Bloomberg Stays Cagey on Presidential Loyalties, Appears in Big Apple With Obama
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg shakes hands with Barack Obama before he gives an economic policy address in New York City Thursday. (AP Photo)
Michael Bloomberg is staying cagey about where his loyalties lie this election season but he continues to stir the pot, appearing Thursday with Barack Obama for the second time since the two had a high-profile breakfast meeting in November.
The billionaire New York mayor, who a month ago scrapped his own simmering idea to launch a presidential bid, introduced Obama before the Democratic presidential candidate’s economic policy address at The Cooper Union in New York.
“The mayor did not endorse” Obama at the event, Bloomberg spokesman Stu Loeser emphasized, deflecting questions about the possibility of Bloomberg as a possible vice presidential nominee.
“What he’s trying to do is influence the debate, not join in as a participant,” Loeser told FOXNews.com.
Loeser said the Illinois senator asked the mayor to introduce him the day before, and that he accepted — something he’d likely do for any candidate offering a “detailed policy proposal.”
Bloomberg has indicated a willingness to endorse the candidate who in his eyes offers a nonpartisan, concrete platform. Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain both have called the mayor since he dangled the possibility of his backing.
Loeser said that Obama’s remarks Thursday on homeowner relief for the most part struck a chord with Bloomberg.
“The mayor has been pretty clear that as a mayor and as a voter he’s hoping to hear detailed policy proposals on tough problems,” Loeser said. “There’s a number of issues that Senator Obama touched on today … that the mayor has spoken about and that they agree on.”
Obama is usually at the tip of the tongue in any conversation about where Bloomberg might drift as a vice presidential candidate, thanks to their gossip-stoking sit-down together at a Manhattan diner in November.
Bloomberg said in February when he halted rumors about his own presidential bid that he doesn’t think anybody will ask him to be vice president.
But he and his aides carefully frame the response when asked whether he’d consider lending his economic acumen and broad-based appeal to a November ticket.
Obama joked about their Manhattan meeting Thursday, saying, “I have to tell you that the reason I bought breakfast is because I expect payback at something more expensive … I’m no dummy. The mayor was a cheap date that morning … and I figured there’s some good steakhouses here in New York.”
He called Bloomberg a “remarkable leader” and “a major voice in our national debate on issues like renewing our economy, educating our children and seeking energy independence.”
Obama said in February that he hopes the mayor will look at his track record on energy and special interests, and that “I will definitely be reaching out to him.”
Though the list of high-powered supporters for both Democrats is long –and Bloomberg comes from a state that usually votes Democratic in November anyway — the idea of Obama-Bloomberg radiates a “dream ticket” feel for some observers.
Political author and former Florida state Sen. Bob McKnight said Bloomberg’s personal wealth, his command of the Northeast media market and his economic experience are tough to pass up for Obama.
“I believe Bloomberg has demonstrated the ability to manage organizations in the private sector and public sector,” McKnight said.
He said Bloomberg, who has done his own campaign research, can “hit the ground running” for Obama.
And when it comes to how voters perceive them, he said they both exude a “real deal” quality.
FOXNews.com’s Judson Berger contributed to this report.
It wil be an ideal ticket Obama Bloomberg
I wouldn’t call it a dream ticket if Obama is on it. They can have each other.
Did anyone notice that Obama copied Hillary’s economic plan from last week on the 20th of march?
1) Hillary called for a $30 billion fund to help states and localities to fight foreclosure in their communities. [Clinton Campaign Press Release,3/20/08]
One week later, Barack Obama called for an economic stimulus package of $30 billion to provide ‘immediate relief to areas hardest hit by the housing crisis.’[Reuters, 3/27/08]
2) Hillary’s plan introduces idea of ‘second stimulus.’ “That is why Senator Clinton is calling on Congress and the President to pass a second stimulus package. This time around, the primary focus should be on addressing the growing housing crisis. And by investing new, temporary resources in a housing-focused stimulus package, we can avoid the worst fall-out from the current downturn, keep families in their homes and stabilize communities.” [Clinton Campaign Press Release, 3/20/08]
Obama’s plan uses the exact same language: ‘Enact a Second $30 Billion Stimulus Package to Address the Mortgage Crisis, Protect Vulnerable Families and Strengthen the Economy.’ [Obama Plan to restore Confidence in the Markets ,3/27/08]
3) Hillary’s plan reiterated her support for increasing unemployment insurance: “While this second stimulus package should focus predominantly on the housing crisis, Congress should also consider temporary measures to help struggling workers like extending unemployment insurance.” [Clinton Campaign Press Release ,3/20/08]
Obama’s plan includes the same call for increasing unemployment insurance: “Barack Obama believes we must extend and strengthen the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program to address the needs of the long-term unemployed, who currently make up nearly one-fifth of the unemployed and are often older workers who have lost their jobs in manufacturing or other industries and have a difficult time finding new employment.” [Obama Plan to restore Confidence in the Markets,3/27/08]
That would be a very good ticket.
I have alot of respect for Mr Bloomberge, whoever he endorse will be thee people for me to vote for.
Obama/Bloomberg….Who could ask for anything more. Two strong men to lead us from the mess we are in. Go for it!!!!