Bloomberg running for Prez?!?!

[Charade]

He just changed from Republican to Independent.

Thoughts?

 

[DawnCt1]

I wonder what his platform will be; "Rewarding poor for good behavior". Americans below a certain income level may even get paid for brushing their teeth". http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/6/19/83733.shtml?s=ic

If the plan was so terrific, while are all the Mexicans crossing the border?

 

[GeorgeG]

I think we've come to the point where it's difficult to remain associated with either the Republican or Democratic parties and not be considered hard-line with those party agendas. We've already seen the quarreling over the issues and candidates on these boards and that same extremism will likely create a dangerous split in out country. I have to admit to being guilty of that myself.

I think Bloomberg is playing the Independent card as a strategy to garner votes from the large numbers of voters who are in the middle and really aren't represented by the hard-line party candidates, or the parties themselves, for that matter. I think the country is desperately in need of political change, but Bloomberg would not be my choice for president.

 

[Soubrette]

It's a definite possibility...especially if he gets some traction with some early "what if" polls.

The big question in the article I read this morning (associated press, I think) was whether his third party candidacy would be more detrimental to the Republican or Democratic nominee.

As opposed to Nader, I think Bloomberg could pull votes from both camps. Both will lose some moderates; Democrats from people who are worried about economic issues and Republicans who are disenchanted with their party's continuing affiliation with Christian fundamentalism.

 

[reeeoga]

Run Dude Run!

I don't see much of a problem for either party. I also don't see him drawing much support.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

It would make this curious election cycle that much more curious. I don't think he'd cause much of a ripple outside of the NE, but if he wants to run -why not?

 

[cardaway]

As opposed to Nader, I think Bloomberg could pull votes from both camps. Both will lose some moderates; Democrats from people who are worried about economic issues and Republicans who are disenchanted with their party's continuing affiliation with Christian fundamentalism.

The part I bolded is certainly true for me. If somebody was to break from that that person could easily get my vote.

 

[Fitswimmer]

The part I bolded is certainly true for me. If somebody was to break from that that person could easily get my vote.

Me too. I'm probably one of the 10 Christians in the country that actually wants the government involvement with religion to CEASE and DESIST

 

[eclectics]

Well, it's a given that the Conservatives hate him, even if he favors sound fiscal responsibility, because social issues always seems to be the trump card for them. I have always liked him because he IS fiscally responsible and has reasonable stands on social issues. He's been a good mayor and get's things done without having to resort to the fascist tactics Giuliani did.
If he is thinking of running, it just proves the Republicans are not ready for a candidate that is moderate. He's a smart guy. Independent is a good choice for him.

And no, I disagree with him on this rewards program.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Well, it's a given that the Conservatives hate him, even if he favors sound fiscal responsibility, because social issues always seems to be the trump card for them. I have always liked him because he IS fiscally responsible and has reasonable stands on social issues. He's been a good mayor and get's things done without having to resort to the fascist tactics Giuliani did.
If he is thinking of running, it just proves the Republicans are not ready for a candidate that is moderate. He's a smart guy. Independent is a good choice for him.

And no, I disagree with him on this rewards program.

I don't, and let me tell you why. I used to spend a good deal of time volunteering with our Interfaith food pantry. One of the things I learned doing that was that there really is a cycle of poverty. We were helping 2nd and 3rd generations in the same family that had been unable to dig out. It wasn't that they didn't want to, it wasn't that they were lazy, it was that they did not have the education or the support they needed. Education was not valued with the kids, maybe a check will help that-it sure helps me value a job when I see my paycheck! Regular MD visits, even subsidized will actually save the city $$ because of the reduced visits to ER's for ear infections and might help people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma to keep them under control so they aren't admitted for serious and EXPENSIVE complications.

Bottom line-it's private money and if they want to try it, why not? If it works, it's gotten a few more people a step up and maybe helped them become productive citizens. If it doesn't, the foundation is the only one out of cash.

 

[The Mayor]

Well he bought the Mayor's office in NY so anything is possible...realistically he doesn't have a chance nor does anyone running as an Independent given the mindset of the American people to vote for one of the two established parties...I'm keeping my eye on Fred Thompson to see what he has to offer once he officially enters the race...none of the other candidates in either party are really doing anything for me.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Ahh hell, who ISN'T running for President this time around?

 

[Jennasis]

How many times does the man have to say "I'm NOT running" for people to accept that? Was watching the Today show and was truly shocked to see everyone making abig deal out of this and then showing clips of him stating at least FOUR different times that he was not running and would remain Mayor of NYC.

 

[Fitswimmer]

How many times does the man have to say "I'm NOT running" for people to accept that? Was watching the Today show and was truly shocked to see everyone making abig deal out of this and then showing clips of him stating at least FOUR different times that he was not running and would remain Mayor of NYC.

Yes, and Hillary was going to serve out her second term in the Senate too. If they didn't all lie like cheap rugs about this issue, nobody would be pressing them.

I'll believe that he's not running when the next President is sworn in and it's not him.

 

[punkin]

Well he bought the Mayor's office in NY

Did he? Sure, he spent his own money on the campaign, but that's hardly "buying" the office. I believe he has been a very good mayor.

 

[Jennasis]

Yes, and Hillary was going to serve out her second term in the Senate too. If they didn't all lie like cheap rugs about this issue, nobody would be pressing them.

I'll believe that he's not running when the next President is sworn in and it's not him.

I dunno...I thought Hill kept saying she hadn't decided on running for office until she actually did it. Besides I really don't see Bloomberg as having a snow-ball's chance in hell anyway, much less as an independant.


Maybe it's more because I don't give a rat's rump about politics in general?

 

[Fitswimmer]

I dunno...I thought Hill kept saying she hadn't decided on running for office until she actually did it. Besides I really don't see Bloomberg as having a snow-ball's chance in hell anyway, much less as an independant.


Maybe it's more because I don't give a rat's rump about politics in general?

When she was running for her second term in the senate, people kept asking her if she was going to run for president and she kept evading the question. There's NO WAY she didn't know. You have to plan too far ahead.

 

[eclectics]

I don't, and let me tell you why. I used to spend a good deal of time volunteering with our Interfaith food pantry. One of the things I learned doing that was that there really is a cycle of poverty. We were helping 2nd and 3rd generations in the same family that had been unable to dig out. It wasn't that they didn't want to, it wasn't that they were lazy, it was that they did not have the education or the support they needed. Education was not valued with the kids, maybe a check will help that-it sure helps me value a job when I see my paycheck! Regular MD visits, even subsidized will actually save the city $$ because of the reduced visits to ER's for ear infections and might help people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma to keep them under control so they aren't admitted for serious and EXPENSIVE complications.

Bottom line-it's private money and if they want to try it, why not? If it works, it's gotten a few more people a step up and maybe helped them become productive citizens. If it doesn't, the foundation is the only one out of cash.

It still doesn't sit well with me. The only part I don't mind is the health care. I know it's his own money but it sets a dangerous precedent, imho. It's been proved time and time again, if you have the proper motivation in your own self, you can rise above most hardships life throws at you. Some public schools aren't so hot, I'll admit, but if you pay attention and study hard, you can get good grades and learn something. Everybody can get an education if they really want it. Parents shouldn't be content with the status quo. They should encourage their children to work hard and at least attempt to find a better life. It's very easy to fall into the cycle of despair. I don't think rewarding people for doing nothing is the right thing to do. People can break cycles of abuse. They can also break cycles of poverty. They just have to work at it.

 

[Fitswimmer]

It still doesn't sit well with me. The only part I don't mind is the health care. I know it's his own money but it sets a dangerous precedent, imho. It's been proved time and time again, if you have the proper motivation in your own self, you can rise above most hardships life throws at you. Some public schools aren't so hot, I'll admit, but if you pay attention and study hard, you can get good grades and learn something. Everybody can get an education if they really want it. Parents shouldn't be content with the status quo. They should encourage their children to work hard and at least attempt to find a better life. It's very easy to fall into the cycle of despair. I don't think rewarding people for doing nothing is the right thing to do. People can break cycles of abuse. They can also break cycles of poverty. They just have to work at it.

We already reward them for doing nothing, that's welfare. What Mike wants to do is to reward them for doing the right things.

 

[eclectics]

We already reward them for doing nothing, that's welfare. What Mike wants to do is to reward them for doing the right things.

It's still a handout. I'm not a big fan of welfare either. The way I was brought up was if I wanted that popsicle from the ice cream truck I would have some sort of chore waiting later as the trade off. I don't "expect" anything to be given to me. It makes it all the sweeter when it does happen. Not a bad way to think, imho.