Left-handed Complement

MUDGE’s Musings

It’s only fitting, for mm300, to return to a most intriguing topic here at this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©, the potential independent presidential ambitions of Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.

Faithful reader won’t mind being reminded of some of our previous posts that consider Mr. Bloomberg’s elaborate dance over the past several months.

Indeed, mm066 is the single most hit post on this site.

Obviously, he intrigues many of you as much as he does yr (justifiably) humble svt.

So Mayor Mike wrote an opinion piece in today’s NYTimes.

I’m Not Running for President, but …

By MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG | Published: February 28, 2008

WATCHING the 2008 presidential campaign, you sometimes get the feeling that the candidates — smart, all of them — must know better. They must know we can’t fix our economy and create jobs by isolating America from global trade. They must know that we can’t fix our immigration problems with border security alone. They must know that we can’t fix our schools without holding teachers, principals and parents accountable for results. They must know that fighting global warming is not a costless challenge. And they must know that we can’t keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals unless we crack down on the black market for them.

He makes a case that the issues facing this country defy simplistic solutions and sound bites. The American people must transcend parties and think independently.

MUDGE has tried very diligently over the years to be independent of parties, though his heritage is very strongly Democratic party. Occasionally, I’ve found a Republican who is actually preferable to his Democratic opponent; not often. Fingers of one hand, in nearly four decades of voting. But that’s them, not me.

Another problem: talking to a good friend this week who is a registered Independent — who knew one could do that? Certainly not in my state. Of course, this means he is unable to vote in the primary elections, where he has to declare a party. The entire point of being an independent voter is so that you don’t have to declare. So he finds himself disenfranchised until the general elections.

Back to Mr. Bloomberg. He makes a strong case for an urban agenda, independent of the traditional party positions.

But, here it is in black and white, folks. Read it and weep (or at least gnash your teeth):

I believe that an independent approach to these issues is essential to governing our nation — and that an independent can win the presidency. I listened carefully to those who encouraged me to run, but I am not — and will not be — a candidate for president. I have watched this campaign unfold, and I am hopeful that the current campaigns can rise to the challenge by offering truly independent leadership. The most productive role that I can serve is to push them forward, by using the means at my disposal to promote a real and honest debate.

So, Michael, you’ve really decided that the means at your disposal do not include running as an independent?

[Please click the link below for the complete article — but then please come on back!]

I’m Not Running for President, but … – New York Times

Seems to this observer that, he still is leaving the door to a candidacy ajar. He wants to influence the conversation, and I for one would love to hear more from him. His city isn’t perfect by any means, but his common sense approach has certainly been successful in many of the important measures.

So, I return once again (in that a couple of the posts in the above link list refer to it) to Jon Taplin’s proposal of a couple of months ago, an Obama-Bloomberg ticket. Makes more sense than ever, especially considering the stunning progress Obama has achieved since Taplin wrote in early January pulling in front of Mrs. Clinton.

Now, an Obama-Bloomberg slate (and remember, the once-Democrat Bloomberg resigned from the Republican party last year) answers all of the criticism regarding substance within the eloquent packaging.

Speak hopefully, and carry a big stick. I’m liking this a lot.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

Share this post :

del.icio.us it!

digg it!

reddit!

technorati!

yahoo!

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 9:03 pm and is filed under Politics, Presidential election. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.