Bloomberg Says He Scrapped White House Run Because Neither Party Likes Him
Image by getty images
Michael Bloomberg has a frank admission: he didn’t run for president last year because he didn’t think voters would embrace his neither-right-nor-left politics.
“For the Republicans, I’m pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-immigration. That’s a good start there. You’ll never get their nomination,” he told CBS News’ “60 Minutes.”
“On the Democratic side,” he added, “I believe in teacher evaluation. The big banks, we need to help them rather than just keep trying to tear them down. Those are not particularly things that will help you get the nomination.”
The ex-New York City mayor briefly considered a presidential run, but soon dropped his effort, endorsing Hillary Clinton and delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention. He referred to then-candidate Donald Trump as a “con.”
Bloomberg fashions himself as a politician who transcends partisan lines, with his strong commitment to social liberalism and backing of the financial sector clashing with traditional party orthodoxies. He ran for mayor of New York as a Republican, but prior to that was a Democrat. While in office, he declared himself an independent.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
