Bloomberg Faces Backlash... Controversies Over Gender and Racial Discrimination

Democratic Primary Rivals and President Trump's Camp Escalate Attacks
Verification Expected to Continue Amid Rising Support Ratings

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Michael Bloomberg, former New York City mayor and Democratic presidential candidate, has become an enemy of both the Democratic and Republican parties. Although he did not participate in the two Democratic primary elections in Iowa and New Hampshire, his rising momentum, backed by enormous financial resources and a nationwide support rate ranking third, has led not only President Donald Trump but also Democratic contenders to focus their scrutiny on him. As his approval ratings surged, U.S. media outlets have also begun thorough investigations into Bloomberg.

On the 16th (local time), Democratic presidential primary candidates collectively moved to check Bloomberg. From progressive Senator Bernie Sanders to centrist figures such as former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and former Vice President Joe Biden, candidates across the spectrum launched attacks against Bloomberg.

Buttigieg appeared on 'Fox News Sunday' and pressed Bloomberg on various allegations recently raised by the media. He said, "(Bloomberg) needs to answer and talk about 'that'." This was a demand for Bloomberg to personally clarify his past misogynistic behavior reported by The Washington Post (WP).

WP reported that Bloomberg faced multiple lawsuits from female employees at Bloomberg LP, the company he founded, alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and discrimination, fueling controversy.

Among the allegations were remarks such as telling a pregnant female employee to "Kill it" and referring to women as sexual tools for business purposes, which sparked public outrage.

Buttigieg added, "To show the difference between the Democratic and Republican parties, high standards are necessary," and argued, "Our party's candidate must be someone without moral issues."

Klobuchar, who gained momentum by finishing third in the New Hampshire primary, also joined in criticizing Bloomberg. She condemned Bloomberg's 'Stop and Frisk' policy, which he promoted as New York City mayor, as unconstitutional. This policy sparked controversies over excessive searches and racial discrimination against Black and Latino communities and remains a vulnerability for Bloomberg. Recently, remarks from 2015 resurfaced, intensifying accusations of racial bias against him.

Regarding Bloomberg's alleged sexism, Klobuchar stated, "You cannot just hide behind broadcasting power and money," and pressured, "If he appears in the next debate, he will be welcomed."

Sanders also claimed that Bloomberg's rising support is a 'house of cards' built on money. Ahead of the Nevada caucus, Sanders said at a Las Vegas rally, "Bloomberg cannot generate the excitement and energy needed to beat Trump with money."

Sanders was the only competitor to mention Bloomberg, criticizing his positions on general election competitiveness, minimum wage laws, law enforcement, taxation of the wealthy, and Wall Street regulation.

Biden appeared on NBC's 'Meet the Press' and said about Bloomberg, "You can buy ads, but you cannot erase your record," adding, "I have a lot to say to Bloomberg at the debate before Super Tuesday."

The White House also joined the attack on Bloomberg. Kellyanne Conway, senior advisor to the White House, appeared on Fox News and said, "Bloomberg needs to answer for this during the campaign," launching an offensive on the sexism allegations. She used past controversies involving President Trump’s derogatory remarks about women to argue, "Bloomberg's comments are much worse."

From the perspectives of President Trump and the White House, there is a growing need to check Bloomberg, who is centrist, rising in support, and wealthy, rather than the radical socialist-leaning Sanders. Recently, Trump has intensified his attacks by tweeting that Bloomberg, referencing his short stature, is a perfect racist.

As the controversy grew, Bloomberg issued a statement saying, "If I did not have capable women around me, I would not be who I am today," and explained, "I will continue to be a champion for women in the workplace."