Sunday, January 06, 2008

Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg | A tale of two mayors | Economist.com

Another timely perspective from the political zone -- it's going to be an interesting year...

If Mr Giuliani fizzles, Mr Bloomberg is a likely beneficiary. He is a less colourful figure. Whereas Mr Giuliani rescued New York from dysfunction, his successor as mayor has merely continued to run it well. Like Mr Giuliani, Mr Bloomberg is fiscally conservative and socially liberal. But unlike Mr Giuliani, he is a billionaire, so he can fund his own (undeclared and semi-denied) presidential campaign.

Rather than stretching uncomfortably to woo primary-voting activists, Mr Bloomberg can be himself. If he runs, it will be as a moderate third-party candidate. Unlike many Republicans, he favours swift action to curb climate change. Unlike the main Democrats, he admits that a carbon tax, though unpopular, would be the best way to do it. As a third-party candidate, he could offer sensible policies on immigration, gun control, poverty and more.

Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg A tale of two mayors Economist.com

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