If Bloomberg runs as an (I)

[Joe the Revelator]

I'm going to assume that his supporters will not be allowed on DU. This is sad, because depending on who the democrats nominate, Bloomberg may end up as the best progressive in the race.

[1corona4u]

1. Yes, but he will cost the dems the election....

in my opinion. It will splinter the support for the dems, and basically hand the WH to the republickins. That's the way I see it.

Oh, and even as an Independent, if he did this, he would not get my vote.

[Joe the Revelator]

2. I think he could win the election, dependent of course or who we put up as our nominee

and even more so if the republicans are dumb enough to nominate Huckabee.

[1corona4u]

3. I disagree. Completely.

[Joe the Revelator]

4. Well I guess we can agree to disagree then....

There are a lot of democrats, like myself, who will not vote for certain candidates in the GE and will be looking for a viable alternative. I'm sure there are republicans who feel the same way. Plus, if he runs, he has said he's committed to spending over a billion dollars on his campaign. That buys a lot of exposure and takes away some of the edge that party support gives other candidates.

[1corona4u]

14. Yeah, well, what I have read about him, I don't like, and

he's not qualified for the job, I don't care how much money he has. If he gets votes, it will be with a select few groups, who like where he stands on a couple of issues.....but the thing that would kill him, in my mind is this;

Foreign policy
As mayor, Bloomberg has made trips to Mexico, England, Ireland, and Israel in the first four months of 2007.

Initially, Bloomberg strongly supported the war in Iraq and the rationale for going in. He stated, "Don't forget that the war started not very many blocks from here" alluding to Ground Zero. In regard to the global War on Terrorism including Iraq he said, "It's not only to protect Americans. It's America's responsibility to protect people around the world who want to be free." His enthusiasm seems to have lessened somewhat over the course of the war. In August of 2005 he said, "I think everybody has very mixed emotions about the war that was started to find weapons of mass destruction and then they were not found." Bloomberg expresses criticism about Democrats in Congress who want to set a timetable for withdraw from Iraq calling them, "irresponsible."



Who hoo, he's been to Mexico, England, Ireland, and Israel. Such an impressive portfolio. NOT.

Here's a guy who can't even make up his mind which party to be in, for christsake.

[Joe the Revelator]

16. Those were the first four months of 2007. I'm sure he's been other places.

and calling someone a flip-flopper lost its sheen for me in 2004. People can be wrong, its how they stand up to that wrong that matters.

[TwilightGardener]

22. Went to France, just came back from China and wrote a nice article for Newsweek.

Studying up on foreign policy with a former Clinton advisor. I think he's serious, if he runs.

[JerseygirlCT]

30. I don't share your optimism on that

When was the last time a third party candidate won the WH?

[Joe the Revelator]

31. Whens the last time that a 3rd party was willing to put a billion $'s into his campaign

Above all else, a party gives you the organization to raise money. Bloomberg wouldn't need that.

[annie1]

5. agree. no true pub will vote fort his guy, but many dems and i's will vote for him...

and it will split the dem vote whle the pub votes will be solid behind the pub nom. That will be a sad day.

[Joe the Revelator]

6. Plenty of fiscal conservatives will vote for Bloomberg..

If a chump like Huckabee is nominated.

[annie1]

7. how many fiscal pubs that are completely socially liberal are there though?...

he's corporate friendly, but he's not going to slash taxes. he actually raised taxes in nyc right after getting into office.

[Joe the Revelator]

10. Fiscal responsiblity is enough for a lot of people

[annie1]

12. s--t. :D. If there's a possibility he can win, he'll run. He'll run if Hillary...

wins the nomintion, but people are saying he will not run if obama wins the nom. i think this will be the case. :(. Damn, i really want him to stay my mayor. :(

[cali]

24. actually quite a few.

at least a quarter of repukes are fiscal conservatives and social moderates- and they have a lot of money and clout

[annie1]

29. well then this is gonna suck. :( oh wait, that's good. oh heck, i don't know.

[2rth2pwr]

11. How many Cons are for gun control? nt

[H2O Man]

8. I think he

would do far more damage to the republican nominee, than to any democrat.

[JerseygirlCT]

28. That's how I see it, too.

I don't think he'd draw many Republicans, despite his supposed former party affiliation (lol). He might draw some independents, but they would likely be the same ones who would vote Dem.

There's plenty to like about him, but no third party candidate will get my vote this time -- it's far too important that we prevent another 4 years of GOP in the WH.

[FreeState]

9. I think he could win

and this could cause a problem for both parties... he has an electable personality and is closely aligned to a lot of moderates on both sides. I hope he does not jump in though.

[Joe the Revelator]

13. Back to the real issue at hand: Are Bloomberg supporters not welcome at DU

Even if his postions end up being more progressive then the eventual nominee?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

15. I'm just taking a SWAG here and would imagine his supporters would not be welcome here.

But, the admins will have the final say.

"What if" is so tantalizing, especially if it has the added benefit of stirring the pot, non?


MKJ

[mrreowwr_kittty]

17. Not if he's not a Democrat. Those are the site rules.

Cindy Sheehan supporters (in her race against Pelosi) aren't welcome to post here.

[Joe the Revelator]

19. I wonder if maybe it isn't time for DU to reexamine the rules

I say that as a long time board member.

[AlCzervik]

20. you should pm skinner.

[Joe the Revelator]

21. Its neither here nor there, I was just wondering what the feeling was in GDp

[AlCzervik]

23. and you're wondering if du should reexamine it's rules so i'm saying maybe you should

pm Skinner with it, sometimes things change if enough people show interest.

[Joe the Revelator]

25. I understand that, but the situation isn't exactly presenting itself yet

[SaveElmer]

18. They are welcome here...

They just can't post supporting him...

[cali]

26. read the rules.

advocating for third party candidates is prohibited on DU. How sad that we'll have to bid you farewell if Bloomberg runs and you support him. I have a lump in my throat just thinking about it

[Joe the Revelator]

27. The DU Police Chief has spoken

End Of Thread.

[rucky]

34. They will not be welcome...

per DU rules.

[Catchawave]

32. He's on my alternative short list if Edwards is pushed out :(

We'll see. No, not Paul, Huck, Nader or anyone like them.

[Robbins]

33. Bloomberg

If Hillary Is nominated he may very well run and attract some Liberal Democrats and Independents.
If It Is Hillary Vs Saint rudy or Lying senile Mccain then there Is an opening for a Liberal
Anti war candiate.

[Catchawave]

35. That's the buzz I'm getting, also Nader will jump in

Scary, huh?