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From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
See if you can figure out who said this:
–"Both parties follow the mood of the moment – instead of leading from the front... Especially in these tough times, we need our leaders to inspire the whole country – not criticize half of it.
- "As families struggle to get by, they have seen little but partisan gridlock, political pandering and legislative influence-peddling. Finger-pointing, blame games, and endless attacks."
- "We've got to pull together, and focus on what's important for America – and then roll up our sleeves and fix the things that need fixing. This is the greatest nation on earth..."
- "We need to shift course. We need those in government to stop demagoguing and start delivering."
–"Today, we again have our future in our own hands. We can blame others or we can put our nose to the grindstone and get back to work. We can keep kicking the can down the road and allow the country to fall farther behind... or we can face up to the hard choices."
These comments are part of a speech made by a man who has said over and over and over again that he's not interested in national political office. Doesn't sound like it, does it?
The sweeping speech was actually given by the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, in which he calls for "a middle way" in government.
Maybe the Republican-turned-Independent Bloomberg is thinking the same thing a lot of the rest of us are: when you look at the possible presidential candidates for 2012, it's pretty much a yawn.
Sarah Palin? Don't make me laugh. Mitt Romney? Been there, done that. Barack Obama? Probably, but he could lose.
Here's my question to you: What do you suppose New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is up to?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
David in Las Vegas writes:
America needs a strong independent "party" and Bloomberg is the right guy at the right time. President Obama has sadly disappointed the Democrats, Independents, and crossover Republicans that elected him. That ship has sailed and the country needs to look for a leader who can stop the downward spiral of the world's biggest superpower.
Tricia writes:
He's going to run. He realizes that the two top party contenders will be disasters in the making and that the country cannot stand for another 6 years the way things are going now. How unique would that be, a grown-up in the White House for a change!
Carol in Northampton, Massachusetts writes:
Bloomberg's gravitas gives him a bully pulpit and he should preach loud and clear, but in the end, not run. If he split the independent vote, who knows what scary creature might slip through?
Scott in Freeport, Illinois writes:
I think in the end Mayor Michael Bloomberg will make a run for president right along with Donald Trump!
Pete in Georgia writes:
Jack, Bloomberg is up to his eyeballs in pre-presidential positioning. A very successful businessman (billionaire) has learned the fine art of political maneuvering in the NYC political arena (or should I say zoo?). A Republican when first elected (good memories of Giuliani required a Republican to follow him). He then became an Independent to get reelected (by then a Republican couldn't get elected in NYC). Then he needed a 3rd term in spite of the 2 term limit. He sounds like a typical lifetime politician looking for the next office he can buy.
Tom in Atlanta writes:
Simple, Jack. He's making perfect sense. I believe his time has come.
Mark in Oklahoma City writes:
Jack, Bloomberg is one of the richest men in the world so I would imagine most of your faithful viewers don't give a damn what he's up to! We are trying to keep our jobs and pay our bills, so we don't really spend a lot of time sitting around the dinner table asking one another, "Oh, by the way, honey, do you have any idea what Bloomberg is up to?" This question must have come from Wolf.