Now that Bloomberg is officially out, some are wondering if he’ll endorse anyone in the general. The thought is that his endorsement could matter, especially in Florida.
Would it make any differnce? And if it would what way do you think he’ll go?
My own bias is that endorsements matter little. In that regard I appreciate Richardson’s self awareness that “… an endorsement by me, I don’t think it is that significant” But then again, Charlie Crist’s McCain endorsement was widely credited with making a difference in Florida. And Bloomberg has deep pockets if he really gets behind someone. And his endorsement of economic policies may carry some weight with financial conservatives.
Which way will he go, if he goes? Well the linked article makes a reasoned analysis and I’ll add in what Bloomberg has said about Obama’s economic policies:
He’s at least as important as any governor of any state, and more important than the governor of some states.
If he breaks Obama-wards, he may pull some nominally republican votes over. If he breaks McCain-wards… hard to tell if he’ll pull some nominally republican votes back from Obama. Might. He’s smart, respected, and someone who is known for honestly trying to do a good job, rather than gain power.
I was at the Rally a couple hours ago and if you nice folks here at the SDMB will allow a little virtual yelling -
{{{{{{{{HOLY COW THAT WAS a MOBBED FRIGGIN STADIUM!!!}}}}}
For a state Clinton is likely to do well in, he drew an amazing crowd! People of all walks of life were cheering and shouting it was difficult to imagine he brings so much joy to so many different folks. It was fantastic!
Now on to your OP. I’ve heard rumblings over the last fews days that Bloomberg has mentioned Barack in a favorable way several times, and has commended him on is ideas for National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank. An endorsement by Bloomberg for Barack would be a logical step…He does appear to be heading down that road to an endorsement of Barack.
Barack is getting backed by more and more legislators and senators every day - the tides are already showing a turn [and have been for some time]…
I think this pundit is incorrectly viewing the Jewish vote in Florida as a swing vote. It’s not. And I know Bloomberg is Jewish, but that doesn’t guarantee him as a potential vote-changer among older Jews.
I agree that he could help persuade some independents that Obama’s economy policies are sound, though. That could be a valuable endorsement.
Bloomberg has some clout. Of course, his clout could depend on who he endorses. If he endorses McCain, it would definitely help, but not as much as it would for Obama. Obama would get a hearty pat on the back from Wall Street (even though they’ve been getting some scratch from Wall Street…more so than in recent years).
For being an allegedly post-partisan sort of guy, he’s sure willing to invest himself in a big way in maintaining the GOP’s slipping grasp on the NY state Senate.
After all, one Republican endorsing another in a general election is really no big deal.