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Awkward: Bloomberg Gets Asked to Prove He Really Is a Democrat

Beth Baumann
Beth Baumann  |  March 02, 2020 8:20 PM

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has come under fire for being a so-called "Republican" because he ran as a Republican in the Big Apple's mayoral races. He ran twice as a Republican and once as an Independent.

"There a perception from some Democratic voters and opponents, like Joe Biden, who say you're not really a Democrat, and say why should you be the person to lead the Democratic Party?" Fox News' Bret Baier asked during a town hall on Monday.

Bloomberg took a deep breath.

"Well, I am a registered Democrat and, last time I checked, you could change parties. I was a Democrat in Massachusetts. There are no Republicans in Massachusetts, although we tend to have Republican governors, some good ones," he explained. "I came to New York City. There are no Republicans. I was a Democrat for a long time. When I wanted to run for mayor, the Democrats wouldn't let me on their ballot but the Republicans said, 'We don't have a candidate. Would you like to run?' And I said, 'Sure. Why not?' And I won twice as a Republican and once as an Independent."

According to the former New York City mayor, the real test comes from his policies and beliefs, something he says aligns with Democrats. Specifically, he cited Democrats' views on taxes, climate change and gun control.

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"I'm in sync with the kind of policies most of the Democrats would want," he said.

But his biggest reason for proving his party loyalty comes down to the same thing it always does: money.

"I have helped the Democratic Party a lot in terms of funding. I funded the races in Virginia where there was a background check issue for guns, which is one of my real issues, and it went from red to blue," Bloomberg explained. "I funded 24 House contests the last time, in 2018. Twenty-one of them won and that flipped the House from red to blue and put Pelosi in charge."

"So my credentials, if you will, for being a Democrat are certainly as good. I've probably done a lot more for the Democratic Party than any other candidate," he said.