Michael Bloomberg Might Yet Buy Your Love

Michael Bloomberg is in the most existential of political positions: Most voters, according to a recent poll, don't want him, and yet are unable to defeat him. A majority believe New York City is going in the wrong direction, and a third of respondents could not name anything Bloomberg has done in his 8 years in office. Nevertheless, he faces no significant opposition in November's election.

This is, of course, because of his money. You can hardly find a purer example than Michael Bloomberg of a politician who bought his job. He was widely forgiven this stark reality because he managed to turn his money into likeability (he was rich but ordinary) for a good part of his first two terms. But now, with the good feelings having faded, he is going on to buy a third term, spending so much dough--$20 million to date--that nobody without $20 billion of his or her own (and there is no one else in New York City with $20 billion) could reasonably run against him.

There are a number of reasons why Michael Bloomberg--who I voted for the second time he ran, and who I continue to rather like--is in trouble (although not in trouble). But none of these reasons involve a failure of policy (just as poll respondents could not name a Bloomberg accomplishment, I'll bet, that if asked, they couldn't have named a failure, either). Rather they are more about an expression of nature.

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Comments

[RBN]

I will not be voting for an illegal 3rd term. I don't care if the other name on the ballot is Big Bird, whomever it is they, have my vote.

[DrPhil]

Bloomberg is Lindsey reborn.

[jhNY]

Bloomberg can buy whatever he wants. He wants to be mayor a third time. Case closed. And it's a "disgrace" according to him, that anybody anyplace should question the wisdom of his desire for a third term, or as the old line goes, 'Shut up, he explained.­'

[PeterLoffredo]

have been living in New York City for 30 years, through Mayors Koch, Dinkins, Guiliani and Bloomberg, and I have to say that the infrastructure and the schools are in the worst shape they've ever been in since 1978. Whether via subway, bus, cab or car, it is impossible to get around in this city and it is the most expensive it's ever been trying to boot. And with 2 kids in elementary school, in what is considered to be one of the better districts in town, I am appalled at what is passing for education. Uninspired curriculums, exhausted and harried teachers, mediocre at best art and athletic programs and crumbling buildings. Are you kidding me? Running for another term? I don't know anyone who has ever been able to tell me one thing Mr. Bloomberg has done to improve this city except ban smoking. Gimme a break!"
Peter Loffredo
http://fullpermissionliving.blogspot.com/