Bloomberg Out

In what can be considered good news for John McCain and his supporters, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg finally said he isn't running for president.

In the opinion piece, Bloomberg said he's hopeful that the current Democratic and Republican campaigns will address an independent approach to governing.

"I have watched this campaign unfold, and I am hopeful that the current campaigns can rise to the challenge by offering truly independent leadership," he said. "The most productive role that I can serve is to push them forward, by using the means at my disposal to promote a real and honest debate."

Bloomberg could also play a role in the election if he makes an endorsement. He is good friends with McCain, and he also likes Obama, Halperin said.

I think Bloomberg's idea was to run as an independent if a more staunch conservative, along the lines of Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney would have emerged as the front runner of the Republican nomination process. Once McCain, the more moderate Republican, took the lead, he realized his campaign wouldn't have been necessary.

As far as the endorsement goes, I know the article makes it seem like it's pretty even between McCain and Obama, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't John McCain. McCain is much more in line with Bloomberg's positions. People tend to forget that Barack Obama is undeniably liberal on almost all issues. I think the more and more the campaign goes on, the moderate Republicans and some independents won't be as attracted to Obama.

The constituency Bloomberg represents are a canvas of independents and moderate Republicans who are put off by the Evangelical stranglehold on the RNC. Issue by issue, these types probably have more in common with McCain than Obama, with the only real potential exception being the war for some.