Michael Bloomberg may launch independent US presidential bid
Updated: 2016-01-24 04:33
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg attends a meeting during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 at Le Bourget, in this file photo taken France, December 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
Jan 23 - Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, has told his aides to draw up plans for an independent campaign for the US presidency, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Bloomberg has advised friends and associates that he would be willing to spend at least $1 billion of his own money on a campaign for the November 2016 election, according to the source, who spoke on condition on anonymity to discuss the former mayor's thinking.
News of Bloomberg mulling a presidential run was first reported Saturday by the New York Times.
Bloomberg, 73, has given himself an early March deadline for entering the race, the source said, after commissioning a poll in December to see how he would fare against Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the Republican and Democratic frontrunners.
No third-party candidate has ever won a US presidential election. But Bloomberg, who has close Wall Street ties and liberal social views, sees an opening for his candidacy if Republicans nominate Trump or Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the Democrats nominate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the source said.
Bloomberg, who has long privately flirted with the idea of mounting a presidential run, served as mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. He switched his party affiliation from Republican to independent in 2007 and in recent years has spent millions on national campaigns to tighten US gun laws and reform immigration.
One unnamed Bloomberg adviser told the Times the former mayor believes voters want "a non-ideological, bipartisan, results-oriented vision" that has not been offered in the 2016 election cycle by either political party.
A well-financed presidential run by Bloomberg would likely disrupt the dynamics of the election, but the billionaire would face significant hurdles in a race that has been in full swing for nearly a year.
Related Stories
Trump's lead bodes well for Hillary Clinton's presidential bid 2015-12-25 08:50
Opposition candidate Macri wins Argentina's presidential election 2015-11-23 11:37
Polls close in peaceful Côte d'Ivoire post-war presidential vote 2015-10-26 10:11
Lindsay Lohan announces possible presidential run 2015-10-20 14:20
Republican Scott Walker exits 2016 US presidential race 2015-09-22 10:12
Today's Top News
Global push
AIIB chief vows to run clean, lean, green institution
'More Europe' to deal with 'triple crisis'
China gives beleaguered Tsipras a helping hand
China injects note of confidence in Davos
China and Gulf nations resume free trade talks
IMF starts to select new chief
Merkel insists on European solution for refugee crisis
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Acquisition bandwagon continues to roll |
South China's food touches the heart |
China wins fastener tiff with EU |
Global presence doesn't make a multinational |
Businessman heads revolution in China's canteens |
UK's interest in China boosted by latest BBC TV series |