If Frank Sinatra was “A pauper, a poet, a pawn and a king,” Michael Bloomberg has now been a Democrat, a Republican and now an independent. Each stage of his political career has focused on his personal advancement rather than devotion to any issue agenda or coherent philosophy of government. Based on the evidence, it is hard to see how Mayor Mike’s presidential aspirations go anywhere next year.
Start with the fact that NO independent has ever been elected president, not cause advocates, not governors, not even a popular former president. Given the umbrella nature of the two major political parties, it is darned near impossible.
Independent presidential candidates who have done well have possessed outsized personalities (Theodore Roosevelt, Ross Perot) or a strong ideological agenda (George Wallace, Bob LaFolette). Bloomberg has neither. He has no congressional allies (save a starry-eyed Chuck Hagel), a mediocre record as mayor (he once threatened to have the
Rolling Stones arrested because they were smoking indoors during a concert), and few political ties of any kind outside of New York City. And therein lies the fascination with Mayor Mike.
He comes from New York City, the home of Big Media and talking heads, most of whom have a vested interest in a Bloomberg candidacy. Further, every New York City mayor since La Guardia has fancied himself presidential timber. Why should Mayor Mike be any different?
BUT, he has money and lots of it, more than the Kennedys and Rockefellers combined. For those editorial writers who think money is everything in politics, Mayor Mike is the real deal, since he will spend $500 million on his own campaign.
In reality, his $500 million campaign highlighting his colorless personality, mediocre record and lack of any overall philosophy should yield, say, a 5 to 7 percent popular vote, most of it coming at the expense of the Democrats.
At least Democrats can take solace in the fact that even rich people can waste their money.