Bloomberg did not walk away from his independent run without getting something from Obama, what was

[CK_John]

that something?

Originally I thought Bloomberg wanted to be named VP, but I now believe Bloomberg settled for the right to be in on the selection process and possible veto vote.

Do you agree and what do you think he got?

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Did I miss something?

Was there anything more than just some speculation of a third party run?

[CK_John]

2. With 60bil and a team of lawyers in every state waiting to file to get you on the ballot that is

more than spectulation.

[rosesaylavee]

3. I think the polls at the time indicated that he had little chance of

doing anything but losing a heck of a lot of money.

[saltpoint]

4. Hi, CK_John. Just my take, but I feel that Bloomberg's potential

candidacy was obviated by Obama's primary win.

Early on, Bloomberg must have taken a look at the 12 or 14 Republicans running in the primaries and must have said to himself, "Hell, I can take any one of these fools with a bag over my face and both hands tied behind my back."

He might also have considered that if Sen. Clinton won the nomination (for all of 2007 she handily led in all polling), he could slip in as an extremely well-financed 3rd party Indie pick JUST to the left of Clinton and of course blow the hapless McCain out of the water.

When Obama prevailed in the primaries, IMO it obviated Bloomberg's rationale for an independent run. He knew he could have been competitive if not for independents already so committed to Obama.

It is possible that in the meetings between Obama and Bloomberg, an arrangement was forged, but it seems likely to me to have no nefarious aspect. It might involve Bloomberg helping with cash for a cause that needs it and which Obama wants as definitional to his presidency. The commitment of the government under Obama to the Gulf Coast, for example, or some other issue. I have no idea what issue, but my thought is that no dirty deal was done, only a possible positive one.

[CK_John]

7. I hope it was something better than his resent project with Bill Gates. n/t

[stray cat]

5. I never got the impression Bloomberg wanted in if two perceived moderates were running

The independent group he is as part of didn't want a radical left and radical right wing candidate and if that happened Bloomberg could run right up the middle.

[grantcart]

6. you do realize that 98% of the American public has no idea who Bloomberg is

[ecstatic]

8. Bloomberg's popularity outside NY is a media fabrication, IMO

Nobody cares about Bloomberg!

[Kahuna]

10. Ding ding ding ding ding! Nobody knows what he stands for.....

And nobody cares. :shrug:

[Warren Stupidity]

9. He Got Nothing.

His 'independent run' never existed other than as a brief trial balloon that popped.