Michael Bloomberg is apparently prepping for a 2020 presidential campaign, according to The New York Times, The Times of London, and other outlets.
The former New York City mayor for years has been rumored to have presidential aspirations, with expected bids in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
But it now appears that 2020 may be “his” year.
He has consistently been active in politics over the past several years, especially in pro-gun control groups such as EverytownUSA, which he founded.
He also has a pre-made war chest in the form of his own multibillion-dollar fortune.
A source at The Times of London indicated, “He has the money to see it through while other candidates knock themselves out.”
While having a personal fortune does not guarantee a candidate the victory by any measure, that individual is allowed to spend freely on his or her own campaigns, rather than having to rely on donations that are restricted in size by campaign finance laws.
This generally allows such candidates to ride out the storms and continue campaigning while others might have had to drop out due to lack of funds.
“He has the money to see it through while other candidates knock themselves out.”
There had been increased speculation about Bloomberg ever since he told supporters at a fundraiser back in June, “Before you leave I want to get your cellphone numbers because I’m thinking of getting the band back together.”
If he wins the Democratic primary, the country would likely see a fight between two New York City billionaires for the presidency.
We are barreling toward being a country in which billionaires compete to save us from other billionaires. https://t.co/yeqFE9RKFl
— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) September 14, 2018
Just as in the case of President Donald Trump, Bloomberg’s party loyalty has shifted over the years.
He ran for mayor as a Republican in 2001, but shifted his affiliation to independent afterward.
Since then, he’s moved back to the Democratic side.
He has pledged to spend $80 million to help support candidates in the upcoming midterms.
I can confirm that #MikeBloomberg is looking at a 2020 Presidential run….as a #Democrat. He has been building an issues team for a year, and look who intro'ed him today @GCAS2018 — #NancyPelosi .
This report is basically accurate.https://t.co/vctBgYDgyu— Laurie Garrett (@Laurie_Garrett) September 13, 2018
If he does run, he’s likely going to face a crowded field for the Democratic nomination.
Sens. Cory Booker (New Jersey), Kamala Harris (California) and Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts) are all expected to run — with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont possibly joining them for yet another attempt at the White House.
Stormy Daniels’ attorney Michael Avenatti has also said that he’ll be in the race in 2020.
(photo credit, article image: Michael Bloomberg, CC BY-ND 2.0, by Ralph Alswang / Donald Trump, CC BY-SA 2.0, by Gage Skidmore)
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