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Mayor Bloomberg calls Obama a 'viable candidate' for 2012
Photo credit: Office of the Mayor
Mayor Michael Bloomberg will “probably not” endorse anyone for president in 2012, but is betting Barack Obama can score a second term despite sagging poll numbers, he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday.
“The incumbents have a real advantage,” Bloomberg said. "If I were the president, I’d go out there and emphasize the things I have done. … I think the president is a very viable candidate.”
A USA Today/Gallup poll on Friday showed most Americans don’t view Obama favorably with 56% saying he’s worse than or just as bad as former President George W. Bush.
The independent mayor didn’t endorse anyone in 2008 either. This election, he isn’t impressed by everyone in the GOP field, saying “some of these candidates’ positions really trouble me.”
While he didn’t name names, Bloomberg said “to not believe in science is just ridiculous” – a reference to candidates, such as Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who’ve questioned evolution and climate change.
Hizzoner, however, did say New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would be a “credible” Republican candidate if he chooses to run, and he’s “shaken things up in a state that’s had problems that have gone on and on and on.” Christie has so far declined to enter the race.
Bloomberg, meanwhile, also talked fixing the economy, but said he isn’t supporting a proposal by fellow billionaire Warren Buffet to raise taxes on the mega-rich.
“The Warren Buffett thing, that’s just theatrics,” said Bloomberg, who believes in raising taxes across the board.
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