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Bloomberg backtracks to consider 2020 Dem primary, biggest challenge to come from the left

November 8, 2019 | | Print Article
(File photo by CLINT SPAULDING/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is reportedly positioning himself to enter the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, which speaks volumes about the lackluster field of candidates and their chances of defeating President Donald Trump.

The potential move not only speaks volumes about the growing possibility that Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., may be the party’s nominee, but could be an early sign of the expected failure of the Democratic Party’s impeachment efforts.

After declaring in March that he was too old and would not run, a spokesperson said Bloomberg, 77, is backtracking and preparing a potential White House run — while a formal decision has not been made, the billionaire is set to file in Alabama to meet an early deadline — the state will vote on March 3.

Howard Wolfson, Bloomberg’s spokesman, said the former mayor of New York City is looking to “finish the job and ensure that Trump is defeated.”

“But Mike is increasingly concerned that the current field of candidates is not well-positioned to do that,” Wolfson told The New York Times. “If Mike runs he would offer a new choice to Democrats built on a unique record running America’s biggest city, building a business from scratch and taking on some of America’s toughest challenges as a high-impact philanthropist.”

In pointing to his record, Wolfson said Bloomberg “would be able to take the fight to Trump and win.”

Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee, wasted little time in highlighting why Bloomberg may feel the need to get into the race.

“Biden is a disaster, Warren can’t keep her heritage or health care plan straight, and Bernie is a self-avowed socialist. No wonder *yet another* Democrat feels the need to run!” she tweeted.

Back in March, Bloomberg announced in an editorial that he would not run.

“As I’ve thought about a possible presidential campaign, the choice before me has become clear,” he said. “Should I devote the next two years to talking about my ideas and record, knowing that I might never win the Democratic nomination? Or should I spend the next two years doubling down on the work that I am already leading and funding, and that I know can produce real and beneficial results for the country, right now.”

“And I have concluded that, for now, the best way for me to help our country is by rolling up my sleeves and continuing to get work done,” he added.

Below is a clip of Bloomberg saying, “To start a four-year job, or maybe an eight-year job, at age 77 may not be the smartest thing to do.”

He also took a shot at the progressive left in saying he didn’t see a path to getting the nomination “unless I was willing to change all my views and go on what CNN called ‘an apology tour.’”

Given the Democratic Party’s hard-left base, Bloomberg may not be seen as the ideal candidate, though his entry may spell doom for former Vice President Joe Biden, who has positioned himself as the more moderate candidate in a crowded field.

Case in point:

Bloomberg just changed his party registration in October from independent back to Democrat — a life-long Democrat until 2001, Bloomberg switched to Republican in his first mayoral election, only to leave the GOP in 2007 to become an independent.

Republican National Committee spokesman Steve Guest in a statement that his entry magnifies a “weak Democrat field.”

‘Really? Another one?” Guest said in the release. “The fact that Michael Bloomberg feels the need to run for president underscores the weak Democrat field and shows that Democrats know they can’t compete with President Trump in 2020.”

In a tweet, Guest detailed some of Bloomberg’s virtues.

Warren responded to the news by attacking Bloomberg for his wealth.

As did Sen. Bernie Sanders:

 

Bloomberg reportedly spent $80 million on the 2018 midterm election and aides said in March that even if he did not enter the race, Bloomberg was willing to spend up to $500 million to defeat Trump.

When it comes to the reaction to Bloomberg possibly entering the race, there seems to be a common theme:

It seems clear that Bloomberg’s biggest obstacle will come from the left, who are not excited about him getting into the race:

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