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Bloomberg Squeaker Embarrasses Obama, Dems

Many bemoan tepid support of Thompson

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2009 9:56 AM CST
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(Newser) – No one thought Bill Thompson had a prayer against Michael Bloomberg—no one, that is, except voters. Bloomberg did indeed win yesterday, but it was a moral defeat for the mayor, who spent $90 million and won by just 5%. And it’s an even bigger embarrassment for Democrats, who are kicking themselves for writing Thompson off, reports Ben Smith. Obama, for example, offered an exceedingly tepid endorsement through a spokesman, who didn’t even mention Thompson’s name.

Backing Bloomberg, a popular nonpartisan figure, rather than a fellow black Democrat may have seemed like a smart political calculation, but it didn’t play well in New York. “Maybe one of those Corzine trips could have been better spent in New York. Who knows?” said New York Rep. Anthony Weiner. To which the White House responded, “Maybe Anthony Weiner should have manned-up and run against Michael Bloomberg.”

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg leaves the voting booth after casting his ballot in New York, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg leaves the voting booth after casting his ballot in New York, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Thompson gestures during his concession speech Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 in New York.
Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Thompson gestures during his concession speech Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Thompson gestures during his concession speech Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 in New York.
Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Thompson gestures during his concession speech Tuesday Nov. 3, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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I’m stunned. Good thing he spent $100-plus million — unless the relentless multimedia barrage reminded folks that Bloomberg was an arrogant, out of touch plutocrat. - Doug Muzzio, professor of public affairs at Baruch College specializing in city politics.

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 27 comments
bewilderbeast
Nov 6, 2009 2:49 AM CST
The Obama White House disappoints more n more as power starts corruptin' . . . I hate the way Obama (or is it his minions?) seem to put the politics of any move before the PRINCIPLE.
thejoint00
Nov 5, 2009 12:23 PM CST
toon- personal weath cannot be taxed to such a degree. and if it can, I'll follow suit with the gays in maine and give my portion to someone that can undermine the will of the people.
NxBigmouthery
Nov 4, 2009 10:26 AM CST
BBT, key line here is 'if (DLY) knew anything about politics.' It is abundantly clear from its posts that DLY has about as much knowledge of politics as my toenail has about futures trading.

 
Barack Obama • New York City • Michael Bloomberg • Democrat • Bill Thompson • mayoral race • Election 09

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