The Independent - 05.03.2020

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coverage with glossy ads seemed to have an effect, with Bloomberg jumping into the national conversation
and a number of polls. He certainly rattled enough of his competitors to bring on complaints that he was
buying his way into contention.


Having avoided any forced public appearances until 19 February and the ninth democratic debate – an age
in these political times – the plan was to make an impact and then use that momentum to carry him through
the next debate and then Super Tuesday. It was a gamble not to be in the ballot for the first four contests –
Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina – and appearing on the debate stage it looked to have
backfired.


Bloomberg stumbled, with other candidates sensing an easy target – with the billionaire having already
faced tough questions (beyond his wealth) on the stop-and-frisk policy while he was New York mayor,
which targeted men of colour disproportionately, as well as a number of instances of poorly judged
comments about women and minorities. Elizabeth Warren in particular went for jugular and left Bloomberg
looking vulnerable. It was a stark contrast to the calm presence that many across the country previously saw
on their screens.


Having promised to wield his mammoth field operation in the name of whoever is crowned the democratic
nominee, Bloomberg cannot slink away to quietly lick his wounds


Bloomberg was steadier during the 10th debate, but Warren seemed to almost take it as her job to press
him. And the damage looked to have been done. Having talked so big, Bloomberg looked to scale back on
Tuesday, saying that his only chance of winning would be a brokered convention. On Wednesday he finally
admitted the truth, he was not the only candidate that could beat Trump – Joe Biden has a better chance.


The worst campaign ever? That will be one for history to judge, but the sums involved are akin to a small
nation’s GDP. Pete Buttigieg in particular will feel aggrieved that Bloomberg at least probably stopped him
taking a run at Super Tuesday. Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren would have all loved to
have had Bloomberg’s reserves of cash.


He would probably want to slink away quietly and lick his wounds – but having promised to wield his
mammoth field operation in the name of whoever is crowned the democratic nominee, Bloomberg cannot.
Biden will no doubt appreciate the extra staff and clout as he looks to fend off the challenge from Bernie
Sanders. The former vice president would be stupid to look a gift horse in the mouth.


But this will not save face for Bloomberg; his run will act as a warning to those thinking they are above the
process of convincing voters through hard graft over months. Although he can’t say he hasn’t had an impact
on the race.


It is not the place in history that Bloomberg wants, but it is one he will have to occupy. The Democratic
Party will probably be hoping not to see his big-spending like again.

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