Bloomberg Endorses Obama, Cites Marriage Equality Among Reasons

Michael Bloomberg

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg today announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for president, citing marriage equality as one of the reasons for his decision.

"One recognizes marriage equality as consistent with America’s march of freedom; one does not. I want our president to be on the right side of history," Bloomberg wrote of Obama and challenger Mitt Romney in an editorial for Bloomberg View, a website owned by the billionaire media mogul.

Bloomberg has taken an active role in fighting for marriage equality, not only by vocally advocating for its passage in his own state but also with big donations to state ballot campaigns.

In October he launched his own super PAC, called Independence USA PAC, and said it would spend between $10 million and $15 million this election cycle to advance causes including marriage equality. Very quickly afterward, the PAC donated $500,000 to campaigns for marriage equality in Maine, Minnesota, and Washington. That came on top of $250,000 he had already given to a campaign in Maryland.

Bloomberg began the endorsement by citing the damage and flooding brought to his city by Hurricane Sandy, saying the consequences had brought the contrast between Romney and Obama into "sharp relief." He just couldn't support a Republican for president who denies the effects of climate change and puts his city at risk.

Bloomberg is an independent and was critical of Obama for at times being too partisan during his presidency. But he cast Obama as the one most likely to succeed in creating cooperation in Washington.

"Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan both found success while their parties were out of power in Congress — and President Obama can, too," he wrote. "If he listens to people on both sides of the aisle, and builds the trust of moderates, he can fulfill the hope he inspired four years ago and lead our country toward a better future for my children and yours. And that’s why I will be voting for him."