Bloomberg rules himself out of US presidential race
The only adult left on the American right will not run.
Michael Bloomberg – seemingly the only adult left on the American right – has ruled himself out of a run at the US presidency.
The billionaire fears his candidacy would draw enough Democrats to see Donald Trump or Senator Ted Cruz elected and says "That is not a risk I can take in good conscience."
The New Yorker is one of the few in and around the race to support the TPP. Mr Trump, Republican rival Senator Cruz and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders all strongly oppose the trade agreement, which is expected to face a Congressional vote (and possible presidential veto) in December or later.
Mr Bloomberg began his on-again-off political career as a Democrat before winning the New York mayoralty as a Republican. Since 2007, he has styled himself as an independent.
In a statement, the Bloomberg news service owner and financial data magnate says:
I have known Mr. Trump casually for many years, and we have always been on friendly terms," he wrote. "I even agreed to appear on 'The Apprentice' – twice. But he has run the most divisive and demagogic presidential campaign I can remember, preying on people’s prejudices and fears. Abraham Lincoln, the father of the Republican Party, appealed to our 'better angels.' Trump appeals to our worst impulses.
He adds that Senator Cruz is "no less extreme" and "no less divisive."
The New York Times reports Mr Bloomberg hired dozens of staff and strategists and polled in 22 states as he weighed a presidential run as an independent candidate.
His advisers say Mr Bloomberg was determined to run in the event of a Trump vs Sanders race.
Barring major developments, it now seems Donald Trump will win the Republican nomination while Hillary Clinton has the Democrat race wrapped up.
Mr Bloomberg did not mention Mr Trump or Mrs Clinton today or make any endorsement.
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Bloomberg rules himself out of US presidential race
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