Michael Bloomberg has said he will eat at a Chinese restaurant in the coming days to show solidarity with businesses who have been hit by public fears about coronavirus.
The multi-billionaire and Democratic presidential candidate made the pledge during a Fox News town hall event in Virginia as he hopes to kickstart his 2020 campaign with a strong performance in Super Tuesday this week.
Mr Bloomberg was asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier how he would deal with the impact of coronavirus on the US economy.
“It’s not the economics, it’s the people that are afraid to go out,” he replied, as he argued financial solutions, such as tax cuts, were not the only way to help businesses during the outbreak.
“Go to Chinese restaurants all across the country here in America, where there’s no reason to think whatsoever that you’re going to catch the flu but people aren’t patronising them.”
Woman busted in NYC rabbi syringe attack allegedly stabbed another Jewish man hours earlier: report
Ilhan Omar Accused of Leaking Info to Foreign Leaders in Somalia as Resurfaced Post Brings Evidence to Light
Airbnb Cracks Down on Hosts Treating Guests Like a Free Maid Service
How Is This Legal? Pollster Boosting Dem in Mississippi Admits It Fabricated Most Election Surveys
MAPPED: The states Trump and top Democrats are targeting before Election Day
Young Voters Who Helped Hand Trump White House Are Flocking Back to Dems for the Midterms: Poll
5 victims released from hospital after Florida A&M University shooting, 1 remains critical
Trump immigration win could strengthen admin’s hand in looming Supreme Court fight
‘MASH’ and ‘Top Gun’ Star Dead at 93
Is Our Constitution Adequate to Resist Sharia
Six Flags to add seat belts to roller coasters after Georgia rider’s death
Hochul faces revolt from unlikely New Yorkers as Democrats deliver scathing verdict on their party
Man admits beating dad to death in picturesque town decades ago after bragging to cops about ‘first body’
Socialism’s growing appeal meets an awkward reality check on college campus
Illinois County, Connecticut Cite Weapons You Never Heard of to Justify Their Gun Bans to SCOTUS
Mr Bloomberg added: “I thought to myself tonight, ‘I’m going to go to a Chinese restaurant’ — it actually turns out I can’t — but I will do it tomorrow night just to show the flag and help them.”
The 78-year-old businessman has based his unconventional campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination on winning big on Tuesday, when voting takes place in 14 states.
Mr Bloomberg has opted to ignore early states, such as Iowa and New Hampshire, which are normally seen as an indicator of who will win the nomination, and has spent vast sums of money from his personal fortune to fund his campaign.
The former mayor of New York has spent more than $501m (£392m) on television, radio and digital advertising since entering the race, according to CNN.
On Sunday night, he broadcast a three-minute advert on the coronavirus outbreak that mimicked a presidential TV address and reportedly cost more than $1.5m.
Woman busted in NYC rabbi syringe attack allegedly stabbed another Jewish man hours earlier: report
Ilhan Omar Accused of Leaking Info to Foreign Leaders in Somalia as Resurfaced Post Brings Evidence to Light
Airbnb Cracks Down on Hosts Treating Guests Like a Free Maid Service
How Is This Legal? Pollster Boosting Dem in Mississippi Admits It Fabricated Most Election Surveys
MAPPED: The states Trump and top Democrats are targeting before Election Day
Young Voters Who Helped Hand Trump White House Are Flocking Back to Dems for the Midterms: Poll
5 victims released from hospital after Florida A&M University shooting, 1 remains critical
Trump immigration win could strengthen admin’s hand in looming Supreme Court fight
‘MASH’ and ‘Top Gun’ Star Dead at 93
Is Our Constitution Adequate to Resist Sharia
Six Flags to add seat belts to roller coasters after Georgia rider’s death
Hochul faces revolt from unlikely New Yorkers as Democrats deliver scathing verdict on their party
Man admits beating dad to death in picturesque town decades ago after bragging to cops about ‘first body’
Socialism’s growing appeal meets an awkward reality check on college campus
Illinois County, Connecticut Cite Weapons You Never Heard of to Justify Their Gun Bans to SCOTUS
Critics of the businessman have accused him of attempting to buy the nomination with his personal wealth, by ignoring traditional campaign events and spending huge amounts of money on advertising.
During a bruising Democratic debate last month, Mr Bloomberg was also targeted by another Democratic candidate, Elizabeth Warren, over his past comments about women and the use of non-disclosure agreements at his company.
“I’d like to talk about who we are running against. A billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians. And no, I am not talking about Donald Trump. I am talking about Mayor Bloomberg,” Ms Warren said during the debate.
“Look, I’ll support whoever the Democratic nominee is, but understand this, Democrats take a huge risk if we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another.”
As of Tuesday morning, Mr Bloomberg was in third place in the Democratic race, according to a polling average from RealClearPolitics.
Story cited here.
