Bloomberg Abandons Republican Party

(CBS/AP)  New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg switched his party status from Republican to unaffiliated Tuesday, WCBS-TV reports, a move certain to be seen as a prelude to an independent presidential bid that would upend the 2008 race.

The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelong Democrat before he switched to the GOP for his first mayoral run, said the change in voter registration does not mean he is running for president.

"Although my plans for the future haven't changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city," he said in a statement.

Despite his coyness about his aspirations, the mayor's decision to switch stokes speculation that he will pursue the White House, challenging the Democratic and Republican nominees with a legitimate and well-financed third-party bid.

Bloomberg has an estimated worth of more than $5 billion and easily could underwrite a White House run, much like Texas businessman Ross Perot in 1992. Bloomberg spent more than $155 million for his two mayoral campaigns, including $85 million when he won his second term in 2005.

The 65-year-old mayor has fueled the presidential buzz with increasing out-of-state travel, including New Hampshire last weekend; a greater focus on national issues and repeated criticism of the partisan politics that dominate Washington.

"The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy," he said in a speech Monday at the start of a University of Southern California conference about the advantages of nonpartisan governing.

A Bloomberg entry would roil the already volatile and wide-open race to succeed President Bush.

"If he runs, this guarantees a Republican will be the next president of the United States. The Democrats have to be shaking in their boots," said Greg Strimple, a Republican strategist in New York who is unaligned in the race.

The belief among some operatives is that Bloomberg's moderate positions would siphon votes from the Democratic nominee. Others say it's not clear and his impact would depend on the nominees.

Former Democratic Party Chairman Donald Fowler said Bloomberg would be "a disturbing factor to both parties," but the mayor would probably draw more Republican votes simply because "Republicans are more disenchanted than Democrats."

"Democrats are pretty happy with their candidates," Fowler said. "The Republicans are absolutely in disarray."

He called Bloomberg "an exceptionally capable guy" who is "hard-nosed and accomplished," but argued that the obstacles for a third-party candidate are so daunting that it would be nearly impossible for Bloomberg to win.

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[homespunlady]

As far as the upcoming depression, I agree with BobEBenson at 01:29 PM : Jun 20, 2007. The sword's hanging over us just like prior to the fall of a certain biblical city. For those that can see it, it's truly a frightening sight.

As far as Bloomberg goes I'll take him at his word. He's by far too smart to get caught up in the current political shenanigans when he can acquire far more "political capital" playing both sides until the upcoming disasters shake out then come in as a "rescuer" in an upcoming "time of need".

George is playing out the scenario I heard predicted quite a while back by talk radio host Alex Jones. He's being deserted by his handlers and will more than likely be offered up for political sacrifice and vilification so another political pick can step in and "save the country". It just won't be Bloomberg THIS TIME although I wouldn't rule out the 2012 election.

Most high ranking corporate wealthy are LEAVING the country - supposedly getting vacation homes in interesting countries like Bahrain, Costa Rica and Paraguay. Meanwhile it's getting MUCH more difficult for average American Citizens to acquire passports and travel internationally.
It's a trend worth watching.

[vastr-wcon]

In order to any hope of future political success, the Repug Party must DISAVOW DICKNBUSH and everything they have done and stand-for, and return to principled, law-abiding conservative values. Otherwise, the Repugs will be doomed for decades by the DickNBush legacy of the the most corrupt, criminal, lying, deceitful, incompetent, secretive, despotic, maniacal government ever - run by the WORST PRESIDENT EVER and THE WORST VICE PRESIDENT EVER.

The documentation of this legacy is well-established and readily available: the "Patriot" Act, renditions and torture, Katrina, illegal wiretaps, illegal e-mail intercepts, endless wars based on lies, repeal of habeas corpus, stuffing the judiciary with Repug ideologue hacks in violation of the Hatch Act, failure to enforce immigration laws, a focus on helping only the most wealthy, and on, and on, and on....

[my2centss]

Maybe he will take votes from both and none of the 3 will win

[gunownerdan]

Is Dr. Ron Paul the only candidate who would actually obey the presidential oath of office?
I believe he is.

[aaabee-2009]

idiotic fiscal policy of the past 6 years by saying it's all the Democrats fault."
Posted by BobEBenson at 01:29 PM : Jun 20, 2007

I am afraid, Sir, that you greatly underestimate the GOP propoganda blame-generating machine.

What hasn't this administration blamed on Democrats. They have to continue with the "liberals are enemies" mantra. It works so well keeping inquiring minds off what the GOP is quietly doing to our political system, our government, and our way of life.

[randalds]

So, we don't need him anyway
Posted by gunnerv1 at 02:43 PM : Jun 20, 2007

lol! Sour grapes!

[gunnerv1]

So, we don't need him anyway

[gunnerv1]

So, we don't need him anyway

[ramos937]

No one really knows if Bloomberg will run for President or what effect he will have on either party if he does. My opinion is that he wants a major sayso in who gets to be President in 1/2009. Accordingly, he will wait a bit more; evaluate all of the people running and then make an endoresement. That candidate will be heavily endebted to Bloomberg and so Bloomberg will have a major role in the new administration.

You have to have a major hunger within you to really run for President and I cannot bring myself to believe Bloomberg has that hunger.

[bobebenson]

Oh well, If we do get another Republican in office, at least they can't blame the upcoming economic depression (not recession, DEPRESSION!) caused by the idiotic fiscal policy of the past 6 years by saying it's all the Democrats fault.

Remember my words.