Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York City, sensing that the space for an Independent candidacy was growing smaller by the day, made an official withdrawal from the race for the Presidency last week:
Michael Bloomberg is a twice elected Republican, "lifelong Democrat," and current Independent who has a record as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and liberal. Last year, he piqued the interest of the national media when he resigned from the Republican Party and criticized President Bush and then floated the idea of spending a billion dollars on an independent bid for the Presidency.
On the Republican ticket, Bloomberg's liberal stances on social issues would attract Democratic leaning independents and cut into Obama's support. However, it would also completely redefine the Republican Party and would result in a leftward shift in the American political divide. It would confirm conservatives' worst fears about McCain.
On the Democratic ticket, Bloomberg's business acumen would appeal to Republican leaning independents and independent Republicans who have already shown an affinity towards Obama. Additionally, he would bring executive experience and some gray hair to the ticket.
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