Michael Bloomberg is leaving the Republican Party

One of America's best mayors is disillusioned by what is happening in Washington, and is saying good-bye to a party that once stood for efficient and effective government and non-interventionalism.  New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as of today, is no longer a Republican:

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday switched his partystatus from Republican to unaffiliated, a stunning move certain to beseen as a prelude to an independent presidential bid that would upendthe 2008 race.

The billionaire former CEO, who was a lifelongDemocrat before he switched to the GOP for his first mayoral run, saidthe change in voter registration does not mean he is running forpresident.

"Although my plans for the future haven't changed, Ibelieve this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have ledand will continue to lead our city," he said.

"The politics of partisanshipand the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making,primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are notbeing addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy," he said in a speechMonday at the start of a University of Southern California conferenceabout the advantages of nonpartisan governing.

People are tired of nothing getting done in this country.  They want leaders that consider solutions before political calculation.

Bloomberg's decision today might be the single most profound step ever taken since 1992 in helping lay a foundation for a multi-party system of governance.

Comments

[George]

This is great. No Republican or pseudo Republican (Hillary Clinton) can possibly be the next president. we cant be that lazy. we just cant be.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

I've been looking at some polling data, and it turns out that Bloomberg would take a lot of votes away from Giuliani...if Giuliani were the Republican nominee.

Clinton v Giuliani: http://www.pollster.com/blogs/poll_surveyusa_16_giuliani_vs.php
Clinton v Giuliani v Bloomberg: http://www.pollster.com/blogs/poll_surveyusa_16_3way_general.php

[Robt]

Bloomberg in my opinion seems to be much the businessman when it come to party, idealology. Which ever gives him the most votes is where he wants to be. So it is always his own personal business he cares about. Public service is simply a tool for him to profit and meet many people he can profit with.

[Mebert78]

Bloomberg is a great man. I work at a news organization and answered the phone when he called once. I was surprised at his playfulness and the fact that he called himself. I feel that Bloomberg has proved himself well as Mayor. He presents himself genuinely and instills confidence. It's a great decision to walk his own path and separate himself from the major parties. He is no puppet, and never will be. I'm a fan! A fan, i say!

[Tony]

Bloomberg is a great businessman, and I think has a place (somewhere) on the Hill, just not as President and I'll give you my opinion on why.

I am from NY (Long Island) and worked a good portion of my adult life in Manhattan. Bloomberg did a lot of good for the city, but was "hated before he was liked". He comes across as cocky and arrogant in a "it's going to be my way" way. Even if he is right about everything, I'm not sure if the way he carries himself would be good for a president...not in today's world anyway.