Veepstakes: Bloomberg, Romney

Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 9:23 AM by Domenico Montanaro

BLOOMBERG: Don't believe the NYC mayor and ex-CEO is interested in being Obama's second banana? Then take a look at THIS newsy NYT lead. "It was only hours after Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg finally made it clear that he was not running for president that his chief political guru, Kevin Sheekey, suggested that he would be the perfect running mate for Senator Barack Obama.

"In presenting Mr. Obama, Mr. Bloomberg pointedly noted that he had not endorsed a candidate, saying that now was the time for people to listen to the candidates’ ideas. Referring to the “private breakfast” the two men shared at a Midtown coffee shop in November with a throng of news media pressed against the window, Mr. Bloomberg joked that it was his pleasure to introduce him, “and not just because he picked up the check.”

“Mr. Obama had kind words for Mr. Bloomberg as well, saying that he had ‘demonstrated extraordinary leadership.’ He joked: ‘The reason I bought breakfast is because I expected payback. I’m no dummy. The mayor was a cheap date that morning. There are some good steakhouses in this city.’”

ROMNEY: It is remarkable how much Mitt Romney is helping McCain. If you didn't believe it before, then believe it now, this guy wants the second slot... badly.

"Relaxed and tan after a little time off the campaign trail, Romney said McCain, whose credentials he once questioned, was ready to face the challenges of a fragile economy and the threat of violent jihadists. The former Massachusetts governor recently told Fox News that he would be honored to be McCain's vice president. On Thursday, he said McCain was ‘without question the right person to be the next president of the United States.’

“He pledged to do whatever was necessary to convince the American people ‘just how important it is to have a man of integrity, experience and capacity, who's been tested time and again, to lead our great nation.’

“McCain's advisors have cautioned that joint appearances with prominent vice presidential contenders should not be interpreted as auditions. For his part, the candidate would not comment on whether he was considering Romney or Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. -- but he lavished praise on both."

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Comments

As much as I like Bloomberg, he would not be the perfect running for two reasons. First, all who have pursued higher office after being NYC mayor failed. Thus, with Bloomberg as a running mate for higher office, Obama will lose. And second, Bloomberg will not help Obama win crucial swing states. This is all too bad, because Bloomberg would make a perfect "experienced" counterpart to Obama's inexperience.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:30 AM)

I'm going to get me a store front and start telling fortunes. I'll make a mint! A mint I tell you! squintz's next prediction - Wisconsin wins it all, baby! All of it!

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:31 AM)

Obama needs a running mate that will stroke his huge ego.

Janis, Richmond VA (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:32 AM)

I'm so glad Obama has a great sense of humor. I luv reading this stuff!!

Keith in PA (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:34 AM)

I think Bloomberg would make a perfect Treasury Secretary, or Fed Chief when Bernake's time is up. Obama will need to have either Biden, Kathleen Sebelius or Janet Napolitano on the ticket. Biden for obvious reasons and then he can have Richardson as Sec of State. Either Kathleen or Janet to shore up the women vote by having a very qualified woman and potential successor on the ticket.

James G., Oak Park, MI (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:39 AM)

No way, Pat. He would be perfect because he is a micromanager, Obama is very much not, and he's an operations man, Obama is not. Furthermore, he's white, he's Jewish, and he used to be a Republican. He's a self-made billionaire and is unmarried and short. Obama carries the family man, people power, charisma, tall and handsome bit, so whatever personal lifestyle things Bloomberg has that most presidents don't is moot. Not to mention, they're both brilliant. It's really a super duper excellent ticket. It will be a STEAMROLL. Who's McCain going to pick to stop them? Romney? Against BLOOMBERG? Come on now.

It's true that there are very few mayors in history who have risen to higher office because of the disconnect between local city politics and non-city politics, but mayors like Bloomberg (or Rendell, for example) who are seen as favorable leaders by suburbanites and on the national scene have a better shot. Bloomberg fits the bill perfectly. Guiliani had nothing on this guy. 311 alone is the greatest policy improvement I've ever seen. Can you imagine if they had something like that on a national scale? Oh, the productivity! Bestill my heart!

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:40 AM)

A Mccain and Romney ticket would be perfect. Romney is a pro when it comes to the economy, and Mccain is a hero, and he will make a great commander and chief. Right now the democrats are attacking Mccain on his lack of knowledge about the economy, and frankly that is a very important issue for most Americans right now. Mccain also needs all of Romneys supporters, which are many. Romney is the smart choice for VP. MCCAIN & ROMNEY 2008!!!

Joseph, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:52 AM)

I believe Obama needs to choose someone with extraordinary foreign policy experience to offset his relatively light work overseas.
There is only one...JOE BIDEN, and all should agree that a OBAMA/BIDEN ticket would be awesome and tough to beat.

pittsburgh dem (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 9:58 AM)

Joseph, Grand Rapids, MI - Amen to that my friend, we'll see you in the fall!

pittsburgh dem - why does everyone think foregin policy is going to be at the front of the issues line? A baboon has better foreign policy credentials than Bush, McCain is on the wrong side of history, and Obama can collect all the Bidens and Powells in the world to campaign for him. I love Biden, but VP material he is not. Except that he makes great jokes during debates. And he would rip Romeny apart...I'll entertain the thought, but I just don't think it makes sense all together.

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:18 AM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Romney 'mispeaks' about as often as HRC, he could be the death knell to McCain's campaign.

twocanpete (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:23 AM)

Sorry, I'm sure Sen. Obama would appreciate the Jewish vote and indeed Mr. Bloomberg is tremendously successful, however, Sen Obama really needs a seasoned statesman by his side....I would like that to be Richardson....but Biden would work as well.

garyd, amherst, nh (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:25 AM)

There are several months to go, I believe a lot of people deserve consideration on both sides. I would take a hard look at Bloomberg, who wouldn't...but there are many other very qualified individuals that I'm sure would be on any Obama short list.

We are still keeping our eye on the prize of Obama getting the Dem. nomination. I am a supporter but know full well that there are primary battles still to be waged.

Obama for President 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:30 AM)

No to Biden, richardson, and clinton. the VP should be Jim Webb from Virginia. he is in a swing state and has EXCELLENT foreign policy experience, being sec of defense under Reagan and could help with conservative voters how recognize his moderate and substantial pedigree!

Allen (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:33 AM)

Obama/Bloomberg 08

Richardson for Secretary of State
Biden is not a good idea for running mate. He would be a great Defense secretary IMO.

Dick Lugar will be in there somehow as well either as Defense man or something big..

Bloomberg bring ALOT financially, economically and intellectually.

Bill Clinton will be Ambassador to UN and Hill Will run for Mayor of NYC..

Nj (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:39 AM)

Obamas running-mate needs to be someone with a military record and strong credentials. My guess is someone like Senator Jim Webb of Virginia.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:53 AM)

I don't think that Obama's that stupid. Other than some in the Northeast and the Moveon.org types Bloomburg won't fly with the real America.

John Billings (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:57 AM)

Obama/Bloomberg: absolutely brilliant!

John Mehan, San Francisco, CA (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 10:59 AM)

It's the economy stupids!

Yes, Bloomberg would give Obama HUGE STREET CRED to get the economy back on track!

Obama has enough foreign policy exp. Unlike Bush Jr, Reagan, Carter, Clinton, etc., yet still won.

Obama needs an ECONOMIC wing man!

In an ideal world, I would have chosen Kathleen Sebelius, but Bloomberg's financial exp. would be a huge plus!

RobK, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 11:00 AM)

I have to concur with garyd, amherst, nh,. Bill Richardson would be an excellent running mate with Obama.

Richardson has the experience that many feel Obama does not possess at this time, and he is pragmatic at a time we need someone to be.

Quintin Jordon, Roscoe, IL (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 11:34 AM)

Mitt Romney IS NOT his father, George Romney who led the State of Michigan several years ago.

"Nuff Said" (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 11:40 AM)

The bar for Obama's VP has been raised - White, older, guy, war veteran, foreign policy credentials, outside washington, jewish, CEO type. This is where human cloning can help

For Hillary - She finally admitted to being a human so need a VP from outerspace. May be Dennis Kucinich can contact his ET friends. Wait we have Bill Clinton, the perfect candidate to be a heartbeat away from Presidency.

For McCain - a minority (black or woman or hispanic), a conservative, someone who can do math (2+2=4) when he needs help on Economy, young, someone with good memory, outside washington

Gary, Cleveland, OH (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 12:49 PM)

Jim Webb as VP would be the best move for Obama. A strong cabinet would include, Richardson SOS, Joe Biden SOD, Dick Lugar NSA, Bloomberg SOT, Edwards AG, Hillary Clinton SOE, and Bill Clinton as Embassador to UK.

FJ, Philadelphia PA (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 12:55 PM)

I'm still hoping Obama will choose a female running mate with strong "heartland" credentials, like Napolitano of Sebelius. Having a woman like either of them on the ticket would be a great way to attract back disgruntled Hillary supporters. They're both eminently qualified and from good states in crucial areas of the country. As my esteemed fellow Michigander James G said above, Richardson could be of better use in another area, and Bloomberg would be good for Treasury Secretary. I seem to remember a fellow named Lieberman who didn't do much to shore up the ticket in 2000. Maybe the Northeast just isn't the place to grab running mates from anymore.

Chris, MI (Sent Friday, March 28, 2008 1:07 PM)

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