Michael Bloomberg ponders ex-candidate Andrew Yang as running mate

Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign has made overtures to former Democrat candidate Andrew Yang.

Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign has made overtures to Democrat Andrew Yang, courting the former candidate’s endorsement and floating the possibility of Mr Yang becoming his running mate, according to two people familiar with the discussions.

Aides to the former New York City mayor reached out to discuss ways the two entrepreneurs-turned-politicians could work together as Mr Bloomberg seeks the Democratic nomination, the people said. Mr Yang, who dropped out of the race earlier this month, didn’t commit to join forces, as he considers his own political future, a third source familiar with the discussions said.

Mr Yang didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. A senior Bloomberg aide said Mr Yang wasn’t being seriously considered to be the former mayor’s running mate if he secured the nomination.

Mr Yang had a passionate base of support, known online as the Yang Gang, but performed poorly in both the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

When he dropped out of the 2020 race, his campaign manager said that “the math just didn’t work out”. Mr Yang is now a CNN contributor who analyses the race for the network, including appearing on panels after debates.

Mr Bloomberg entered the race in November and didn’t compete in any of the states with nominating contests in February. He has spent roughly $US500m ($763m) focusing on 14 states that will vote on Wednesday AEDT.

When Mr Bloomberg entered the race, Mr Yang questioned whether the billionaire would be successful.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult for him to jump in right now and somehow replace the thousands of conversations many of the candidates have had with voters,” Mr Yang said.

“There are limits to what money can do.”

While Mr Yang was never one of the frontrunners for the nomination, he consistently ranked in the top 10 of a crowded field, polling ahead of some elected officials.

He is eyeing his political future, he has told associates in recent weeks, and has been approached by some New York City political heavyweights about running for mayor in 2021.

Mr Yang campaigned on Americans’ fears of growing automation in the workplace, promising a “Freedom Dividend” of $US12,000 a year in an effort to offset the threat.

The Wall Street Journal