Will Bloomberg Run in 2020 and Can He Win? Odds & Analysis

The 2020 US Election will involve at least one billionaire, regardless of whether Donald Trump is on the ticket. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is the latest to enter the race, although he would rather be described as a ‘person of means’.
From the reaction to his ambitions and slither of early publicity, signals for are not encouraging. Schultz was immediately targeted for abuse amid accusations of being a spoiler who would split the anti-Trump vote. His approval rating among those who’ve heard of him is a pitiful 4% - whether Republicans, Democrats or Independents.
At least Schultz has the chance to at least introduce himself on his own terms, via a special CNN town hall event today. Proof if ever it were needed of the political advantages money can buy. Nevertheless, 100/1 with Ladbrokes makes no appeal.
Two-Party Politics Means Indy Breakthrough Unlikely
Extra candidates would indeed likely split the anti-Trump vote but Schultz would be on to a loser whatever the year. It is very hard to envisage a third candidate breaking the GOP/Democrat duopoly in the electoral college. The parties represent ongoing interests and fissures within society and are embedded in their core areas.
Yes, Trump broke the mould but not as an independent. If you want to beat the political establishment, you must join one of their parties and adopt most of their positions. Trump was once a ‘very pro-choice kind of guy’ who bankrolled Democrats.
One man who must have considered this throughout many years pondering a White House bid is Michael Bloomberg. The former Mayor of New York City really did break the duopoly. He won liberal New York as both a Republican and Independent, despite previously registering a Democrat.
In contrast to Howard Schultz, Michael Bloomberg has long been the type that excites betting markets. Punters like his NYC achievements and know his extraordinary wealth could mean a genuinely self-financed campaign, not beholden to vested interests - something voters tend to like.
He was a popular pick - below 25/1 at one stage - in 2016, when reported to be making serious plans. This was at a time when a Trump/Sanders general election looked a serious prospect, leaving a vacuum in the centre ground. As I recall, Bloomberg opted out because his polling showed he would help elect Trump against either Democrat.
Rejoining Dems is Smart Move
Following that bombshell result, Bloomberg made his choice - rejoining the Democrats and donating an eyewatering $100M to mid-term congressional campaigns. Cynics will say Bloomberg was trying to buy the Democrat nomination but, in reality, this is entirely consistent with his past. He has long bankrolled and fought for liberal causes - whether gun control, public health or fighting climate change.
While the president sounds the alarm about a wall we don’t need, he ignores real challenges like climate change and gun violence — which claims 100 lives a day inside our borders. We won’t be distracted from finding solutions. #SOTU
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) 6 February 2019
Nor is it clear he will pursue the nomination. When interviewed before Christmas, he indicated a decision would be made in the New Year. Three weeks ago he said he’d decide within a month or so. Most potential rivals have now declared, but there as been no further word.
Perhaps he has understandably concluded that the party faithful aren't looking for an old, rich white man. He is not an obvious Democrat leader and a best offer of 40/1 with 888 for the White House doesn't interest me. However, I really hope Bloomberg runs, for a number of reasons.
First he will balance the ideological debate. The leading candidates are engaged in a dash to the Left, in order to court primary voters. Various plans to raise taxes on the very wealthy are underway, in order to finance healthcare for all, lower tuition costs or the ‘green new deal’.
It may well prove that the USA is finally ready for the type of social democracy Europeans take for granted. However going too far down that road contains risk. Trump would love to deride his opponents as Venezuelan-style socialists who would wreck the economy. It might win back some affluent, suburban defectors.
Bloomberg, in contrast, is a fiscal conservative. That is why he became a Republican. Even if his economic arguments don't win out on the Left, they might serve to moderate the rest. Nobody is going to dispute his grasp of finance and economics.
Check Out: Leo Vegas Sports for latest odds, free bets and welcome bonus.
Bloomberg Would Shine in TV Debates
It is essential to understand how this party debate is structured. We are looking at over a dozen candidates, perhaps even more than the 18 Republicans that needed two stages for their TV debates.
The effect will be a desperate scramble for attention. Being a relatively unknown politician in that environment is extremely difficult. With merely his presence, wealth, experience and slightly different political take, Bloomberg will inevitably stand out. He too will have plenty of zingers for this liberal audience, particularly on gun control.
These debates, offering a direct line to the public, is where Bloomberg's outside chance lies. His brand of pragmatic centrism might be just what swing voters want in these ultra-polarised times. Note too that Democrats regard the importance of electability much higher than when foolishly choosing Hillary Clinton.
At this stage four years ago, she was 6/4 for the presidency, while few gave Trump a prayer of even winning the GOP nomination. The context and party involved are very different this time around but Bloomberg is incomparably better qualified for the job.
Recommended Betting Sites



- 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.orgFully Mobile-Optimised InterfaceInteractive Football Match Centre‘BoostItOn’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetItOn have ex-Liverpool striker and Champions League winner Djibril Cissé as their brand ambassador and resident football expert. - Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply. - Full Terms ApplyCreate your own Multiples with Bet BuilderLive Streaming of all UK & Irish RacingDaily Price Enhancements & SpecialsGET40Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
16Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Yes888sport offer a wide range of sports betting markets, combined with regular enhanced specials, plus an exclusive 'Acca Club' (bet £20 on Multiples or Bet Builder to get a £5 free bet - every week). - T&Cs apply. New customers on mobile only. 7 days to claim and stake £10 minimum bet at odds of 1.5 or greater to qualify. Free, void, cashed out or partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Max 3x £10 free bets credited on bet settlement. Free bets must be used on 4 or more selections with selection odds of 1.3 or greater. Free bets are non-withdrawable and stake not returned with winnings. 7 day expiry. 18+ BeGambleAware.orgWide Range of In-Play MarketsLive Streaming of UK Horse RacingBetting App for Android & iOS Devicesnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
9Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetUK have leading National Hunt trainer Neil Mulholland and celebrity horse racing enthusiast and model Vogue Williams as brand ambassadors and betting experts. - 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. Click to see full T&CsDual Sportsbook & Casino PlatformDistinctive ‘Moustache’ Branding‘PlayBoost’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
21Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoMr.Play Sports has a fun style of its very own, with a memorable handlebar 'tache wherever you look, but it boasts a serious amount of betting markets, plus Premier League & 'Euro Elite' betting battle tournaments. - Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. - Full Terms ApplyAwarded 'Sportsbook of the Year' 2018/19/20/21Live Streaming of 1000's of Events2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offernot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
31Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBet365 offer the most comprehensive online sports betting service, including live steaming of a huge range of sports, plus a unique 'Edit Bet' functionality. - The Promotion operates as a £/€20 Surprise Bet when you place a bet of at least £/€10 on any market with odds greater than or equal to 1.50 as your first bet. The Promotion runs from 09/08/2021 / 12:00 (BST) until 31/12/2021 / 12:00 (BST) (the “Promotional Period”). The Promotion is only valid to: (a) new customers; (b) customers aged 18 years or over. To qualify for the Promotion, participant must deposit and place a £/€10 bet as their first bet on any market (excluding each way) in the sportsbook with odds greater than or equal to 1.50. Only original odds count toward the promotion. Supercharged odds do not count towards the promotion. An accumulation of smaller stakes will not count. Cashed out bets do not count towards this promotion. Only available once per customer. Rewards will be credited to qualifying participants within 48 hours after placing the qualifying bet. Potential winnings from the Surprise Bet are paid in withdrawable cash, excluding the stake. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.Random Supercharged PayoutsWeekly ‘kwiff Club’ Cashback & Free Bets‘Acca Shield’ Refund (if One Leg Fails)not requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
13Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesWhen a customer places a bet with kwiff, they may find that their bet is “kwiffed” - where you receive increased odds after placing your bet. - T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via "My Offers" page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. - Full Terms ApplyMobile First Betting Interface'Leo King' Sports Prediction Game24/7 Customer Servicenot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
34Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLeo Vegas Sports is the sportsbook from this multi-award-winning casino operator, with a focus on mobile users - including a sport betting app for Android & iOS Devices. - New ‘brand’ customers that have yet to make a first deposit on the site. Must be aged 18+. Only valid on first deposit. Not valid with any other offers on the site. Offer expires after 14 days. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Rewards Points for Every BetWeekly Free Bet ClubHigh Betting LimitsSPORTS200Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesSportNation offer unique money back promotions and special offers, such as 'First Five' where your football bet is paid out as a winner if your team scores first in the first 5 minutes. - New customers only. Qualifying bets must be placed before midnight 31/8/21. Free bet credited when your first bet on Glory Goals settles. Qualifying min odds 1.5. Free bet min odds 1.1 and must be used in 7 days. T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Extensive American Sports MarketsUnique 'Glory Goals' BettingRegular Enhanced Odds & SpecialsRZGG20Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
12Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoRedZone is an American-style sportbook who offer innovative markets, such as 'Glory Goals' where you can bet on two teams playing in different games - selecting who scores most. - New players only. Free Bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.10% Cash-Back on Various Sports'Wager Wars' Cash PrizesFull & Partial Cash-Out Optionsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
16Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBritainBet is a relatively new sportsbook and casino platform, which offers Bet Builder and Cash-Outs, plus 24/7 customer service.
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.