Bloomie's the One?

[Nostromo]

Now it gets interesting. N

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...oomberg111.xml

[Space Tycoon]

I've been saying for a very long time on these forums that America sorely needs more than two parties. Not just in the race for the presidency, but at the Congressional level as well.

But I'm not convinced Bloomie is "the one," as you say. I think we've all seen the failings and inadequacies of self-styled "centrist" candidates, from Clinton to Blair to Paul Martin. Be all things to all people, and you please no-one.

I prefer smaller political parties based on shared principles and values, even if those values seem "extreme" to their critics. Each one would represent the views and interests of some portion of the country, and at least you would know what you were getting.

Take France for example: whether you backed Sarkozy, Royal, Bayrou or Le Pen, you have to admit the voters in the recent contest had a real choice between some distinctly different leaders, each with a unique vision of which direction their nation should have taken.

If conciliation or moderation is called for, then form coalitions, as is the case in parliamentary systems of Europe and elsewhere. This is how real reform gets done.

Anyway I'm getting off topic as I often do. I'll wait and see what Bloomberg does and says before I decide what position to take on him.

For the moment I'm still pushing for Ron Paul or Chuck Hagel (if he ever decides to run). Tancredo looks promising also.






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[Nostromo]

Well I like the idea that Bloomberg can and would finance his campaign out of pocket.
If you can get to the White House on your own dime - you don't owe any favours.
That's a great way to start a Presidency for change.

N

[Space Tycoon]

The plot thickens...

Chuck Hagel has hinted at a possible third-party run for the White House in 2008, possibly with Bloomberg as his running mate!

Come to think of it, it makes sense, if one is trying to draw from the great mass of jilted Republican voters and conservative Democrats.

The Republican Party has often enjoyed success with a conservative-moderate ticket. Hagel would appeal to red-state voters tired of Bush's War, while Bloomberg would appeal to moderate, Eastern Republicans fearful of the growing influence of the Christian Right.

Even though I disagree with a great deal of what Bloomie stands for, he may yet serve as the catalyst for a successful independent Presidency.

Maybe...





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[neglet]

I heard today that Hagel was considering a run as an independent, but I seriously doubt Bloomberg would accept being his running mate. He doesn't strike me as the type to play second banana to anybody ... especially not with his money.

[Space Tycoon]

Perhaps Bloomberg will provide the much-needed finance that Hagel has thus far lacked.

Kind of a political "angel investor."

But I agree, neither of these two alpha personalities seem the type to relinquish the leadership role, to follow in another's path.







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[Nostromo]

I agree Bloomberg will not settle for number 2.
But with Hagel's war record, if it came down to him or Bloomie, the Indy's would probably pick Hagel. In a country at war, this guy oozes credibility as a Commander in Chief.
His military background is bullet proof plus, he has foreign policy credentials.

N

[Space Tycoon]

Yeah, I hate to sound like I'm gushing, particularly for a politician, but to my American friends, I would say, keep a close eye on Senator Hagel.

He could very well be your next President--and an independent at that!






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