Assume, for purposes of argument, that the long-awaited Biden implosion is upon us, and that Klobuchar is not a viable candidate. That would leave Mayor Pete and Bloomberg as the sole survivors in the realo lane. How do they stack up?
There are obvious similarities and differences. Both of them have experience as mayors, are center-left candidates, and struggle getting minority support. Bloomberg is much older and wealthier, and his experience as the chief executive of America’s largest city counts in his favor; Mayor Pete is a younger, fresher face with far less experience and baggage. Who would have a better chance against Trump?
Every time I see Mayor Pete, I think Michael Dukakis. Bloomberg’s experience as a businessman comes across better to me than Mayor Pete’s work at McKinsey; he’s a genuine success story, not Mr. Spock. The money he could pour into a campaign against Trump would matter some, as well. On the whole, it is a debatable point, but I think Bloomberg would fare better in the general election.