Obama Eyes Bloomberg as Treasury Secretary

Prez wooing New York City mayor, say sources
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 1, 2010 7:28 AM CDT
Obama Eyes Bloomberg as Treasury Secretary
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg rides in a golf cart driven by President Barack Obama while playing golf at Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard, Friday, Aug. 27, 2010.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

President Obama might be looking to replace oft-criticized Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner…with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. (This particular political rumor courtesy of the New York Post’s Page Six, so take it with a grain or two of salt.) “Obama's looking to do something bold and credible before the election,” a source says. Adding credence to the rumor: The four-hour golf game the two played on Martha’s Vineyard, during which Bloomberg says they discussed the economy.

In addition to “whispers” that Obama took the opportunity to sound Bloomberg out for the job, there’s the fact that “Obama needs Bloomberg more than Bloomberg needs Obama,” the source continues. Bloomberg, who has been speaking on national issues in “key states,” may be eying an indie run for president in 2012, and “would absolutely devastate Obama in states like Florida and New York,” says another source—so it’s in the prez’s best interests to bring his would-be opponent onto the team.
(More Mayor Bloomberg stories.)

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