How to Run for President as an Independent Like Michael Bloomberg
Mayors are not often at the top of the list of people thought of as future presidents. No mayor has ever garnered enough support to be the nominee of a major political party. However, in months leading up to the 2008 presidential election, many people pointed to New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg as someone who might run as an independent and win the White House.
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Instructions
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Get experience working with Republicans and Democrats. Mayer Bloomberg was a Democrat his entire life until he ran for mayor of New York as a Republican. Working with both political parties is a good way to show voters you can bring the two sides together.
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Declare your independence. To run as an independent, you cannot be affiliated with a political party. In June 2007, Bloomberg left the Republican Party and declared himself as independent. This generated significant media buzz and brought attention to Bloomberg.
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Take bold positions against both major political parties. As soon as Bloomberg ended his party affiliation, he began criticizing Republicans for their positions on social issues, such as stem cell research, gun control and illegal immigration, and he took after Democrats on fiscal issues, such as taxes and spending.
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Consider a running mate who has appeal to voters from both major parties. At one point, Bloomberg was said to be feeling out Senator Chuck Hagel as a vice-presidential candidate. Hagel is a moderate politician who leans conservative on many fiscal issues, but has won plaudits from liberals and independent voters.
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Be independently wealthy. Michael Bloomberg's billionaire status has the potential to help a bid for president in several ways. It would allow him to spend as much money as necessary for the campaign without wasting any time fundraising. Using his own money is a way to further highlight his independence because he would not be reliant on money from interest groups or corporations.
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Participate in high-profile events to draw attention to your possible candidacy. In January 2008, Bloomberg participated in a summit meeting of top governmental leaders who discussed ways to unify the country around moderate principals. The summit gained significant media attention and raised speculation that Bloomberg might be a serious candidate for president. He ultimately decided not to run.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid ducking tough questions like other politicians. Michael Bloom berg has a reputation for answering questions straight forwardly. For instance, he once admitted using marijuana and added "and I enjoyed it."
