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Published 12:20 IST, November 9th 2019

Michael Bloomberg files papers as Alabama's Presidential candidate

Michael Bloomberg files papers as Alabama's Presidential candidate on Friday after long speculations of his entrance in the race. He is the 18th candidate.

Reported by: Tanima Ray
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Michael Bloomberg
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Former New York mayor and owner of Bloomberg LLP.,  Michael Bloomberg registered as a candidate in the Alabama Democratic primary race on November 8. Several US media publications on November 7 reported that the billionaire is expected to file paperwork in at least one state this week declaring himself a candidate. The 77-year-old had said back in March he wouldn't run. Yet Bloomberg's advisor had told media that he had been toying about the idea of seeking White House. He is yet to come to a final decision, the advisor added. Yet when Bloomberg sent members of his staff to Alabama to gather the necessary signatures required to register for that state's primary ahead of the deadline Friday, it was made clear that Bloomberg is surely planning on being a possible US presidential candidate. 

Read: Ex-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Prepares To Enter Presidential Run

Bloomberg thinks Joe Biden is weak

Bloomberg is the 9th richest person in the United States and the 14th richest person in the world who ran the Big Apple from 2001 to 2013. The billionaire has switched between the Republican and Democratic parties over the years and also served as an independent mayor. Bloomberg thinks that Joe Biden is weak and Sanders and Warren can't win, said a person close to him to the media. He also feels that Warren and Sanders are too left-wing. Seventeen candidates are already in the Presidential race. Bloomberg will make the 18th entry amongst the crowded race. 

Read: Bloomberg CEO: 'India's Economic Growth Is A Great Success Story'

Democratic Party activist praised Bloomberg

Democratic Party activist Christopher Hahn said that Mike Bloomberg was an excellent Mayor for the city of New York. He claimed that Bloomberg would shift the current 2020 Democratic presidential field's focus to issues important to the center of the party and people across the country. Bloomberg would appeal to people who want to shake up everything but keep what Obama built and build upon that, he said. As the Democratic Party wants the middle road, Bloomberg is a choiceful candidate, he concluded.

Read: Immigration Opens Ideological Fault Lines For 2020 Democrats

Read: 3rd-party Bid? Gabbard’s Denials Don’t Ease Democrats’ Fears
 

Updated 14:44 IST, November 9th 2019