   January 9th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Mike, we don't need your big ego and big bucks trying to buy this race. Although all this talk about "post-partisanship" is very fitting for someone who loves to switch party affiliation based on what is convenient and will get him elected. At least Mitt has always stayed a Republican.

We've never had a better slate of Democratic candidates to choose from. We have one, Barack, who is truly an outsider to politics and can truly unite the country. And now you want to justify your run by crying partisanship? Give me a break. All you're going to do is split the Democratic vote and hand the country back to Republicans for another four years.

Chris, Orlando FL   January 9th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Yeah, let's see just what a few billion dollars can buy?

Mike   January 9th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Excellent! The Dems and GOP will fight together to prevent a third party from being established. Ok..it is what it is. However, a strong third party candidate can at least draw enough votes to cause the two main parties discomfort and possibly force them to adopt the main points of the Third party in order to draw those votes. We need another party to shake up the political machinery… otherwise we will never get real change. Also, depending on who the Dem and GOP parties push to the front…Bloomberg may actually have a chance.

Chuck E. Sinluv   January 9th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

He can run for the White House anytime after he's done running New York City into the ground..

Thomas Wells   January 9th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

There would only be one reason for him to run. To alter the race and push the "decided" president up.

This I believe is the only reason Nader ran. They are all in the system. If the power hand chose a Republican to win, their goal would be to have someone to take away Democratic votes and vice versa.

I don't know bloomberg, but I wouldn't vote for him. He said since Obama was leading he wouldn't run.

Makes you wonder if the goal is to keep Clinton out of office. If so, what for?

mtodd   January 9th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

How interesting that the man who allowed civil liberties to be stomped on during the Republican convention and praised this president who will go down in history as the absolute worst ever now plans on running for president. Ever time he wants to make more money for the city he raises taxes on people who smoke or drink. As president everyone better watch out because if he feels something is better for your health you'll be forced to do it like a fascist dictate. "He alone knows what is best for YOU." I can't wait until we New Yorkers (the ones not dumb enough to vote for his re-election get to spread the word to the rest of the country that things are far from great for the middle class or poor of NYC. Unless you are a millionaire like Mike and his friends, rent in this city is killing people and moving ethnic neighbors out of their homes and moving Yuppies in. Check out Harlem if you need proof.

Tim, Cincinnati OH   January 9th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

The time is right for a third party candidate. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have a candidate who can unite the country and return competence to Washington. Do it, Mike!

Ready   January 9th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Sure, why not add another lying, cheating, insider onto the ticket.

I can't wait to get this new Democrat welfare state up and running. The first thing I'll do is quit my job and apply for as much government assistance I possible. And while you suckers are paying 35-40% income tax, I'll be relaxing at home collecting the goods.

Jacque Bauer   January 9th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Isn't this guy a doorman at some fancy New York hotel? At least that puts him far ahead of the two leading phony baloney Democrat empty suits.

Walt, Belton, TX   January 9th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Bloomberg, screw up New York but leave the rest of us alone. We've got enough problems without adding you!

Willard Roker   January 9th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Of Third Party Candidates

A third party candidate will not get 270 electoral votes, if there was a candidate that popular one of the Big Two would have them on their ticket. At best they will keep any candidate from getting a majority. If no one gets a majority The House would pick the President and the Senate would pick the Vice-President. Each state gets one vote, decided by their representatives, a tie vote by a state’s delegation results in no vote by that state, (the perfect political cover).

If you go by the rules and do the math, assuming no one crosses party lines, we would end up with a Democratic President. The 3rd party candidate would be left out in the cold because they would have no one in the House of Representatives to support them. There is a chance that the 3rd party VP could get elected. Where the House picks from the top 3 candidates, the Senate only considers the top 2. So if the Republicans came in 3rd they wouldn’t make the cut and it is possible that the Republicans might back the 3rd party over the Democrat. The final vote would be:

Pres. 25 for Dem. 21 for Rep. 4 ties

VP 17 for Rep. 16 for Dem. 17 ties

S.K.M. Boston Mass   January 9th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

If Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, Bloomberg will definitely jump in. Definitely. The Republicans are likely to nominate either Huckabee or Romney(who is actually leading with delegates), and if they're going against Clinton, there'll be a lot of indifferent voters for him to grab. Why do I mention this? Because I don't think Clinton can win the general election without Barack Obama as a VP. Why is that important? Because the campaign is increasingly negative, and there'll be a point when Obama refuses to run on the same ticket as her if the daily barraiges keep up.

Steven Bengtson Sr.   January 9th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Hey Michael, jump right in things are just starting to get interesting! Just a thought. do not try the 'late start' and 'laid back' approach combined without talking to Fred first. Definitely talk with Hillary before believing any polls!

Tom Davie   January 9th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

we shall see if Obama wins the nomination. if he does, then he wont have to run. His beloved Republican cronies will win the election in a landslide.

Save him a bunch of money in the process I suppose.

Tom Masters   January 9th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

If he gets in the race, he is a liar, he said he would not!

Same ol' same ol'.

kevin   January 9th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

If clinton wins the nomination then its Bloomberg/Obama '08.

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