Michael Bloomberg to endorse Clinton at Democratic Convention

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Michael Bloomberg will endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday.

“As the nation’s leading independent and a pragmatic business leader Mike has supported candidates from both sides of the aisle,” said Howard Wolfson, an adviser to Bloomberg and a former spokesman for Clinton’s 2008 campaign. “This week in Philadelphia he will make a strong case that the clear choice in this election is Hillary Clinton.”

Bloomberg, 74, has been critical of fellow New York billionaire Trump and earlier this year mulled an independent run for the White House.

In a March 7 column explaining his decision not to proceed, Bloomberg cited the risk that he might inadvertently help Trump or Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who at the time was still vying for the Republican nomination, become president.

“Given her demographic targets, Bloomberg is good get for @HillaryClinton,” David Axelrod, chief strategist for Barack Obama’s two successful presidential campaigns, said on Twitter.

It may not sit as well with supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s primary opponent, who has railed against “the enormous political power of the billionaire class.”

Bloomberg endorsed Obama, a Democrat, for re-election in 2012, highlighting the issue of climate change as well as abortion rights and marriage equality. He didn’t endorse in the 2008 election, and backed Republican George W. Bush in 2004.

Bloomberg is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News. He was elected New York mayor as a Republican in 2001 and 2005, and to a third term as an independent. Bloomberg was a member of the Democratic Party before 2001.

(c) 2016, Bloomberg ยท Steven T. Dennis

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