01/26/16 — Spoiler? Bloomberg might not make a splash, but he could cause a serious ripple

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Spoiler? Bloomberg might not make a splash, but he could cause a serious ripple

The possible entry of independent Michael Bloomberg into the presidential race could muddy its already murky waters.

Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, recently said he was considering a run.

A moderate, who was once a Democrat, and then a Republican, Bloomberg says he would offer himself up as a middle-of-the-road alternative to right wing firebrands like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz or to left wing socialists such as Bernie Sanders.

Bloomberg isn't likely to get elected. But he has the resources to make a serious bid and could siphon off voters from other candidates, such as Hillary Clinton, or a more moderate Republican, should one beat out Trump and Cruz.

Bloomberg has reportedly set a March deadline to make a decision on whether to run. He'd be a late entry but a significant one, even if he only plays the spoiler.

Published in Editorials on January 26, 2016 12:29 PM