I don't understand why Buttigieg isn't the centrist replacement for Biden instead of Bloomberg.

[Voltaire2]

Somebody care to explain?

[OnDoutside]

1. I can think of 50 billion reasons....

[Voltaire2]

3. I can think of one other obvious reason.

But I was hoping somebody has a better 'splain.

[OnDoutside]

20. Probably best to look at it again after South Carolina, lots can happen.

[Laelth]

24. +1 n/t

-Laelth

[left-of-center2012]

2. Bloomberg is the stronger candidate of the two

In my humble opinion.

[Voltaire2]

6. based on vote count?

[left-of-center2012]

17. Why do you think that?

[dem4decades]

13. I like Pete but Bloomberg was elected a mayor of a bigger city.

And that counts.

[left-of-center2012]

22. 3 times

[ancianita]

63. One New Yorker says he engineered a 3rd term by bribing the NYC City Council.

[left-of-center2012]

64. OMG !

Find that one New Yorker !

[ancianita]

72. Laugh all you want. He posted here.

[lapucelle]

129. Bloomberg didn't "bribe the city council". That's factually incorrect and a Republican/right wing

talking point.



https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newyork-bloomberg-idUSTRE49M70J20081023

[ancianita]

142. Didn't know. Just posted what another poster posted.

[redqueen]

98. "How Bloomberg Got Away With Buying New York"

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent $100 million of his own money to win re-election

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/11/how-bloomberg-got-away-with-buying-new-york/347685/

[brooklynite]

116. Nobody had to vote for him the third time...

[Nikki28]

126. I am right there with you here

Also Bloomberg was also a Republican and knows how to kick their tails.He also has connections with all that money and will probably hire his own tech guys to have their own voting machines or fact check with back up plans.

[onetexan]

139. Spot on. Being mayor of NY city is akin to beong a governor

Plus i like the fact he's self funding.

[k2qb3]

23. I don't think so.

I really don't think another authoritarian billionaire is the way to beat Trump.

Lots of people I know wouldn't vote for him no matter what, weed, guns, stop/frisk, etc. His negatives are through the roof.

Anybody but Bloomberg. He can spend all the money he wants and good on him, so long as he doesn't go negative and doesn't win.

[left-of-center2012]

26. :-)

.

[Doremus]

36. ++++

I'd vote for Pete WAYYYY before I'd pull the switch for a billionaire Bush lover.

[still_one]

4. I don't understand why Warren isn't the liberal replacement for Sanders

[Voltaire2]

8. Well she absolutely would be if Sanders dropped out.

[still_one]

18. She should be because of many factors IMHO

[ChubbyStar]

28. I don't think voters care about your opinion

Thanks for sharing!

[still_one]

33. Excuse me, I thought this was a forum to express opinions

Thanks for sharing, RIGHT BACK AT YOU!!!!!!!!

[SharonClark]

43. Wow! Weird response.

[still_one]

47. Wierd is being very polite

[denem]

112. +1000

[denem]

110. Nice.

[OneMoreCupOfCoffee]

25. Why would a liberal be a replacement for Sanders?

[still_one]

29. LOL. Touche'

[Cuthbert Allgood]

127. Why is a Republican a replacement for Biden?

[lapucelle]

37. ...

XY

XX

Perhaps.

[Doremus]

45. I think she is for a lot of them.

But there are a number of 'nobody but Bernie' voters in his mix. They are comprised of independents and even some (Rs) who can't/won't vote for the Russian agent again. If Bernie isn't the nominee these people won't be voting blue. It's an interesting test of our 'big tent' slogan imo.

[Scurrilous]

61. Hah. Turned that dumb question around.

[radical noodle]

89. She's much more electable for the general election

[onetexan]

140. I know alot of skiddish Dems & independents about Warren

they do not want bernie or elizabeth. They like the 3 B's.

[radical noodle]

143. I won't argue that at all

My point is that she's better than BS. I agree someone not quite so extreme is likely more electable, but I wouldn't have to hold my nose to vote for Warren.

[wyldwolf]

5. well, they say...

... he registers in negative numbers with African-American voters...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. I'm guessing his relative lack of experience?

I like him more than Bloomberg but I can see how that could be a problem for him. I think it's too soon to assume Biden will be replaced, though, since Iowa doesn't really mean squat.

[Autumn]

9. There are $millions$ of reasons why. No one else has the money to blow that he has except for Steyer

and he's just not moderate enough.

[Voltaire2]

35. Every time somebody calls a center-right Reagan Democrat a moderate

a kitten dies.

[Autumn]

38. Got to figure someones in the race to kill the kitten. Twas ever thus.

[lapucelle]

42. Mike Bloomberg is a Libertarian-Leaning Progressive.

Mike Bloomberg is a Libertarian-Leaning Progressive.

https://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Bloomberg.htm

https://bit.ly/2UqKvVS

[Autumn]

53. Libertarian-Leaning Progressive.

[lapucelle]

60. It wouldn't be surprising if what a layman perceives based on agenda driven story lines

and narratives derived from self-selected (and often bias-confirming) sources doesn't comport with what data analysts determine based on a careful, thorough, and objective examination of a politician's actual record.

https://bit.ly/2v85bXL

[Autumn]

76. I've seen his record.

the little graph doesn't impress me. But I'm definitely not a fan of Libertarians so there's that.

[lapucelle]

83. Bloomberg's record is there.

"I'm not impressed by data that doesn't confirm my biases" isn't a cogent argument.

[Autumn]

87. Here's his record.

Bloomberg Is a Democrat With a History of Backing Republicans — Including In 2018
Michael Bloomberg's team has trumpeted his role in helping Democrats win control of the House of Representatives last year. He poured tens of millions of dollars into 24 House races; Democrats won all but three of them.

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2019/12/03/michael-bloomberg-political-donations-republicans-history-president-run

As mayor, Bloomberg endorsed President George W. Bush for re-election over Democrat John Kerry.

And as Democrats seek to win control of the U.S. Senate, it's notable how many Republican senators Bloomberg has backed in recent years:

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey
Late-Arizona Sen. John McCain
Maine Sen. Susan Collins
Former Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk
Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, among others.
"Now he wants to come in and claim that he's this Democratic savior, but he was actually backing Republicans," Klein said. "He also did that when he was mayor."

One of Bloomberg's new rivals, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, may have a particular beef with him: he backed then-Republican Sen. Scott Brown in their 2012 contest. But no matter: Warren prevailed by eight points.

[lapucelle]

93. Bloomberg didn't vote with the Republicans against the Brady Bill five times. N/T

[lapucelle]

94. Bloomberg didn't vote with Republicans in favor of the NRA's pet project PLCAA.

That's someone else's record.

And Bloomberg's going to call that politician out for it, over, and over, and over.

[Autumn]

97. He supported,endorsed, financed and got Republicans elected to office. The end.

[lapucelle]

125. BS has consistently voted with the Republicans and the NRA for the past quarter of a century,

and Bloomberg's going to call BS out over it. over, and over, and over.

[MBS]

109. yup, important and timely reminder.

Thanks.
Bloomberg could be doing so many better things with his money than this disruptive vanity project. He could donate to efforts to protect voting rights and election integrity, for instance. Or donate his money to help the eventual Democratic nominee and to help the Democrats take back the Senate. Jennifer Rubin also suggested he could help start a fund to bring civics education back to the schools.

[Autumn]

111. He could be like Steyer and spend his money to get Dems elected. I think Bloom just wants to make

sure no one who will raise his taxes gets in power.

[Voltaire2]

55. your whirlygig leaves out "authoritarian"

and is otherwise a ridiculous mess.

Bloomberg is primarily an authoritarian center-right politician.

[delisen]

62. Mike Bloomberg proudly pro-choice

[Voltaire2]

66. 'primarily'

He holds some liberal positions on social issues, and on some economic issues. But he supported Bush twice, supported many Republicans for congressional elections, implemented a disgusting racist police crackdown in NYC, is an unapologetic drug warrior, and is absolutely opposed to anything resembling universal healthcare.

[delisen]

92. Has supported many Democrats in public office especially now

[exboyfil]

105. Anybody who supported Bush a second time

is an utter idiot. That includes people who are ideologically in line with him.

[lapucelle]

70. Wait...what? What are you talking about?

It's a data-driven infographic from an excellent source.

Not everyone laughs at data or calls the visual depiction of data a silly name in an effort to diminish it. I'm always surprised when I see it here.

https://bit.ly/2v85bXL

[Voltaire2]

71. It's libertarian nonsense.

But keep at it. Posted often enough it might catch on.

[lapucelle]

81. If you find the chart problematic, look at the underlying data,

assess its completeness and relevance, evaluate the methodology of the analysts, and argue against their inferences.

Invective isn't an argument

[Cuthbert Allgood]

128. Well, that's not a thing.

And if Bloomberg is a progressive, then, sure Sanders and Warren are blood red communists.

[lapucelle]

134. BS and Elizabeth Warren are hard core liberals.

Neither "I didn't know this exists" nor "I don't think this should exist" provide evidence for the denial of something's existence, especially when something actually does exist.

[Voltaire2]

31. So to be clear: you would under no circumstances vote for Buttigieg.

interesting.

[Autumn]

54. Homophobia is alive and well.

[Voltaire2]

68. yeah that was weird.

[Lefta Dissenter]

91. I don't know what was said in the deleted post

But I just unfriended someone on FB because he used a shockingly offensive term in referring to Mayor Pete. From an effing liberal! I’m so angry 😡

[Hortensis]

107. It said what many think: That MAYOR Pete isn't ready

yet, i.e., that as mayor of not-major city he is undesirably short on the experience needed to administer a nation. I agree.

We had some governors running with experience in running individual states, which is analogous to heading up nations, and I'd like to see him come back with that. Just a successful stint in a cabinet position working on national issues would be a valuable expansion of experience.

[Voltaire2]

118. Lulzd.

[Ghost Dog]

120. He's a Harvard and Oxford Rhodes Scholar graduate

with military intelligence experience, I read.

So that has to count for something?

[Hortensis]

124. Yup. Sure does. And he's a forward-thinking small-city mayor.

In that way he's the kind of politician I like, he's a good and fast learner, plays well with others, listens to counsel, and I don't think he'd be a disaster as president.

My worst problem with him as a presidential candidate is that it might fracture the previously monolithic black vote (12% of all in 2016!) plus lose us other votes, especially from indies. In safe times I wouldn't worry about that, but we're not in safe times. To put it mildly. We're facing potential fascist takeover.

But just regarding his very limited experience, I think we should wait until Mayor Pete develops further and that this time we can and should choose for more.

[apcalc]

11. That would be Klobuchar.

[Voltaire2]

30. If she was on top in Iowa I would agree.

[lapucelle]

44. Amy Klobuchar is a Populist-Leaning Liberal.

Amy Klobuchar is a Populist-Leaning Liberal.

https://www.ontheissues.org/Amy_Klobuchar.htm

https://bit.ly/39aCWX8

[bluewater]

12. I believe its experience and having a track record.

It's a form of ageism, people feel Mayor Pete is too young and has not demonstrated enough accomplishments yet.

What other reason could it be?

[Tiggeroshii]

14. I'm guessing cause he isnt rich.

Which I think would be an asset in more ways than one.

[stopbush]

15. Inexperience.

[mdelaguna]

117. Agree nt

[beastie boy]

16. Voters over 45 years old.

Which is probably fixable with the right VP choice, but first you have to be in a position to make a VP choice, which b rings me back to voters over 45.

[radical noodle]

90. I think Pete does well with older voters

more so than Sanders.

[beastie boy]

108. "More so than Sanders" is a pretty low bar.

Pete may do comparatively well with older voters, but not well enough.

[radical noodle]

119. I don't begrudge or deny Biden his lead

with older voters or with anyone for that matter. Biden is a good man and I would happily vote for him. But I've seen several polls where Pete does very well in that demographic. I've even heard people joking that Pete is an older man in a young body.

I think we forget that a lot of folks who 20 or 30 years ago would never have voted for a gay man or woman now have had to come to terms with the fact that they have friends and family members they love who are gay. In the past, they could pretend it wasn't true because so many stayed in the closet, but I've seen firsthand how the knowledge that their own loved ones are gay changed their feelings dramatically. I no longer think it's a deal-breaker the way it would have been a couple of decades ago.

[beastie boy]

121. I am skeptical, but it's worth keeping an eye on the data through the primaries.

[Laelth]

19. Easy answer--$50+ billion that Bloomberg is willing to spend.

We're so desperate to win back the Oval Office that we'll take anybody, and a self-financed billionaire who's on our side is almost impossible to resist.

-Laelth

[highplainsdem]

21. SC polling, and national polling.

[k2qb3]

27. like SC matters.

Those are Trump's EVs whatever happens.

Most of the votes Pete would lose over his lifestyle in the general are in red states.

[TwilightZone]

34. It's the primaries - they all matter.

Summarily dismissing Democrats because you don't like where they live is misguided. All of the delegates count toward the total, even the ones in red states.

[Autumn]

40. If the red state goes for the Republican in the GE all those delegates from the primary

for the Dem candidate don't count for squat.

[Hav]

73. They count as the choice of Democrats voting for who

they want to represent them. This is what the primaries are about.
Democrats in red states have a voice that deserves to be heard as well.

[oasis]

95. +1

[highplainsdem]

41. It's not about Pete being gay so much as his age and lack of experience. SC matters

because Buttigieg hasn't been polling at all well with black voters, and we need black voters.

Pete hasn't been doing as well as the other top candidates in the GE matchups against Trump, either.

I like Pete -- always have.

But right now Bloomberg is ahead of Buttigieg in RCP's averages. Bloomberg's tied with Warren or even slightly ahead in some polls. Bloomberg's doing about as well as Sanders and nearly as well as Biden in some GE polls.

And Bloomberg can outspend Trump and the GOP, leaving Democratic donors to focus on down-ballot races.


Of course that can change. I'm glad Pete did this well in Iowa.

But that doesn't change his age or lack of experience.

And Iowa, like NH, isn't very representative of the Democratic electorate.

[kevink077]

32. Bloomberg...

Has decades of experience in business and beats Trump at his own game, and comes off as a statesman. Bloomberg gets under Trumps skin like no other. One of the few people Don the Con envies... Bloomberg is the candidate Trump certainly wants to avoid.

[Dietz]

39. It should be Klobuchar, but ...

Buttigieg comes across as more exciting, and that's an important factor to beat Trump. I think a lot of people feel that billionaires shouldn't be able to simply buy themselves entry to the White House.

[BlueIdaho]

46. Wait until we get to a state that looks more like America.

Lily white Iowa doesn’t expose any of Mayor Pete’s weak points.

[kstewart33]

48. Because Bloomberg is more electable.

Black Americans comprise more than a fourth of the Democratic Party. Pete's numbers are terrible with this segment and they won't get better.

Yes, Bloomberg is a billionaire but he is a self-made one (his dad was a bookkeeper). He managed an area for 12 years that in population would rank as the 13th largest state in the union. And he has real cred when it comes to climate change, health insurance, and education.

He funds his own campaign - no one owns him. And because of that huge advantage, he can sell his story more effectively than Pete.

He is clearly more successful than Pete but with a clear advantage - he has over 40 years on him.

Bloomberg isn't my choice, but he is electable if he makes the right moves.

[Saviolo]

57. You figure after Stop-And-Frisk that POC will vote Bloomberg?

I'm happy to watch him spend his money attacking Trump, but if he ends up being the nominee, there are way bigger problems to address. Might as well just call Howard Schultz up to be the nominee.

[Voltaire2]

74. apparently the thinking is that they would prefer somebody who implemented

an overtly racist police regime over a gay guy.

[kstewart33]

137. Respectfully, I disagree.

Bloomberg has many strengths, beginning with no one owns him. No political donations of any kind.

Concerning his S-A-F, have you seen Bloomberg's Obama ad?

Here:

[W_HAMILTON]

49. I don't know why people say that Buttigieg is a centrist.

He is a progressive, and far more progressive on certain issues than several of the so-called progressives running (e.g., his stance on changing the Supreme Court, for one).

It seems that the term "progressive" has been successfully co-opted by Sanders supporters to apparently mean someone that supports him -- but that's not what a progressive is.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

50. Maybe people crave that "Bloomberg supported George Bush over John Kerry" mojo

Or Bloomberg supported Scott Brown (major league Republican douche bag) over Elizabeth Warren.

And as Democrats seek to win control of the U.S. Senate, it's notable how many Republican senators Bloomberg has backed in recent years:

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey
Late-Arizona Sen. John McCain
Maine Sen. Susan Collins
Former Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk
Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, among others.

[msongs]

51. everybody knows why buttigieg is not the final guy. everybody knows nt

[underpants]

78. You posted that very succinctly nt

[nilram]

52. One word, three letters, sounds like

[Zolorp]

56. Do I always have to give the short sweet honest answer on the question every time I am asked it?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

That's what it takes to get elected in America.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[redqueen]

99. You do realize they're asking everyone reading the forum, right?

Not just you? Just making sure.

[Zolorp]

101. You do realize my verbiage was chosen specifically for humorous effect, right?

Just making sure.

[redqueen]

136. LOL ok, now that was amusing.

[OneMoreCupOfCoffee]

58. Centrists? LOL.

Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden are liberals.

Trying to "re-frame" them as "centrists" borders on gaslighting.

[helpisontheway]

59. Because AA don't like Buttigieg. Democratic Party needs high AA vote. It could be his history

as mayor with the police. Or it could be lack of experience. Or they could think he is too young. Or it could be because he is openly gay.

Plus Bloomberg has not been through a debate. They might not know about stop and frisk. They might not know that he supported Collins for senator. They just know that he has a lot of money and has put out a lot of ads. They know that he is an actual billionaire. They know he was the mayor of a very large city.

[emmaverybo]

141. Code violation policy that put a burden on black homeowners. Frederick Douglas plan roll-out

requiring endorsers opt out or be counted as endorsing, so counted even when they had not endorsed, and no AA input on plan. Large percentage of endorsers turn out to be white.

Plan optics all wrong as focus on AA needs and concerns nowhere in PB’s initial messaging. Then attributing weak support to homophobia. AA community in his own backyard, but not not on his radar for years, then suddenly he gets woke. This will not suffice to get him that support now and it shouldn’t.

[madibella]

65. Lack of experience would be my main reason.

I like him as a person, his positions etc., but I cannot imagine taking a chance on him as the nominee. We will get destroyed imo.

His time will come, but I would go right to Bloomberg if Biden does not work out. The risk is far too great to have a risky candidate. We need someone with solid footing and Pete is not that candidate.

I'm pulling for Joe though.

[rzemanfl]

79. I have to wash socks now. BBL. n/t

[kurtcagle]

67. Bloomburg, Biden and Buttigeig

Bloomberg entered the race after he saw that Biden was not yet hitting on all cylinders, and while I think Biden is a more visibly compassionate person, I also think Bloomberg may very well end up bringing in a fair number of the 4th Industrial Age 1 %ers and the Silicon Valleys, Forests and similar corridors on both sides of the political divide (think Gates, Buffett, etc.). He also scares the pants off of Trump.

As my wife put it, Trump would eat Buttigeig for a snack, and while I think most Democrats generally agree with Sanders' platform, the Socialism label will doom him outside of the caucuses, especially having lost to Buttigeig in Iowa. Sanders will take New Hampshire, but he really needed Iowa in a way that Biden and Bloomberg didn't. I'm also not going to count Warren out in New Hampshire, but Bloomberg could very well end up being the true stealth candidate here.

Buttigeig being gay is not a problem with most of the people at DU, but it is a showstopper for evangelists who may be wavering in their support for Trump, especially among older voters. I'd also agree that Bloomberg's experience as mayor of New York City weighs far more heavily in many people's minds than Buttigeig's political experience. Where Biden has the edge is in foreign policy, but the difference between Biden and Bloomberg there is a lot smaller than you might think at first blush given that New York is large enough and diverse enough to make major waves in International waters.

[phleshdef]

69. Because anti-gay bigotry is still very strong in this country

I'll say it if no one else is gonna. Its fucking sad.

[Kurt V.]

77. True. :(

[MerryBlooms]

85. Bingo! My goodness, the tap dancing in this thread takes some real talent.

[VMA131Marine]

75. Has anyone considered how much campaign ammunition

A 3-time former Mayor of NYC might have in a campaign against one of its highest profile residents while he was mayor?

Just sayin’

[tinrobot]

88. Or, for that matter, owning a large financial news organization.

Bloomberg probably has piles of information that is useful.

[Garrett78]

80. I don't see how anyone can think Bloomberg could end up the nominee.

Where is he going to win? Buying ads isn't enough.

It's all about delegate math. How does Bloomberg end up with a majority of delegates?

[Ghost Dog]

123. In California? Nt

[Garrett78]

138. He's not going to win here.

[tinrobot]

82. We said similar things about lack of experience with Obama.

So... grain of salt. That said...

Bloomberg has proven he can build and manage a large organization. As a politician, he was mayor of a city with a population bigger than a lot of states. Plus, he got re-elected a few times. Oh, and he has a huge pile of cash to outspend the other billionaires who are funding the GOP.

Buttigieg has some great ideas, but running a mid-sized city in Indiana kind of pales in comparison. But, like Obama, his biggest asset is that he's very well spoken and has great energy. Is that enough this time out? Not sure.

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

[MerryBlooms]

84. I guess nobody else is willing to touch the third rail on one of their 'million' reasons, so...

There are plenty of people in our party who will not vote for a woman, nor a married gay man. I know at least 7 Democratic voters (those who at least display their bigotry openly), 1 Chicano man, 3 white men , 2 white women, 1 Latina. These are people I have known for many years who come to my home for holiday meals and birthday parties. Not in a million years would I have guessed they would voice these opinions. I found out at Thanksgiving when I overheard them on the front porch while they were having a smoke. I'm usually a coward with this sorta thing, but two of our other guests were looking down at their feet and nervous. I told the offenders our household was one of acceptance and love, and if they wanted to talk that sort of crap, they had to go home and troll FB. They laughed, but they did stop the language they were using and hugged me and apologized. Our other two guests hugged me and thanked me, I apologized and did a shot with them. Christmas, there was zero garbage talk. I know I didn't change minds, but our home is now comfortable for all who visit.

[pamdb]

86. mayor Pete

I like Pete, I wanted someone who is younger than me (I'm 68) but I still think you
are not going to get people in small towns and rural midwest or south (well, the south) who
will vote for a gay guy. I live in Michigan and I just cannot see the small towns on the
way up north, who still have republican signs and, believe it or not, occasionally, a confederate flag (these people are so stupid they don't seem to realize that Michigan
fought on the Union side) voting for a gay guy. I just don't see it. I like Pete, but I honestly
think Sanders would have a better chance. I am a Biden supporter and I hope he gets the
nomination. I have said from the beginning I would like a Biden/Harris or Biden/Demmings
or, here's thought, Biden/Buttigegg ticket. I would give a months social security check to
see the evangelicals heads explode to see Pete and Chasten dance at the inauguration.

[IluvPitties]

96. What replacement?

Let's wait for a couple more states!

[treestar]

100. you would think you could tell that there is no limit

on the number of people who could run.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

102. For me ...

... his sexual orientation is not a negative. My sister, sister-in-law, and nephew are gay, as are many of my friends over the years. For me it is his lack of experience.

I think Buttigieg is charismatic, has a good background for politics, and has some great ideas. I also think he is not ready to run the country.

While he would do it better than our current president I would like to see Pete serve two terms in Congress and two terms as the Indiana governor, then run for the White House in 2032. He would have a combination of character, ideas, and experience that would be hard to beat.

Not that I am happy with Bloomberg.

Thus I am still undecided.

[Zolorp]

103. I think the biggest reason is because he is gay

The good mayor has a similar hurdle to overcome that Obama had in 2008, fear of attempting a first time historic event. Obama had a bit of an advantage over Mayor Pete in that it had been 24 years since the last failed attempt at a first time historic event and for Mayor Pete it's only been 4 years.

He's running a strong campaign, though, and could get to the top without being a replacement for anybody. He's that good all on his own. The reluctance at attempting a first time historic event will subside.

[MBS]

104. I'm confused, too -Bloomberg has 4 things against him

1. Bloomberg is 77 years old. Sorry, but age really does matter in this election. Facing the holy mess and unprecedented crises that will greet the next president will face on every front will require stamina, energy, and fresh ideas, and the ability to think on your feet. Taking on a job like this at this time in our history at age 77 or 78 is just a no in my book (And, yes, I feel this way about Biden and Bernie, too).
2. By skipping the 4 early primaries, campaigning solely via TV ads, and "self-funding" his campaign (translation: buying the election), Bloomberg shows a fundamental disrespect for voters and the primary process. He's lost me on this issue alone.
3. Bloomberg is a Republican.
4. Buttigieg is superior to Bloomberg in almost every way and he is running a brilliant campaign.(See the Vox.com piece I posted elsewhere in this forum (https://www.vox.com/2020/2/4/21121636/pete-buttigieg-beat-trump-win-2020-election-primaries?)

[Cuthbert Allgood]

130. 3. Bloomberg is a Republican.

Fixed it for you.

If we have to have a centrist, I'm team Buttigieg. I just don't want a centrist.

[MBS]

144. Fixed now.

[dlk]

106. His political and government resume is a little thin

Washington DC is a very different animal than South Bend. He ‘s running for the most powerful position in the world.

[katmondoo]

113. I decided this morning that I can really see Michael Bloomberg as President

After Trumps speech of lies and his giving the Medal of Honor to one of Americas biggest sleaze bags I see the strength of Michael Bloomberg. Michael has to get the African American vote somehow to win. Some of his policies as Mayor will hurt him. He will be a stronger candidate than Sanders.

[Recursion]

114. I mean, he did win Iowa, so he still might be (nt)

[brooklynite]

115. Right now, neither of them are...that's why we hold Primaries.

[democratisphere]

122. No track record of managing on a LARGE SCALE.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

131. I don't understand how "Sanders is a Democrat" is an argument on here, but Bloomberg gets a pass.

He's a Republican.

So it's not OK to be far left, but be far enough right to put you in the other party and we're good with that.

[LakeArenal]

132. I know I'd rather have Pete as VP and no Bloomberg

[LongtimeAZDem]

133. He's up against bigotry, he has a lack of experience, and he's polling at 6%-7% for starters

[Don1]

135. Skipping the middle man

Bloomberg has an unfair advantage. He may end up winning the whole thing which means Pete may concede to Bloomberg after SC or thereabouts. Given the likelihood, why give it up to Pete, then Bloomberg? Why not go directly to Bloomberg.

[NedBraden]

145. Not ok with bloomberg. Not by a long shot.

Bloomberg is buying his way in.

He put a d after his name and is buying it.

An oligarch. The very definition of it.

I am almost 50. A lifelong new Yorker,.

Bloomberg did indeed BUY his 3rd term. He barely squeaked by a NY native , a black Democrat running for mayor in BILL THOMPSON. Bloomberg just barely squeaked by, and that was only by outspending him 20 to1. Many Democrats were let down by their party. They saw the money Bloomberg was spending and decided to not even try. And he just barely won.

Then Bloomberg, an out of touch upper east side billionaire, continued to reign terror on the black community in nyc by his ordering the police to violate their rights.

How is any of that okay.???


He is not a centrist, just a power hungry out of touch billionaire. He made it damn near impossible for working ny ars to live in the city. He started the decay of the nyc housing authority buildings.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

146. We don't need to replace Biden. But..Bloomberg has $$

and chops. He also is hated by trump who is only worth an iota compared to Mike . Mike's not afraid of trump. He gets him to act crazier than normal.

[Polybius]

147. Probably his age

He's what, 37? He'd be by far the youngest president ever. I'd vote for him in the general election in a second, but for primaries I'm not yet ready to vote for someone younger that me. Not trying to offend anyone but I'm just not ready, I'm 45; it just makes me feel old.

[Capt. America]

148. Wasn't Bloomberg a Republican and I believe he endorsed W?