Ralph Nader is pretty much an expert on being in presidential elections at this point, but with but with seemingly nothing else to do until he sweeps up less than 1% of the popular vote, he is turning his attention to analyzing other possible candidates. Namely, Mayor Bloomberg. On the Daily Beast, Nader has come up with 21 reasons why Bloomberg would be a formidable opponent to anyone running for president in 2012. But remember, he's (probably) not running!
Among the reasons Bloomberg would make a good candidate are his personal energy, his contributions to many non-profits, and an all-time high of voters registering as Independents. He also writes, "There is deep disappointment with both parties even within their own ranks...These conditions increase the number of voters likely to bolt from their status as hereditary voters—Republican or Democrat. This likelihood is a key factor in Bloomberg overcoming a winner-take-all, electoral college system." However, a recent poll showed that just 19% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the Mayor.
Nader really could have edited the 21 reasons down to a few main points about Bloomberg's criticisms of both Republicans and Democrats, his independent wealth and name-recognition. And what about the oft-heard criticism that the billionaire Mayor doesn't understand the plight of the people? Nader says that these days "people do give billionaires the benefit of the doubt." Just as long as he doesn't show up for dinner.
