Mike Bloomberg, Man of the People?

[left-of-center2012]

Scenes from the billionaire-candidate’s unconventional foray into presidential politics.

What does a presidential campaign look like when it’s run by a candidate unencumbered by financial constraints, but with little experience in retail politics outside New York? Veteran political photographer Stephen Voss trailed Bloomberg as he traveled an unorthodox campaign path in late January, along the Eastern Seaboard from Florida to Washington, D.C., to Maine.

Compared with other candidates’ campaign events, Bloomberg’s speeches and rallies have been highly produced, with top-grade lighting and sound quality, and clear sightlines. Events feature hundreds of free T-shirts and buttons, plus food and alcohol.

Democratic candidates on the campaign trail have taken swipes at Bloomberg but Bloomberg rarely mentions his Democratic opponents, focusing his attention on President Donald Trump. Although candidates like Bernie Sanders have a heavy command over the Democratic Party’s younger voters, a surprising number of young people showed up at Bloomberg’s events.

The line for the opening of a Bloomberg campaign office in Portland, ME, extended out the door. About a dozen people gathered across the street holding pro-Trump signs, but Bloomberg’s supporters did not engage with them. The opening of the new campaign office in Maine was crowded enough that some supporters could only catch a glimpse of Bloomberg through the window.

The candidate has secured high-profile endorsements from mayors across the country. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser endorsed Bloomberg at a speech in the capital on January 30.

More info and many photos at:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/02/08/bloomberg-stephen-voss-photo-essay-110892