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• Jan 1, 2008 6:12 am US/Eastern
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  Bloomberg Presidential Bid Speculation Continues

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Bloomberg Presidential Bid Speculation Continues

Reporting
Marcia Kramer

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's possible presidential run is now in the "open flirtation" stage, and unlike before, there seems to be mounting evidence in support of the prospect. 

Bloomberg and other potential independent presidential candidates are scheduled for a January 7 meeting in Oklahoma with Republicans and Democrats who could help him launch an independent campaign.

Meanwhile, the mayor was in Manhattan on Monday strengthening the possibility of his candidacy at an interfaith breakfast, where former NYC Mayor David Dinkins and other high-profile officials weighed in to CBS 2 on the "appealing" notion.

"I have a candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton, but it is an interesting notion. I'm a big fan of the Mayor's and were he to decide to go, it would give a lot of us pause," said Dinkins.

It's that kind of overwhelmingly positive reaction - influential Democrats looking favorably at an independent for president campaign – that is fueling Bloomberg's deepening interest in the 2008 race. Next Monday, the day before the nation's first primary in New Hampshire, he'll be testing the waters in Oklahoma for a presidential run.

"I think if he wants to, he would be a great president," said Sally Goodgold, of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

And while Monday he glad-handed people in New York, it could just as well have been in Iowa or New Hampshire. Interestingly, there was no stock denial in any interest in being commander in chief.

CBS 2's political reporter Marcia Kramer asked the mayor what everyone wants to know:

CBS 2: "Mr. Mayor, everyone wants to know if you are running for president."

Mayor Bloomberg: "Happy New Year everybody."

CBS 2: "Will you run for president?"

Mayor Bloomberg: "Happy New Year…Nice to see you."

Once again the mayor seems to be doing what he's done all along, playfully and mysteriously jostling with an idea that would not only provide the United States with another option for president, but provide a candidate that has received overwhelming support to finish a winner.

Sources say Bloomberg would spend $1 billion on an independent presidential run. In Oklahoma he would meet with people like Republican Senator Chuck Hagel and former Democratic Senator Sam Nunn, who are both talked about as potential running mates on a Mike '08 ticket.

For the last several months, Bloomberg has had regular foreign policy briefings from a number of high profile experts including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

While Bloomberg explores the possibility of joining the presidential race, the current field of candidates is gearing up for the Iowa caucus, where many believe the closest races of recent memory are being played out in both parties, which for many, is reason enough for another viable candidate to enter the mix. 

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