What should Michael Bloomberg do with his billion dollars?

David Frum isn't too impressed by the idea that Michael Bloomberg might stand for the Presidency backed by $1 billion of his own money:

Short of blowing the money on cocaine and hookers, could Mayor Bloomberg possibly invent a more personally self-indulgent, socially useless way to spend a great sum?

Bloomberg cannot hope to be elected. He is not advancing any distinctive issue that otherwise would go without a hearing. Bloomberg is an economically conservative/socially liberal supporter of the arts, the environment, and diversity. In other words: exactly the same politics as everybody who eats lunch at the Four Seasons Grill Room. It is almost impossible to imagine any substantial difference his entry into the race would make to the shape of American politics or the outcome of the 2008 presidential race.

But, as David points out, $1 billion can buy a lot.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Perhaps 58, 823, 529.41 of these, suitably adapted of course.

Or do you have a better idea?

Comments

[Tim]

Mr. Finkelstein, who are you backing in the 2008 presidential debacle? This article has a texture of fear in it! Maybe your candidate's future is in question with Bloomberg entering the race?

[Debbie]

You will probably get some cuts answers, but the question sounds like something Hillary Clinton would ask. You know she has suggested taking money from individuals and sharing it with the less fortunate. I think it's his money, he can spend it however he wants. Or burn it, or save it, whatever. He earned it.

[Joseph O]

Re: Bloomberg cannot hope to be elected... Of course the dedicated members of the Big Two will spew this garbarge in hopes that their corporate media lackeys pick it up and distribute it in the Dick Cheney tradition that by repeating a falsehood enough, people will begin to believe it.

Re: He is not advancing any distinctive issue that otherwise would go without a hearing... He does not have to advance any platform as of yet. He did post his NYC actions on www.MikeBloomberg.com and can lean on the proposed National Election Reform Platform proposed by IndependentAmerica.org.

Re: Bloomberg is an economically conservative/socially liberal supporter of the arts, the environment, and diversity. In other words: exactly the same politics... And just where any viable candidates who are not similarly aligned? Shunned by the media and their own party are Ron Paul and Mike Gravel. Bloomberg leaps over them with credible fury.