Quantcast The Santa Clara

Current issue:

Bloomberg: A viable Independent

By James Bickford

Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Opinion
Originally published: 1/23/08 at 9:55 PM PST
Last update: 1/23/08 at 9:53 PM PST
  • Print
  • Email
  • Page 1 of 1
In the last two weeks, we have seen different Republicans and Democrats pitted against each other in the historic tradition of our two-party primary election.

I believe that the 2008 election could, and in my opinion should, see an Independent step forward with the political firepower, core competency and dynamic personality capable of truly healing partisan divides and putting the American government back on a productive track.

Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City and multi-billionaire owner of Bloomberg L.P., is the dream candidate for anyone interested in actually forging into reality.

Bloomberg is a highly speculated latecomer to the 2008 presidential election scene. He has positioned himself so that he can step into the race at a moment's notice. And with a billion dollars of his own wealth earmarked for a potential race toward the White House, his newcomer status would not be detrimental to his chances.

He can outspend even the deepest campaign pockets without ever needing to raise a cent. He will also enter the race fresh and untarnished by the mudslinging of the campaign trail.

He is a viable candidate, but why should we be interested in him? I like him because he has the straightforwardness of a John McCain with the high ideals of a Barack Obama. He has the political clout of a Hillary Clinton and has been a more successful mayor than Rudy Giuliani.

He's a super candidate, combining the best qualities of these four major contenders with a down-to-earth common sense rarely seen in politicians. He eloquently combines the ideals of liberalism and conservatism into a vision that appeals to me. Making the system smarter, maintaining fiscal conservation, but continuing social progress, seems to be the mantra of his actions.

During his term as mayor of New York City, he abolished an ineffective educational board, asked the city to hold him responsible and succeeded in significantly raising graduation rates, as well as reading and math scores.

He has used his skills as an entrepreneur in the creation of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers, driving unemployment to record lows.

One of the cornerstones of his political mission is increasing sustainability and smart energy generation and use. As a humble energy nut, I believe he has the most realistic and strategic energy policy of all the candidates.

Among these accomplishments and others, Bloomberg has also managed to bring the city out of a deep recession. Now that the city is experiencing a budget surplus, he has slashed taxes and the city's bond ratings are at an all-time high.

Bloomberg has done amazing work in New York City and has the potential to become a viable candidate. The 2008 election is a pivotal one; our president must be able to address issues of economic recession, environmental policy, partisan divides and much more. I believe that Bloomberg is the man for the job. Don't let time-honored traditions allow you to overlook this Independent.

James Bickford is a senior mechanical engineering major.
Page 1 of 1

Article Tools

Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5

GP in Minnesota

posted 1/24/08 @ 9:44 AM PST

Wonderful article, James. I didn't know anything about Mike Bloomberg until early in 2007. At first I was skeptical about the "billionaire" prefix that often came before his name. (Continued…)

Shilpi Niyogi

posted 1/24/08 @ 1:27 PM PST

James Bickford makes a solid case for why Mayor Mike Bloomberg--a proven leader in business and public service--would be a viable candidate. Let's make him a probable one. (Continued…)

Run Mike Run - Michael Bloomberg for President

posted 1/26/08 @ 7:24 AM PST

Thank you for the press and this wonderful piece on Bloomberg.

James wrote:
> ...he has the straightforwardness of a John McCain
> with the high ideals of a Barack Obama. (Continued…)

Andrew MacRae

posted 1/26/08 @ 11:08 AM PST

Greetings, I am trying to Draft Mike Bloomberg at http://www.uniteformike.com and I could not have put it any better than this.

"He is a viable candidate, but why should we be interested in him? I like him because he has the straightforwardness of a John McCain with the high ideals of a Barack Obama. (Continued…)

Fisher

posted 1/26/08 @ 10:28 PM PST

Mr. Bloomberg's support goes beyond New York. Jon Fisher, a 35-year-old technology entrepreneur in Tiburon, Calif., said Mr. Bloomberg's background appeals to him. (Continued…)

Post a Comment

  • NOTE: Email address will not be published

Type your comment below (html not allowed)

  I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.

Advertisement

Poll

Do you think it is a good thing that the Earthquakes are playing at Buck Shaw?
Submit Vote

View Results

Advertisement