Report: Bloomberg And Scarborough Exploring A 2012 Ticket? (Update)

by Colby Hall | 7:56 am, November 17th, 2010

» 13 comments

Is it silly season already? Howard Fineman is reporting exploratory discussions between New York Mayor (and media mogul) Michael Bloomberg and MSNBC’s Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough regarding “whether they could be an independent presidential ticket in 2012.” If that sounds absurd, Fineman also reports that “The White House is nervously watching what is going on” adding, so closely that David Axelrod, “made sure to attend a dinner hosted by Bloomberg in New York City.” Wait, what? Sounds fun!

Writing for the Huffington Post, long-time beltway insider Howard Fineman reports:

They’re the Odd Couple of Guys Outside the System.

The two are friends and, in both public and private, mutual admirers. They spent the day after the midterm elections complimenting each other at a Harvard symposium — Vanity Fair was there to document it all for a spring issue — bemoaning the same political rift they may try to exploit to win the White House.

Well-placed sources tell The Huffington Post that the mayor and the host have talked about running together, with Bloomberg in the top spot. In an interview, Scarborough, a former GOP congressman from Florida, issued a firm yet carefully-worded denial. “We haven’t discussed it directly,” he said, adding, “Have people discussed it in his sphere and in my sphere? I think so.”

Fineman proceeds to explain, quite logically, how and why the two hybrid politico-media figures make sense as a candidate. Bloomberg is reported to have $20 Billion in cash and a sense of ambition (ego?) to match the needs of a presidential campaign. Scarborough has carved out the attractive niche of being an iconoclastic and moderate Republican figure who has spent years as a media figure and has hone his communication and debate skills.

That said, this will never work. It would be great fun (and perhaps even great for the country) if Bloomberg-Scarborough was a legitimate third party ticket in 2012, but it seems a far-fetched notion at best. One can only wonder who is behind this story, though Fineman makes it sound as though insiders with both men have supported this notion, if even only theoretically.

Read Fineman’s full report here – it’s a well-reasoned and logical report of why this ticket makes sense. And though the odds seem long at this point, but it will be fun and interesting to follow nonetheless.

Update: On Morning Joe today Scarborough rebuked Fineman’s report, and a source close to the situation tells Mediaite that “Fineman is being played.” We will have more on this report as video becomes available.

2012 Election, Howard Fineman, joe scarborough, Michael Bloomberg

http://www.facebook.com/people/Dronetek-Bulk-Vanderhuge/100000918732763 Dronetek

What makes Joe or Mediaite think hes got a chance? The voters just REJECTED the left wing ideology Joe and Bloomberg represent.

Oh I forgot. We’re in left wing self delusion land.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

Colby Hall said:
Is it silly season already?

It’s always silly season when Howard Fineman is reporting. He’s one of Keith Olbermann’s bestest buddies.
http://politicsofdestruction.com/ Bobomatic

Joe (morning joke) Scarborough is a legend in his own mind. A smug, narcissistic talk show host and billionaire do not make an electable ticket. Mutt and Jeff can keep on dreaming, but it ain’t gonna happen.
TfT

Uh oh, I guess Rachel will have to throw a hissy fit — a potential VEEP candidate posing as a journolist, shame on MSNBC for allowing him to have a venue.

Well, maybe not, she only uses that argument against FNC contributors, when it’s in her own house, I presume she will ignore it.
Just4thefax

Fact: I thought Al Frankin was a joke too.
Big Eddie

Don’t discount the inevitable Anthony Weiner / Donny Deutsch ticket .
Big_F-ing_Deal

Jesus, Morning Joe was intolerable this morning.

I was about Joe’s favorite topic..

Himself.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Dronetek-Bulk-Vanderhuge/100000918732763 Dronetek

Big_F-ing_Deal said:
Jesus, Morning Joe was intolerable this morning.

I was about Joe’s favorite topic..

Himself.

While Joe does annoy me, Mika is FAR more annoying. Between her never ending facial expressions and her blatant role as the white house propagandist, its unwatchable. I mean, she gets talking points to repeat as facts straight from the white house. Doesn’t anyone else think thats messed up?
skyfet

According to Murdoch, Bloomberg’s close friend, he’s running. Now that’s someone to take votes away from Obama and gives Sarah a win. As for Scaborough, his side don’t really like him, so I don’t know who’s going to vote for him.

Blomber is to the left of Obama, supporting the mosque in New York, DADT, Comprehensive immigration etc.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Dronetek-Bulk-Vanderhuge/100000918732763 Dronetek

skyfet said:

Blomber is to the left of Obama, supporting the mosque in New York, DADT, Comprehensive immigration etc.

Bloomberg’s first reaction to the time square bombing, was to blame tea party people. So, thats gives you an idea of how utterly disconnected from reality the guy is.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

skyfet said:
According to Murdoch, Bloomberg’s close friend, he’s running. Now that’s someone to take votes away from Obama and gives Sarah a win.

God help us if our choices for President in 2012 are Obama, Palin, and Bloomberg. Please, no.
skyfet

@Dronetek and Andy Lamb
So you see that there’s noway he’s going to take votes away from the Republicans, no chance. Except that he’s conservative in taxes and his rich bodies would back him in that scenario.
The Dweller Ysul

A smug, narcissistic talk show host and billionaire do not make an electable ticket.

Interesting, then, that the frontrunners for the GOP in 2012 are Palin, Huckabee & Romney. Hell, being a Foxbot is practically a pre-requisite for any serious Repub contender.