Michael Bloomberg may reconsider a 2020 run if Joe Biden bows out
Don't count former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg out of the 2020 race just yet — not even after he counted himself out.
Bloomberg might reconsider his decision not to run for president in 2020, Axios reports, noting he would be most likely to enter if former Vice President Joe Biden decides not to run. He could also launch a 2020 bid if Biden does enter the race but his campaign doesn't last long. As had been previously reported, Biden had been a major factor in Bloomberg's 2020 decision, as he was reportedly worried about whether there would be a centrist spot for him in the race. Still, the Axios report notes it's possible Bloomberg could reconsider but ultimately just decide not to run a second time.
Bloomberg announced in early March he wouldn't run for president, doing so in an op-ed in which he also spends several paragraphs explaining why he thinks he would make a great president. "I believe I would defeat Donald Trump in a general election," he writes. "But I am clear-eyed about the difficulty of winning the Democratic nomination in such a crowded field." He goes on to say that the best way for him to help the party wouldn't be with a presidential campaign — at least, "for now."
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This op-ed leaves him some wiggle room if he wants to change his mind should the state of the race dramatically change. And it certainly would if Biden, the frontrunner, decided not to run after two women came forward to say he made them feel uncomfortable with unwanted touching. CNN reported on Monday after the second woman came forward that this "won't dissuade [Biden] from running in 2020," although a decision still hasn't been finalized. Last we heard, Biden was expected to announce by Easter.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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