Why is Mike Bloomberg joining the debate? Because he might win it.

[Zorro]

Words never spoken in real life: “I wish we could have more Democratic presidential debates.”
These events have been recurring like cold sores for nigh on a year. The only thing we’ve learned is that the candidates are terrible debaters. Cicero himself would have trouble breaking through the vast cattle calls of the past year. So many candidates tossed hats into the ring that, in the beginning, the field had to be split into two nights of 10 competitors each. That’s not a debate; it’s a basketball tournament.

A debate among 20 candidates is like third-grade Valentine’s Day. You can’t make an impression when the entire class gets the same ration of three Hershey’s Kisses each. (“Aw, Mom! Do I hafta make one for Steve Bullock?” “Yes, dear, everyone gets a valentine.”) The debate lineup has now narrowed to an ungainly half-dozen or so — still far too many for a substantial exchange. The name of the game is crabs-in-a-bucket: If one candidate scrabbles and claws up from the tangle, the others reach up and pull.

More words never spoken of these affairs: “Well said, Vice President Joe Biden.”
“Mayor Pete Buttigieg electrified the room.”
“Sen. Bernie Sanders, could you please speak up?”
(Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio spoke for a grateful nation during a debate last July when, after Sanders denounced his competitors as soft on the oil industry, Ryan said: “You don’t have to yell.” It didn’t work, but at least he tried.)

Former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg has agreed to join the misery at Wednesday’s debate in Las Vegas. You might ask why, given that he could watch from a gilded bedchamber while lounging on a mattress stuffed with corporate bonds. I spent a few hours watching some of the mayoral debates from his three successful campaigns in 2001, 2005 and 2009. Judging from past performances, Bloomberg’s reason for debating is that he thinks he’ll win.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-is-mike-bloomberg-joining-the-debate-because-he-might-win-it/2020/02/18/88bf1558-5275-11ea-b119-4faabac6674f_story.html

[honest.abe]

1. He can win by just being able to deflect the criticism he is going to get for his past issues.

If he can keep the focus on Trump and not on himself he will win. If he gets swamped by the intense questioning of his past controversial comments and actions, he might lose it and get defensive and ugly. If that happens voters will turn on him.

[Pachamama]

2. "Crabs-in-a-Bucket" Debate

Perfect description and the imagery is accurate....

[2naSalit]

3. It is too!

It's not a pretty sight.

[Dem2]

4. I'll definitely watch

Who doesn't want to see if the 'newcomer' can actually hang in a debate?

[Midnight Writer]

5. If he can't hang in a debate, we need to know now.

I have not so far been impressed with his ability to answer questions when pressed.

I do like his ads.