We have presidential candidates that marvel in spectacle, and mire themselves in the suggestion of scandal; alternating between the false populism of a thrice-married man of insults and crass humor, and the socialist rhetoric of a Vermont senator, who promises to make college tuition and health insurance “free.”

Among the rest of the candidates, one of who boasts about his lack of support from his fellow members of Congress, and a former Secretary of State facing a criminal investigation by the FBI, for most members of the electorate – especially young voters – the choices seem bleak, like the national economy and the political stalemate in Washington, DC.

Forget the rhetoric about lesser evils, which is one word too many, and consider the alternative to this contest between “Team R” and “Team D.”

Think of a potential candidate with the independence of mind – and money – to escape the yoke of special interests.

Think of a man from Wall Street, with an understanding of the problems plaguing Main Street, who also has the international exposure a global city, provides.

Think of a three-time mayor of New York City, a public servant fluent in the language of foreign policy – and more than conversant in the fight against Islamic terror – who nonetheless has local appeal.

Think of a candidate smart enough to know, and strong enough to do, who can reform education, champion charter schools and confront the corruption of the status quo.

Think of the name of this citizen-politician, who understands the financial cost and the physical price of health epidemics like heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and obesity.

Say the name of this enemy of Big Tobacco, and repeat the words of this opponent of Big Money and Super PACs.

Bipartisan by definition, and pragmatic by design, this man – this former leader of 8.5 million New Yorkers – is the Honorable Michael Bloomberg.

He is the presidential candidate we need, if this country is to revive its fiscal strength, tighten its commitment to education, renew its respect for science and reverse the threat of climate change.

No other candidate is as nimble as, and no other politician is as adept as, Mayor Bloomberg.

He offers detailed solutions, not outlandish rhetoric and empty programs.

He is wise enough to know how to negotiate – he is smart enough to know the art of the deal – and realistic enough to produce impressive results.

He is not the prisoner of this or that union, or the mouthpiece for some rich lobby.

He would be the leader of all the people.

Now is the time for a candidate serious about the future of America, with a plan to ensure the success of his fellow Americans.

He is the trump card we must use, if this country is to meet its obligations, confront its challenges and control its destiny.

The other candidates meet the age requirement for election to the White House.

Only Michael Bloomberg fulfills the moral requirements to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

He will show us the way forward.

We need President Bloomberg, now more than ever.

 

Elizabeth Rice Grossman