Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics

Mike Bloomberg's story ranks as one of modern business and political history's most inspiring and instructive tales. Take an average, middle-class man with uncommon vigor. Then, imbue him with the discipline and confidence to take maximum advantage of the great opportunities he encountered in college, Wall Street and, eventually, the electrified world of New York City politics. New York Times reporter Joyce Purnick's fluid writing style makes this portrait of an ethical, tough, innovative leader flow seamlessly, so readers can easily enjoy and absorb its themes and stories. getAbstract recommends her breezy, deft, comprehensive presentation of Bloomberg's uplifting life story to executives, political strategists and aspiring leaders.

This book excellently presents a biography of Michael Bloomberg, the wealthiest person in New York, who was elected Mayor by spending tens of millions of his own money to fund his campaign. As Jimmy Breslin declared, Bloomberg was buying the Mayor's seat "like it's a cup of coffee". Bloomberg was not known for giving stirring speeches or making convincing arguments when questioned. He did not appear to have empathy for others as he maintained his businesslike aura. The author describes Bloomberg as "the city's first, and no doubt last, plutocrat." Bloomberg understood finances and he helped steer New York during the national economic crisis. He had the advantage of not owing any interests for his election or for reelection. He could act without needing help from contractors, unions, or other economic lobbies. Bloomerg used the money to start his own financial information company using computer terminals. It grew to a company with 2,300 journalists and editors in 140 bureaus, a 24 hour research phone line, and with 280,000 subscribes paying $1,590 a month. This phone line system would inspire Mayor Bloomberg to create 311, a number New Yorkers can call at any time to obtain government information. Once on the public eye, criticism arose of Bloomberg's past behavior. News he faced sexual harassments charges became known. An old quote of his reemerged, where he stated "I like the theatre, dining, and chasing women. Met me put it this way: I am a single, straight billionaire in Manhattan. It's like a wet dream." Bloomberg increased by double his charitable contributions before running for Mayor, giving $100.5 million to 200 additional organizations, 79 of which are in New York City. Bloomberg entered the Republican Primary versus former Rep. Herman Badillo, who had few funds and as a former Democrat lacked a strong base. The primary on September 11, 2001 was postponed due to terrorist attacks. The Democrats required a run-off primary. Mayor Guiliani proposed moving the general election back due to the short time between that election and the second primary and also so Guiliani could continue directing post-attack recovery efforts. Bloomberg agreed with moving the election day, and swearing in, dates back. A leading Democratic candidate Mark Green at first was undecided and then agreed. This agreement caused Green to lose popularity amongst liberals (slipping from 70% approval to 50% approval) and African American voters (slipping from 80% to 65% approval). Green won the Democratic run-off primary with 52% to 48% for Fernando Ferrer, yet his electability had been reduced. Bloomberg explained he wanted to be Mayor because he wanted to make a difference. The press dup up past Bloomberg quotes, such as his stating at a conference "I would like nothing more in life than to have Sharon Stone sit on my face" and if Jesus was a Jew, why does he have a Puerto Rican first name?" Voters were more concerned about the city's finances an

This is an even handed, well-researched biography of New York City's one hundred and eighth mayor, Mike Bloomberg. This small town boy from Medford, Massachusetts would grow up to take the financial and business world by storm in one of the most competitive cities in the world and rise above the fray, creating a business empire that would set the standard. Having conquered the business world, this self-made billionaire would come out of political nowhere with many dollars and a dream and enter the rollicking world on New York City politics, determined to become its mayor. Setting his sights on the highest political office in the city, this physically unprepossessing, highly intelligent man, who is short on charm, managed to pull off one of the biggest upsets in New York's political history. Luck and his own personal fortune would make his dream of becoming mayor a reality. Mike Bloomberg became mayor in the wake of 9/11, determined to make changes that would put the city back on track, applying managerial know how rather than political acumen to the task. For the most part he delivered, winning the respect of the citizens of New York City, if not their affection. The author clearly knows and understands the world of New York politics and expertly lays it out for the reader. Against this tumultuous backdrop, the author paints a three dimensional portrait of Mayor Mike that is simultaneously both flattering and unflattering. She also tackles his unpopular but successful attack of New York's two term limit law, a success that would allow him to run for mayor a third time. The only question is whether Mayor Mike's power grab will be successful this time around. Written in clear spare prose with no holds barred, this book is sure to be savored by those who enjoy biographies and politics. New Yorkers especially will enjoy this book for the very personal look at their mayor, warts and all.