We Didn’t Expect the Next Trumpian Candidate Would Be a Democrat
Mike Bloomberg isn’t damaging the presidential election because he’s rich, but because of what his wealth buys him
Mike Bloomberg may soon show the American electorate just how far personal wealth can help advance a presidential campaign. His net worth hovers somewhere just over $60 billion. And while his 2020 presidential run isn’t the first time a wealthy man has used his money to bankroll a campaign, never in recent memory has that wealth been so prominently on display on the trail. As the New York Times reported last week, “entry-level field organizing work” for the Bloomberg campaign “pays $72,000 annually — nearly twice what other campaigns have offered.” Bloomberg’s campaign boasts 125 offices across America, and his events offer free “swag, drinks and canapes.” In the first quarter of his campaign, Bloomberg spent $188 million of his own money, and he hardly seems to be slowing down.
Much of that cash has gone to advertising, both online and on TV. In the second week of February alone, Bloomberg’s campaign spent over $9 million on Facebook ads. (Over that same time, Donald Trump’s campaign spent just $480,443). As for legacy media, Bloomberg has reportedly spent over $250 million on TV and radio ads since the start of his…
