Because I Said So…

Looks like New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ditched his independent, bipartisan, clothing for some sexy elephant skin duds. 

The New York Times reveals that several weeks ago, the mayor wrote a $500,000 check to help keep the dwindling and increasingly imperiled State Senate Republicans from losing their grip on power.

The Democrats are seeking to gain control of the Senate for the first time in 40 years, and the race is growing personal and bitter.

Bloomberg has made clear to the Republicans that he is willing to personally campaign for GOP senators.

That’s definitely not the rhetoric Bloomberg was touting while he flirted with the idea of running for president.  Before he squashed rumors of his candidacy, billionaire Bloomberg promoted his independence, denouncing party politics and dramatically announcing his resignation from the Republican Party.

“The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy,” the mayor said at a the speech in June that set off presidential speculation. “We can accept this, or we can say, ‘Enough is enough!’ and together build a bright future for our country.”

Oh, so he said one thing then did another.  I tell people all the time that peanuts are my favorite food.  When they buy me a peanut-butter ice cream cake for my birthday I throw it in the trash.  In front of them.  (I hate peanuts.)

Chris Dodd endorsed Barack Obama’s candidacy Tuesday.  The Connecticut senator became the first former candidate in this year’s Democratic campaign to endorse a rival.  He urged Democrats to unify behind Obama and warned against bitter party-dividing attacks.

“It is now the time to come together as a Democratic party,” Dodd said at a morning press conference, adding a few moments later, “I don’t want a campaign that is only divisive here. And there is a danger of it becoming that.”

Now, you may be going, “Who the hell is Chris Dodd?  Is that the guy from ‘American Idol.’”  No, he’s not Daughtry.  In fact, if Dodd were as popular as the rocker he might have fared better in this campaign.  However, while the public may not care who Dodd is supp0rting, his opinion may pull some weight with the Democratic delegates.

[Dodd] has considerable potential influence within the party’s political establishment to make the case that other party leaders need to throw their weight behind Obama to bring the contest to a close. A 27-year veteran of the Senate and a leader of the party’s liberal wing, he came within one vote of becoming of the Senate Democratic Leader in 1994 and served as general chairman of the party during the mid-1990s.

Dodd may not be a dud afterall!  At least not to Obama’s camp.  Sen. Hillary Clinton on the other hand–not so happy.  Although Dodd deflected questions from reporters asking if he is suggesting Clinton withdraw from the race.  Instead he veiled his yes by slyly stating that Bill and Hill:

“have made significant contributions to our country,” Dodd said.. “And I believe very deeply and sincerely this morning that Hillary Clinton will continue to make a significant contribution to our nation in the years to come. But it is now the hour to come together.”

If only I could have listened in on the uncomfortable conversation between Dodd and Clinton Monday night when he told her he decided use his influence to Xerox some more delegate votes for Obama.  Aw…kward.