By: Mia Costales | Writer
February 21, 2020
Former New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, made his first appearance at the ninth Democratic Debate on Wednesday and not without obvious criticism from the other Democratic candidates. The debate was definitely not in Bloomberg’s favor, to put it lightly. While seemingly unprepared, Bloomberg was the target of some pretty harsh blows from Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, mainly calling him out on past acts of racism and sexism.
Bloomberg appeared to take a much more transparent approach when responding to these objections made against him by practically admitting to several nondisclosure agreements made with former female clients. While Warren berated him with prepared denunciations of his character, Bloomberg took the high road, confirming his sexist cover-ups, but making sure not to unveil too much as that would be dishonest of him to disclose any personal information of former female employees. Like a true gentleman, Bloomberg denied any allegations of sexual assault, stating “None of them accuse me of doing anything other than maybe they didn’t like a joke I told,” because sexist jokes will slide as long as you have the resources to cover them up.
Sanders had also decided to take a crack at the mayor, but much to his dismay, Bloomberg had exposed his “communist manifesto.” While it is a known fact that 2020 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has labeled himself as a democratic socialist, communist is new. Bloomberg’s remark, “We’re not going to throw out capitalism. We tried that. Other countries tried that. It was called communism and it just didn’t work,” perfectly captures his admiration of the American Dream– to remain a billionaire. On the bright side, Bloomberg has ingeniously thought up a new slogan: “Communism, We Tried That” -Michael Bloomberg 2020.
According to those who watched the debate, Bloomberg may have seemed a bit flustered, but for good reason, granted his decision to arrive fashionably late to the debates (maybe nine is his lucky number?).
“I don’t think Bloomberg executed his counter-arguments well in the debate, he didn’t seem entirely prepared to be put on the spot,” San Clemente High School junior Megan Moe said. “He also couldn’t counter many points made against his because his actions were morally wrong.”
As for the criticism he faced because of his past racially insensitive policies, Bloomberg had denied any mention of redlining. His defense of racially discriminate housing in 2008 had seemingly never happened. But these types of skirmishes happen often to political leaders. Bloomberg cleared the air, making sure no one believed he could possibly be racist and tucked away these accusations for the next debate, where Warren will likely call him out on past allegations that probably didn’t happen (according to Bloomberg).
“Honestly, I watch political debates for the comedy,” SCHS freshman Eden McRory said. “Half the time I don’t know if I’m watching a real debate or SNL.”
The current state of politics can most definitely be compared to the comedy of SNL and as debates and elections become more and more outrageous, the satirical skits don’t seem too far-fetched.
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