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Joe BidenCongratulations to our presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden!
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:38 PM Feb 2020

Let's talk about the time Mike Bloomberg spent millions to reelect Republican Pat Toomey in Pa.

This story has received much too little attention! From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Let’s talk about the time Mike Bloomberg spent millions to reelect Republican Pat Toomey in Pa.

Mike Mikus remembers it as a “kick in the gut.”

Amid one of the most pivotal campaigns in the country in 2016, one many thought could decide control of the Senate, Mike Bloomberg poured millions of dollars into the contest — to help Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey.

“It helped both operationally in terms of the money spent, but it also allowed Pat Toomey to use that endorsement to create a false impression that he’s a moderate,” said Mikus, a consultant who worked for Toomey’s Democratic opponent, Katie McGinty.

Bloomberg, now a rising Democratic candidate for president, used his television ads to vouch for Toomey as a centrist problem solver. Toomey was one of the few Republicans in Congress to support expanded background checks for gun purchases, an issue on which Bloomberg has backed candidates in both parties. [continue reading]


The article goes on to point out that Bloomberg supported Toomey over Democrat Katie McGinty. And much as Bloomberg loves to tout his anti-gun record, McGinty supported much more robust gun regulation!
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
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Let's talk about the time Mike Bloomberg spent millions to reelect Republican Pat Toomey in Pa. (Original Post) markpkessinger Feb 2020 OP
He also shut down Occupy Wall Street Under The Radar Feb 2020 #1
Let's talk about Trump, BlueJac Feb 2020 #2
Sorry, but this story alone should disqualify Bloomberg n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #5
Facts BlueJac Feb 2020 #12
Says a Sanders supporter. Worried much ? OnDoutside Feb 2020 #20
Yes, I'm a Sanders supporter, but I will support any Democratic nominee, save one: Bloomberg n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #26
Do you live in Pennsylvania? dchill Feb 2020 #6
Facts BlueJac Feb 2020 #11
You don't seem to want facts when they tell the truth about Bloomberg Bradshaw3 Feb 2020 #30
What do you think I'm lying about? dchill Feb 2020 #33
Or trump light? eom tiredtoo Feb 2020 #8
Just talking facts BlueJac Feb 2020 #10
Fact is that Toomey and Bloomberg endorsed Susan Collins were deciding votes for Justice Kavenaugh liskddksil Feb 2020 #19
You keep saying "facts" . . . markpkessinger Feb 2020 #27
So cite even one fact already -- so far you have not! n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #35
By all means... let's FBaggins Feb 2020 #13
This is a primary. Hassin Bin Sober Feb 2020 #16
or in the 70s evertonfc Feb 2020 #3
40 years ago versus 4 years go -- some comparison n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #7
Supporting Toomey is the "bigger sin." I'd vote for a socialist over Toomey. (n/t) thesquanderer Feb 2020 #23
It's also a laughable comparison . . . markpkessinger Feb 2020 #28
Why not talk about the $100 million he spent to help Democrats win back the House in 2018? CalFione Feb 2020 #4
or the 3 million to elect republican governor Rick Snyder in 2014? tiredtoo Feb 2020 #9
Bingo! n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #15
I don't even get that one. Why stick his nose in Michigan? Hassin Bin Sober Feb 2020 #18
Bloomberg is a republican and has supported numerous republicans throughout the country tiredtoo Feb 2020 #22
Because he was still giving money and credibility to Republicans in 2018 liskddksil Feb 2020 #14
Exactly! markpkessinger Feb 2020 #24
I am as desirous as anyone of defeating Trump . . . markpkessinger Feb 2020 #17
I've been saying all along that we better get a left wing populist before they... Hassin Bin Sober Feb 2020 #21
Questions Hearthrob Feb 2020 #25
Here's a brief summary markpkessinger Feb 2020 #34
Also . . . markpkessinger Feb 2020 #38
Dang. Hearthrob Feb 2020 #41
Also, I don't think it is too much to ask for a nominee who is not in Jeffrey Epstein's black book! markpkessinger Feb 2020 #29
K&R nt redqueen Feb 2020 #31
Excellent post Bradshaw3 Feb 2020 #32
Thanks! n/t markpkessinger Feb 2020 #36
He's bad news BeyondGeography Feb 2020 #37
Debate question for Mike - Are you supporting Sen Collins as you did in her last run? Nanjeanne Feb 2020 #39
How about the millions he spent for gun control, or to Blue_true Feb 2020 #40
 

Under The Radar

(3,404 posts)
1. He also shut down Occupy Wall Street
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:40 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

BlueJac

(7,838 posts)
2. Let's talk about Trump,
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:41 PM
Feb 2020

He is our focus

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
5. Sorry, but this story alone should disqualify Bloomberg n/t
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:43 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

OnDoutside

(19,974 posts)
20. Says a Sanders supporter. Worried much ?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:13 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
26. Yes, I'm a Sanders supporter, but I will support any Democratic nominee, save one: Bloomberg n/t
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:12 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

dchill

(38,547 posts)
6. Do you live in Pennsylvania?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:45 PM
Feb 2020

I do. Bloomberg is at the BOTTOM of my list.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

Bradshaw3

(7,531 posts)
30. You don't seem to want facts when they tell the truth about Bloomberg
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:35 PM
Feb 2020

He has given milions to repubs and, as the article points out, was quite possibly the deciding factor in a close senate race won by a repub - in a year in which the senate was very much up for grabs.

Other facts you don't seem to want to know: almost 40 NDAs, stop and frishk, multiple disparaging comments about Obama, twice endorsed Bush for prez. I could go on and on but facts weren't really what you wanted to hear.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

dchill

(38,547 posts)
33. What do you think I'm lying about?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:41 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

tiredtoo

(2,949 posts)
8. Or trump light? eom
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:47 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

BlueJac

(7,838 posts)
10. Just talking facts
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:56 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

liskddksil

(2,753 posts)
19. Fact is that Toomey and Bloomberg endorsed Susan Collins were deciding votes for Justice Kavenaugh
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:12 PM
Feb 2020

and the GOP tax scam. Want more facts?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
27. You keep saying "facts" . . .
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:12 PM
Feb 2020

. . . but have yet to cite a single fact in this thread!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
35. So cite even one fact already -- so far you have not! n/t
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:56 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

FBaggins

(26,770 posts)
13. By all means... let's
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:03 PM
Feb 2020

We should nominate someone that most Democrats would be willing to support.

Actions like those mentioned in the OP are certainly relevant to that.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

evertonfc

(1,713 posts)
3. or in the 70s
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:41 PM
Feb 2020

Bernie supported and worked for actual socialist candidates over Democrats.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
7. 40 years ago versus 4 years go -- some comparison n/t
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:46 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

thesquanderer

(11,994 posts)
23. Supporting Toomey is the "bigger sin." I'd vote for a socialist over Toomey. (n/t)
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:18 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
28. It's also a laughable comparison . . .
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:15 PM
Feb 2020

. . . to suggest that Bernie's modest donations 40 years ago had anywhere near the potential to influence the outcome of a race as Bloomberg's millions!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

CalFione

(571 posts)
4. Why not talk about the $100 million he spent to help Democrats win back the House in 2018?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:42 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

tiredtoo

(2,949 posts)
9. or the 3 million to elect republican governor Rick Snyder in 2014?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 04:50 PM
Feb 2020

Upon examination you will find Bloomberg, like trump, just does things that benefit himself.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Hassin Bin Sober

(26,344 posts)
18. I don't even get that one. Why stick his nose in Michigan?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:12 PM
Feb 2020

Snyder is an absolute racist who got his jollies punishing predominantly African American population cities.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

tiredtoo

(2,949 posts)
22. Bloomberg is a republican and has supported numerous republicans throughout the country
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:15 PM
Feb 2020

As for your comments re: Snyder YES he was in charge when the good people of Flint were poisoned .

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

liskddksil

(2,753 posts)
14. Because he was still giving money and credibility to Republicans in 2018
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:08 PM
Feb 2020

Imagine if control of the House had come to the Staten Island seat. Democrat Max Rose beat Bloomberg endorsed Republican Dan Donovan there thankfully.

And even though we won the House, all the gun reform legislation the House has passed sits in Moscow Mitch's crypt, because of the Republicans that Bloomberg endorsed continue to vote for majority leader Moscow Mitch. Not to mention Pat Toomey and Susan Collins (who Bloomberg also endorsed over Democrat Shenna Bellows) were the deciding votes for Justice Kavenaugh and the GOP Tax Scam.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
17. I am as desirous as anyone of defeating Trump . . .
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:12 PM
Feb 2020

. . . But the fact that Democrats are even considering a man who systematically terrorized black and Latino residents of New York (where I have lived for the past 36 years) is simply beyond the pale for me!

In some ways, Bloomberg could wind up being even worse than Trump, if only because he possesses a certain bureaucratic competence that Trump does not!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Hassin Bin Sober

(26,344 posts)
21. I've been saying all along that we better get a left wing populist before they...
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 05:14 PM
Feb 2020

.... get an actual right wing ideologue who isn’t a fat trust fund baby too lazy to do the job.

Now?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Hearthrob

(84 posts)
25. Questions
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:08 PM
Feb 2020

Can you fill me in? I wasn't paying attention when Bloomberg was in office-except for lge sodas and smoking.

Was the stop and frisk program predominately in NYC or practiced around the country?

Was stop and frisk equally as devastatingly inappropriate in white neighborhoods with comparable stats.

If the crime rate in black neighborhoods was exceptionally high, did the residents want increased police presence- at least as a promising start to a safer community?

Reason I'm asking is because I've lived in Baltimore for 40 years. My patients live in terrifying neighbourhoods. Both blacks and whites.
Seems like it will never be safe enough for having a safe and peaceful life.

FYI-
I was born in central PA. Left in late 60's. Need to return now b/o retirement issues. This is Toomey territory-big time. Afraid to say there has been too much inbreeding since then! Not an ounce of blue blood. And not a clue. Scary! At least they are somewhat proud to say they now have one black.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
34. Here's a brief summary
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:54 PM
Feb 2020
Courtesy of Shaun King:

In the 12 years Bloomberg was in office, he ordered the NYPD to stop and frisk people, almost exclusively Black and Brown people, a staggering 5,081,689 times. And those are just the stops that the NYPD reported! Completely innocent people were strip searched, punched, kicked, slammed, beaten, groped, tasered, choked, and shot in these stops. Drugs were planted. People were framed.

Tens of thousands of people were arrested, sent to Rikers for crimes they did not commit, then eventually released without ever even going to court. Some spent days in jail where they lost their jobs. Single parents lost custody of their kids. Others didn’t spend days in Rikers, but weeks, months, and even years for crimes they didn’t commit. While they were there, like young Kalief Browder, they were beaten and tortured by both guards and inmates, forced into solitary confinement for years on end, then simply released without even an explanation.

When Kalief was released, he was broken, and took his own life.

Experts say tens of thousands of other innocent men, women, and children were either coaxed by prosecutors and police into taking plea deals so that they could simply be released for time-served, or just chose to take the deals to just escape the madness of jail – only to be released back into Bloomberg’s New York where they were routinely stopped and frisked again and again and again.

Some were stopped and frisked by the NYPD over 100 times. Can you imagine? When I say “over 100 times” I’m not using that as a euphemism for “a lot.” I mean they were literally stopped and searched by the NYPD over 100 times.

And as parents, activists, organizers, preachers, mental health experts, justice reform advocates, and constitutional lawyers all begged and pleaded with Bloomberg to stop, he refused. They met with him personally. They marched and protested. They interrupted his events. And some of the smartest, most persistent legal groups in the nation sued the Bloomberg administration over and over again to stop these unlawful practices.

And a federal judge deemed that Bloomberg’s stop-and-frisk policies were indeed a modern day Apartheid for Black & Brown New Yorkers. She found countless constitutional violations and ordered an immediate halt to it. And even then, he fought back, and refused to immediately implement the changes she demanded.

When he left office, and Stop and Frisk was no longer a policy, crime plummeted year after year after year. His racist policies had not made New York safer at all. They had just caused real terror to millions of people.

After he left office, for years on end, Bloomberg bragged about the policy and defended it with all of his might. That’s why he asked the staff at the Aspen Institute to not share any of the videos from when he spoke there in 2015 where he bragged about how police would throw Black and Brown boys against walls in the name of making the city safer. Those kids, and their mothers and fathers and siblings were not just humiliated by such awful practices, they were shattered by them.

Bloomberg literally defended Stop and Frisk all the way through 2019, right up until he decided to run for President.


I would add that Bloomberg insisted on expanding Stop-and-Frisk even over the objections of the rank and file of the police department, who correctly predicted the destructive effect it would have on their relations with minority communities.

There was one year, according to papers filed in the federal court case mentioned above, that more black and Latino young men were stopped and frisk than live in the city of New York!

So his recent acknowledgement that he was wrong about it is pretty hard to take seriously, or to regard as anything other than a cynical move to help him get elected.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
38. Also . . .
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 07:39 PM
Feb 2020

. . . you ask about the policy's effect in predominantly white neighborhoods. The answer is there was no effect, because it was not practiced in predominantly white neighborhoods.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Hearthrob

(84 posts)
41. Dang.
Thu Feb 20, 2020, 01:28 AM
Feb 2020

I'm trying to get my head around this. And he got elected 3 times! Wondering how such a liberal town didn't drive him out.

It took a long while for Baltimore to wake up and drain the swamp but it quickly went national.
It did help that Elijah Cummings was front and center. And he was the only politician seen on the streets thru.

Guess I'm back to Warren.
Just that I can't see her psyching out and playing Putin.
Thanks.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

markpkessinger

(8,408 posts)
29. Also, I don't think it is too much to ask for a nominee who is not in Jeffrey Epstein's black book!
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:28 PM
Feb 2020

I mean, seriously!

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Bradshaw3

(7,531 posts)
32. Excellent post
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 06:37 PM
Feb 2020

And good answers to the usual lame defenses.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
 

BeyondGeography

(39,384 posts)
37. He's bad news
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 07:00 PM
Feb 2020

He doesn’t see neighborhoods, he sees underperforming assets. Re-zones accordingly. Barf.

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Nanjeanne

(4,999 posts)
39. Debate question for Mike - Are you supporting Sen Collins as you did in her last run?
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 07:44 PM
Feb 2020
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Undecided
 

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
40. How about the millions he spent for gun control, or to
Wed Feb 19, 2020, 08:33 PM
Feb 2020

fight climate change damage?

If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for:
Joe Biden
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