6. Totally support an immediate effort to create universal health care. Explicitly condemn the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries for taking advantage of Americans and creating the world’s most expensive health care system that performs poorly.
7. Take on the illegal immigration issue by pledging to vigorously enforce laws against illegal employers and sanctuary cities, and promising to more vigorously use federal resources to protect our borders.
8. Actively support a number of electoral reforms to increase voter turnout, such as making Election Day a national holiday, permitting same day registration everywhere, making voting mandatory, creating a none of the above option on all ballots, and reducing the voting age to 16.
Bloomberg should proudly boast of his enormous earned wealth and tell Americans that it allows him true honesty, independence and total commitment to what’s good for the nation. Be a proud populist and centrist.
A Bloomberg presidential run is exactly what the third-party movement in the United States desperately needs. He is a far more qualified presidential candidate than recent rich candidates, namely Perot and Forbes.
Every American who recognizes the pervasive corruption and dishonesty in our political system should welcome Bloomberg’s candidacy for president in 2008. With his own vast wealth and honesty he can single-handedly revitalize America’s political system. We need a breath of fresh air after the bipartisan stink that has fouled our nation for far too long.
Article comments
1 - jmegill
Bloomberg's politics are little different than mainstream politics. Bloomberg just happens to have a nicer personality than most other politicians. A kinder, gentler Giuliani, if you will.
As responses to your numbered points:
1. Bloomberg has used his wealth to influence the party system. There is the little matter of the 250K he gave to the Independence party to secure their line on the ballot.
2. Bloomberg strongly supports free trade. He wants increases in legal immigration.
3. Bloomberg's company has been the beneficiary of corporate welfare.
4. Bloomberg has not slowed down spending in New York City.
6. Universal health care will necessarily increase federal spending. You can't want both 4 and 6.
7. Bloomberg strongly supports illegal immigration. New York City is a sanctuary city. Bloomberg goes out of his way to tell illegal immigrants that they can use the city's medical services. He has prohibited city personnel (including cops and firefighters) from asking about immigration status.
It would be nice to have a billionaire run to avoid party politics. But it is a rare combination to have both the personality and the politics right. Perot had the politics, but was ill suited personality-wise.
2 - Joseph O
The Committee to Draft Michael Bloomberg is eeking delegates to assist in making Bloomberg the independent nominee. Sign up at www.draftmichael.com
3 - dennis
Joel,
Are you a comedian? 16 year olds won't even do their school home work. And just like me and maybe you, I don't know you, but when I was 16, I couldn't even think wisely enough to keep my pants on. Hello. Is this really who you want deciding who will run the worlds most powerful country? Maybe you don't think of the U.S. as the most powerful country. You're in denial if you don't. But, since I know you were only kidding about Bloomberg being President, I'll just join in the laughter that you've brought on to the blog scene. I know, I got a good one, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, '08. Yea baby. But only if he takes my advice. Don't pick Bloomberg as a running mate.
4 - midwhitecrisis
Joseph,
How about a commitee to draft Michael into the U.S. Army? Probably doesn't pay enough for his lifestyle, you know, champaign and caviar. Why would anyone want another elite president, I'd rather have Billy Bob or Jimmy Joe run this place at this point.
5 - JustOneMan
Although I like Bloomnerg here are reasons he is to unelectable.
1. Too much of a New Yorker - people in Ohio dont care much for strap hangers
2. Too Jewish - The country isnt ready to vote for a Jewish president. Look what the Dems did to poor Joe Leibermen.
3. His personal life ie sexual orientation is a mystery..
Great mayor...terrible national candidate.
JOM
6 - steve
no thanks. bloomberg is far out of touch with the american public
7 - Andrew MacRae
Join the growing grassroots effort to draft Mike Bloomberg for President.