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.”
‘Protecting Child Rapists and Killers’: ICE Lists Off Illegals They’ve Caught as Liberal Protests Rage On
California gubernatorial hopefuls have a Gavin Newsom problem
Lindsey Graham meets with Mossad director during trip to Israel
Unearthed Data Makes Pennsylvania’s Puberty Blocker Payouts Look Even Sketchier
Trump’s ‘first resort’ use of military has succeeded but it has its limits
Rand Paul says US in ‘active war’ with Venezuela: ‘I still hope it works out for the best’
Viral video shows ICE agent telling agitators they’re disrupting arrest of child sex offender in Minnesota
ICE says 2 demonstrators were arrested in Minnesota for allegedly assaulting officers
Anti-ICE mob storms Minnesota church over pastor’s alleged ties to immigration enforcement
Nancy Pelosi faces social media backlash over behavior at Bob Weir tribute event
Newsom defies Trump administration, declares free parks for MLK Day
Kurdish SDF forces agree to ceasefire with Syrian government after offensive
Grieving father says daughter’s death by illegal alien shows cost of sanctuary policies
Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam
Wife of former American detainee released after more than a year in Venezuelan prison
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.
‘Protecting Child Rapists and Killers’: ICE Lists Off Illegals They’ve Caught as Liberal Protests Rage On
California gubernatorial hopefuls have a Gavin Newsom problem
Lindsey Graham meets with Mossad director during trip to Israel
Unearthed Data Makes Pennsylvania’s Puberty Blocker Payouts Look Even Sketchier
Trump’s ‘first resort’ use of military has succeeded but it has its limits
Rand Paul says US in ‘active war’ with Venezuela: ‘I still hope it works out for the best’
Viral video shows ICE agent telling agitators they’re disrupting arrest of child sex offender in Minnesota
ICE says 2 demonstrators were arrested in Minnesota for allegedly assaulting officers
Anti-ICE mob storms Minnesota church over pastor’s alleged ties to immigration enforcement
Nancy Pelosi faces social media backlash over behavior at Bob Weir tribute event
Newsom defies Trump administration, declares free parks for MLK Day
Kurdish SDF forces agree to ceasefire with Syrian government after offensive
Grieving father says daughter’s death by illegal alien shows cost of sanctuary policies
Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam
Wife of former American detainee released after more than a year in Venezuelan prison
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.
