Mr. Bloomberg Goes To Washington?
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Just when you thought you had a handle on the 2008 presidential election, along comes this week's issue of Newsweek. And New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg is on the cover.
It says, in essence, that Bloomberg's political director already has a plan for Bloomberg to run for president! All he has to do is convince the mayor that it can work.
I spoke with Mayor Bloomberg this morning and he had a lot to say about carbon taxes and climate change. He argued effectively that cities and local governments shouldn't wait for Washington when it comes to important issues like the environment.
He was so good, he sounded like he could have been a candidate. To this he replied, well, that's what the candidates should be saying. So I said why don't you just announce now?
Needless to say, he didn't.
But I wouldn't bet against it in the months to come. The Democrats and Republicans have front-runners, but support for Rudy and Hillary, while widespread, is not thought to be rock solid.
Campaign '08 could get really interesting.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.