Michael Bloomberg might be running for president in the Democratic Party. That should be exciting for … well, it’s hard to say.
The billionaire and former mayor of New York is apparently dispatching staffers to start gathering signatures.
As first reported by the New York Times‘ Alexander Burns, Bloomberg sent staffers to Alabama, which has a Friday deadline for candidates to enter the 2020 race and begin the process of qualifying for the ballot.
If Bloomberg decides to actually run (he may just be buying time before making a decision later), it’s hard to see who will be climbing aboard the Bloomberg train.
New York City liberals? That didn’t work out so well for current Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Gun control fanatics? Beto O’Rourke wanted to ban the AR-15, one of the most popular rifles in the country. Soon after, he admitted his floundering campaign was going nowhere and promptly dropped out.
Identity politics-obsessed liberals? Bloomberg is just another old white man but without the Obama connection and black support that Joe Biden has.
As MSNBC host Chris Hayes said on Twitter, “Who will speak for the billionaires?” But even that group is already covered by billionaire climate change activist Tom Steyer.
That basically leaves just nanny state liberals. Want to ban sugary drinks, fatty foods, and vaping? Bloomberg is your man. Are there enough people on board the “banned-wagon” to boost him past seasoned politicians such as Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren? Maybe enough to get on the primary debate stage, although even that is doubtful, but not the general election stage.
There’s no reason for Bloomberg to run. He’ll have little impact on the race. It’s just another way for a bored billionaire to waste his money.
