THE BOSTON GLOBE February 18, 2020

LETTERS

We’re getting a good look at Mike Bloomberg

Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg, former mayor of New York, at a campaign rally on Feb. 12 in Nashville. BRETT CARLSEN/GETTY IMAGES

Democrats don’t have the luxury to wage an ideological battle when the single goal is to top Trump

“Bloomberg’s cash recasts campaign playbook” by Victoria McGrane and Jazmine Ulloa, (Page A1, Feb. 16) was reassuring. The billionaire Mike Bloomberg is overwhelming the airwaves with slick ads, driving the buzz on social media, and outspending President Trump on Facebook because that is what it takes to end the Trump presidency.

Fortunately, Bloomberg has created a media empire that catapulted him to immense wealth. He also has a commitment to public service. The causes he has financed are indicative of the direction in which he would take the country if he is elected.

The Trump administration has broken too many rules, violated ethics, and ignored the law. We are beyond normal in terms of the political playing field. The endless scandals of the Trump administration make it clear that Democrats should unify and follow the lead of a pragmatist. We don’t have the luxury of waging an ideological battle when the country needs to heal, focus on restoring stability, and end income inequality.

Traditionally the economic well-being of the voters assures the incumbent a reelection victory, but the moral vacuum created by Trump must be filled with hope and with policies that lift the middle class.

Bloomberg will maintain the social safety net because he understands the challenges faced by the disenfranchised. I have known him for 44 years, since I worked with him at Salomon Brothers. He will create a supernaturally improbable outcome by winning back the White House for the Democrats. Voters should seize the moment and follow his lead.

Steven A. Ludsin

East Hampton, N.Y.