Joe Biden is a well-known gaffe machine. He has made some of the most outlandish statements on the campaign trail and elsewhere over the years. In an opinion piece last fall, Larry Elder pointed out some of the more laughable examples, for example, “’Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids.’ — Biden, Aug. 8, 2019.”
But at least Biden’s gaffes are idiotic verbal blunders that generally don’t have anything to do with policy or derogatory opinions about others.
The same cannot be said about former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who is running for the Democrat presidential nomination this year. His career is littered with ridiculous public statements on a variety of important topics that he has later spun, finessed or tried to hide. In addition, some of his policy positions are outside the mainstream and are only now being discussed by the legacy media because his nearly $400 million investment in campaign advertising has vaulted him into third place, nationwide, and second place in California, according to the latest poll averages at Real Clear Politics.
In advance of tonight’s Star Wars bar scene debate, let’s go through a list of some of Bloomberg’s more memorable – forgettable? – past statements, positions, and revelations and see how they might affect certain blocs of voters.
- As NYC mayor, he tried to ban “large sugary beverages” (“Big Gulps”). Say good-bye to independent-minded voters tired of the Nanny State.
- In 2011, he “hired his magazine publishing friend with ZERO QUALIFICATIONS to run New York City’s Schools.” She quit after 95 days. Say good-bye to the anti-nepotism and anti-corruption vote.
FUN FACT: In 2011, Bloomberg hired his magazine publishing friend with ZERO QUALIFICATIONS to run New York City's Schools… and it was such a disaster that she was forced to step down after 95 days.
She ACTUALLY suggested the solution to overcrowded schools was birth control.
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) February 13, 2020
- In 2012, he proposed a ban on baby formula (for real!). Say good-bye to the libertarian vote.
- In this video, he stated that care should be denied to people “after a certain age” because it’s “not worth it.” Say good-bye to the seniors vote.
This video of Bloomberg saying we should deny care to people once they're past a certain age (because it isn't worth it) is everything about him which is so awful.https://t.co/iL1FGf3Ha0
— The Meturgeman (@HaMeturgeman) February 16, 2020
- Back in December, he unveiled a sweeping gun control plan that is far outside the mainstream (and unconstitutional). Say good-bye to the 2A support vote.
- He infamously dissed farmers in this video. Say good-bye to the agriculture vote.
Bloomberg on why farmers can’t work in information technology
MB: “I can teach anyone how to be a farmer 1 dig a hole 2 put a seed in 3 put dirt on top 4 add water 5 up comes the corn”
The skill 4information technology is completely different you need more grey matter#farmers pic.twitter.com/HM13tA6goz
— Pete (@NYBackpacker) February 15, 2020
- His employees kept a book on his “sexist, crude, and off-color remarks” that they heard him make over the years. Say good-bye to the feminist/women vote.
- He claimed that a credible third party was needed before believing a woman about a rape allegation. Good-bye to the rest of #MeToo/women vote.
- He claimed that excessive spending on campaign ads is “obscene.” Say good-bye to people-who-hate-hypocrites vote.
- His Chinese business ties are an YUUUGE conflict of interest. Say good-bye to the anti-corruption vote.
- He’s got an extensive past with Republicans as this Twitter thread details. It’s quite amazing! Say good-bye to the Bernie bro (and other rabid Democrats) vote.
The degree to which Michael Bloomberg is using his fortune to fundamentally alter & manipulate U.S. politics to his personal advantage extends way beyond ads. I've worked against him, covered him as a journalist & worked with his top aides. Here’s their playbook: (1/17)
— Blake Zeff (@blakezeff) February 13, 2020
- How about making a fool of himself in this idiotic football video? Say good-bye the serious people vote.
OMG it gets worse
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) February 16, 2020
- Lastly, there are his shocking comments on stop-and-frisk. Say good-bye to the minority vote.
After reviewing the above, I’m not sure what his constituency is at this point. Will he be asked about any of those topics during the debate? If so, it could get interesting.
Lastly, if any of his opponents on the stage tonight were wise, they would have paid to broadcast this ad by Redstate colleage Brandon Morse on all channels before and after the debate.
Laugh. Out. Loud! Mini-Mike is going nowhere fast.
The end.
P.S. Check out the debate live-blog here at Redstate for all the action.