Obama-Bloomberg Ticket? MSNBC Points Out Potential

Obama-Bloomberg Ticket? MSNBC Points Out Potential

MSNBC   |   March 27, 2008 09:25 AM


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MSNBC's First Read Reports:

A fall preview: Those who love the Veepstakes will enjoy today's Obama speech, not for the substance but for the person who will introduce him: Michael Bloomberg. While the mayor says he's not endorsing anyone (yet?), this is the second time Bloomberg has given Obama a high profile photo-op (remember the meeting at that diner a few months back?). As for Obama's economic speech, per the campaign, "Obama takes on special interests for housing/economic crisis; lays out principles for new regulatory framework." Obama, himself, previewed the speech on the plane yesterday. "I will be giving some, I will be outlining, my thoughts on the current state of the economy. How we got there and some very specific prescriptions, what helped trigger the financial crisis and the financial problems." But it will be the potential of Obama-Bloomberg that could be the most important take-away. In fact, considering that anti-Israel sentiments being expressed by the Rev. Wright in these newly circulating church bulletins (see Andrea Mitchell's reporting on TODAY below in the Obama section). A fortunate thing for Obama is at least these church bulletins aren't video. The idea of a Jewish running mate might end up making more and more sense for Obama as the summer wears on.

 
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America's financial house is in real trouble and the economy is teetering on the edge of recession. The banking system is in gridlock because of the subprime crisis and the failure of the financing mechanisms that propped up the housing market. Global competition is intensifying. The economy will be one of the most critical issues a new President will face.

Bloomberg grasps it all, from obscure investment vehicles to national monetary policy to world capital flows. And he can explain the complexities " along with the need for difficult action " in easily understood terms. Adding him to the Dem ticket would be like getting a Manning to run a complicated offense.

Obama has built much of his campaign on leading America past Washington's bitter, paralyzing partisanship. This is how Bloomberg has governed, albeit in a very liberal city, and it's precisely the message delivered on national stage.

Tapping a Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Independent who has worked across party lines with civility would gutsily solidify Obama's crossover appeal. This is no small consideration.

Obama has never managed anything larger than his office and campaign

In contrast, Bloomberg has enjoyed a successful Wall Street career; built one of the great media companies of the day, and, rather unbelievably for a billionaire, been one of New York City's most popular mayors. He has driven crime down, rebuilt neighborhoods, kept the streets clean, overhauled the schools " and more. New Yorkers are even living longer than they used to.

Bloomberg-Obama 08

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:19 PM on 04/02/2008

Obama keeps saying he doens't want to surround himself with yes men. He wants to surround his administration with the most qualifications on the most important issues. People who even if he disagrees with him offer a fresh new perspective. People who see beyond partisan lines and think for themselves.

It's time for Obama to put his money where his mouth is.

There is NO democrat out there more experienced on economic matters than Bloomberg.

Bloomberg is an economic guru, the CEO of the largest economc organization.

He worked his way up from nothing to be a one of the richest people in the world, with over 20 billion dollars, all by understanding the economy and making smart investments.

He turned around New York after it was in a record debt after 9/11 and Giuliani. And now New York City has a surplus and tons of job creation.

Plus he's very green.

And he draws in the same support from independents that Obama does.

I think with the economic problems we have, Obama-Bloomberg would be a dream ticket and the perfect way to address the "experience" issue that Obama.

Bloomberg has a record turning record defecits into surpluses even during bad economic times and New York City.

And that's exactly what we need to do at the national level.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:18 PM on 04/02/2008
- Robson I'm a Fan of Robson 3 fans permalink

I'm actually a Ron Paul fan, not an Obama fan. I find it truly racist that Andrea Mitchell would comment on Chris Matthews that Obama should nominate a Jewish VP, so as to satisfy those Jews who are nervous about Obama. As an American I always thought that we Americans should be nominating VPs that are good for the USA , not for Israel, or is that the reason the dual loyalty question persists?
Excuse me ....but I'm nervous about the Zionists because we had an incompetent cabal of them get us involved in the Iraq War based upon flawed Israeli provided intelligence that amounted to misinformation that would benefit the security of Israel. These neocons desperately want us in Iran too.
If the Zionists are nervous they should be because the USA is finally coming to its senses and politicians who wish reelection must begin to take care of the USA instead listening to elites in AIPAC and Israel and the relatively tiny portion of America and that they actually represent.
If I was Obama I'd be truly nervous if I had a VP that was in Israel's pocket. JFK opposed both the Federal Reserve and Israel obtaining nukes.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:19 PM on 03/30/2008
- mlaiuppa I'm a Fan of mlaiuppa 41 fans permalink
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More like cabinet post for Bloomberg. Although Bloomberg may now be considering a run for Governor instead.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:21 AM on 03/29/2008

As "MSNBC points out Potential", Joe and Jane America - HOPEFULLY! - remember that MSNBC just like Bloomberg himself is just an element in the network of those financial interests, misnamed "elites", who are about ruining this country, impoverishing the (former) middle class, giving the under class "employment" in imperial wars etc. etc.

We can only hope Obama knows better than to even consider accepting a preach-water-drink-wine "bipartisan" adviser, straight from the predators' world of the financial "industry". We can only hope, but little justifies us to assume Obama would NOT take an opportunity to further his career, as long -- as said Joe and Jane will not wake up.

Need I coax you people? Wake up, if you are not yet. The world is no tv-screen. And it's your lives, your country, no less than mine.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:27 PM on 03/28/2008
- b2008 I'm a Fan of b2008 4 fans permalink

It's such a shame to hear such ignorance as spoken here. I don't know if it's immaturity, racial, or just stupidity. Whatever, it smells like hell! Those of us who use our brains for something other than spewing hate are up on the idea of such a ticket as Obama/Bloomberg. The ramifications of such a unity is SUPER ASTOUNDING. Obama is definitely showing his ability to connect with the right people to complement his agenda. It shows his foresight and understanding of what this country really needs. It also shows his compassion for the people of this country by being able to work with anybody to achieve his goals. Partisan he is not and it makes me proud to see him move towards a new generation of a government for the people, of the people and by the people. You go Obama!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:07 AM on 03/28/2008

For those who don't understand why so many people love Bloomberg, here's an article that explains it...

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1632736-3,00.html

And for those wondering why he is a strong VP choice, here is why...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/02/28/2008-02-28_barack_obamas_dream_ticket_mike_bloomber.html?ref=rss

And he actually understands even the minutae of the subprime loaning mortage mess because he not only made 20 billion by understanding markets, but he created the second largest charity.

And he brought New York out of a historic debt even in the middle of economic stagnation All while switching New York to all hybrid cabs. He is one of the most popular mayors in the history of NYC.

Obama keeps saying he doens't want to surround himself with yes men.

He wants to surround his administration with the most qualifications on the most important issues.

People who even if they disagree with him offer a fresh new perspective. People who see beyond partisan lines.

People who form policy based on facts and evidence.

It's time for Obama to put his money where his mouth is.

There is NO democrat out there more experienced on economic matters.

Bloomberg is an economic guru, and as VP addresses the "experience" issue.

Bloomberg has a record turning record defecits into surpluses even during bad economic times and New York City.

And that's exactly what we need to do at the national level.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:05 AM on 03/28/2008
- OtayPanky I'm a Fan of OtayPanky 82 fans permalink
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Just like McCain needs someone with a lot of depth on the economy, Barack needs someone with a lot of depth in foreign policy. He certainly won't get that in Bloomberg.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:55 PM on 03/27/2008
- Anastasia I'm a Fan of Anastasia 81 fans permalink
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True. In theory, Obama can get that through some rock solid appointments in Defense, State and with his NSA.

Bloomberg does bring some interesting experience to the Obama campaign, especially in the areas of government administration and economics. And the later may end up being the most important issue in the fall.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:52 AM on 03/28/2008
- b2008 I'm a Fan of b2008 4 fans permalink

Right on the one, Anastasia. You hit the nail square on the head and I would LOVE to see that pairing because it would surely put us in a position to mend our sinking economy. And, as you mentioned, with the right appointments, Obama will have sound defense objectives I'm sure. As far as I'm concerned, there could be no better match here than the two of them. Have a nice day, Anastasia!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:34 AM on 03/28/2008
- OtayPanky I'm a Fan of OtayPanky 82 fans permalink
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The first hurdle is the election. With all the collateral damage from Hillary saying that Barack doesn't pass the POTUS test, is naive on foreigh policy, etc., he needs to shore up his foreign policy credentials to defuse McCain on his one really strong issue. If Barack comes off looking too weak or inexperienced on foreign policy, he's gong to lose a lot of that crossover vote he needs.

Bloomberg also has no experience as a manager at the Federal level - so I don't think his NYC experience necessarily translates into the asset you think it might be.

All in all, it's a lot easer for Barack, as CEO, to create task force groups for each of the major areas he needs to address (economy, environment, health care, Social Security, etc) made up of a bipartisan group of REALLY knowledgable people, than put it all under a single VP, whether Bloomberg or anyone else. Bloomberg could actually serve well as one of the czars - he'd be great - with his background - figuring out the best way to implement/admniistrate national health care or the social security fix.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:13 PM on 03/28/2008

Maybe Bloomberg could run as vice president for both Obama and McCain! There is nothing in the rules to say this can't happen.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:07 AM on 03/29/2008

I am from New York City and Bloomberg is not an Obama kind of guy. He denied the peace movement Central Park for peace demonstration on what was later admitted to be a false claim that it was to protect the grass. This was unprecedented in my 50 years in NYC. The two big demonstrations that were held were crammed into dangerously crowded areas by police barriers and sometimes cops on horseback. At the time of the 2004 Republican Convention over a 1000 people were illegally jailed to scare demonstrators away. Some cops were embarrassed to make illegal arrest and I have always felt it deterioated police morale. The City wound up having to pay millions of dollars of tax payers money to settle false arrest suits.
So we have one politician who supported peaceful opposition to the war and another who tried to sabatoge it. Not a good match.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:16 PM on 03/27/2008
- b2008 I'm a Fan of b2008 4 fans permalink

Bloomberg might be as you say in that category you speak of. But, Bloomberg is the man whom I know will help Obama get our economy situation under control and bring corporate America to the point of doing for the PEOPLE instead of the GOVERNMENT! That is Bloomberg's great sense of management.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:37 AM on 03/28/2008

Bloomberg is a FASCIST. Why would Obama want to have anything to do with such a terrible person?

I don't doubt they would be able to pull it off with Bloomberg's billions. But Obama with a fascist? This is the part where we have to tell Obama to get real.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:20 PM on 03/27/2008

Well, he's your nicer kind of fascist... a genteel fascist.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:09 AM on 03/29/2008
- StephieL I'm a Fan of StephieL 5 fans permalink
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Bloomberg is a big supporter of the PPP (Public-Private Partnerships) which would, for all intents and purposes, "outsource" construction of basic infrastructure projects from the Federal government to private contractors. The private contractor would build the project, but the public would be paying for these infrastructure projects twice; through increased taxes and so-called "user's fees" which can be raised frequently, at the company's whim. You can see this clearly on the "Greenway", the private toll road which links Washington with parts of Northern Virginia. The tolls which are charged by the private company which "owns" the Greenway are three to five times higher than the tolls charged by state governments on their toll roads. Also, Bloomberg is a big supporter of the "congestion tax", which would make people who drove into Manhattan pay for the privilege of driving into the city on public streets.

If Sen. Obama were to have Michael Bloomberg as a running mate, it would be the "kiss of death" for his campaign, and once Michael Bloomberg's "fascist" agenda for the nation is revealed, it may cause those voters who are anti-war and anti-fascism to vote for Ralph Nader, while John McCain starts writing his inaugural speech. Personally, I'd rather see a running mate who is anti-war, yet brings serious military credibility, such as Gen. Wesley Clark.

Michael Bloomberg + Vice Presidency = BAD IDEA.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:19 PM on 03/27/2008

Some other names: Murtha, Webb.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:39 PM on 03/27/2008
- LeftRoss I'm a Fan of LeftRoss 2 fans permalink

Webb all the way! Hate to lose that Senate seat, but we probably won't need it...

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:38 AM on 03/28/2008
- Centaur I'm a Fan of Centaur 2 fans permalink

His VP choice will either be a woman(Sibelius maybe) or someone with a military background such as Webb to offset McCain's military experience or someone noted for their foreign policy experience.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:48 PM on 03/27/2008
- pupbayer I'm a Fan of pupbayer 23 fans permalink

One of the complaints about Obama is his lack of experience so he would pick a mayor to be his VP? This makes sense? And Michael Bloomberg? As NPR says, he is a niche candidate.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:41 PM on 03/27/2008
- nikto I'm a Fan of nikto 19 fans permalink
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Bloomberg could only be viable as Treasury Sec, IMO.

Lousy choice as VP.

Bloomberg is a big 'Ole Corporatist with a capital "C".

We don't need more Corporatists----WE NEED PROGRESSIVES.

CORPORATISM=THE ILLNESS

SMART PROGRESSIVISM=THE CURE

My dream ticket is OBAMA/DEAN.

OK, not much chance of that, I'll concede.

But I'd settle for OBAMA/EDWARDS.

But please, GOD, save us from The Corporate CROOKS!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:35 PM on 03/27/2008

I don't think G_d gets involved in the economy.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:57 PM on 03/27/2008

Here is why a Bloomberg-Obama ticket makes perfect sense...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/02/28/2008-02-28_barack_obamas_dream_ticket_mike_bloomber.html?ref=rss

Great article to read.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:57 PM on 03/27/2008
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Michael Bloomberg is a VERY respectable man, in word and in action. He cleaned up NYC's taxi system with hybrids. Meanwhile, other environmentalists on corporate boards, still huff and puff and only blow their own credibility down.

An Obama/Bloomberg ticket certainly sounds terrific...

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:50 PM on 03/27/2008

Wow. If he cleaned up NYC's taxi system then he sure is fit for vice president. Or why not PRESIDENT?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:32 PM on 03/27/2008

I was thinking the same thing.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:36 PM on 03/27/2008

Do you drive in New York? Bloombergs system of routing traffic was designed by chimpanzees in blindfolds. They are unprecedented jams daily. Obama + Webb, Richardson,Edwards,etc

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:05 PM on 03/27/2008
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