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.”
Platner campaign rocked with damning allegations from another ex-lover as Senate race heats up: report
Catholic bishops consecrate US, White House says Trump and Melania ‘join in prayer’ in ‘unprecedented’ gesture
Ilhan Omar Lashes Out at ‘Horrific’ Jerry Seinfeld When He Said Palestine ‘Doesn’t Exist’ After Knicks Game
Karmelo Anthony’s Father Blames ‘White Attorney’ for His Son’s Murder Conviction
Police: Father of Seven Killed on NYC Bus After Confronting Rider Over Loud Phone Conversation
FIRST ON FOX: DOJ sues Spanberger’s Virginia over laws kneecapping federal agents as mask war escalates
New Poll: Majority of Americans Want Every Illegal Immigrant Deported
Bill Cassidy goes out in style
Rubio gets somber at UFC event, says world is so polarized there are few things that ‘bring people together’
Mississippi teen allegedly killed elderly couple in their home before firing on deputies in standoff
Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony claims he is ‘penniless’ in appeal despite major donor-funded legal campaign
‘Transgender madness’ under fire after Congress lets taxpayer funding ban lapse
Mamdani stands by fellow socialist candidate despite resurfaced far-left, anti-American posts
Trump pivots on strikes while dangling Iran deal, testing whether Tehran blinks
Family of Would-Be Beheading Victim Caves – First Statement Is Music to Leftist, Pro-Open Borders Politicians and Media
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.
Platner campaign rocked with damning allegations from another ex-lover as Senate race heats up: report
Catholic bishops consecrate US, White House says Trump and Melania ‘join in prayer’ in ‘unprecedented’ gesture
Ilhan Omar Lashes Out at ‘Horrific’ Jerry Seinfeld When He Said Palestine ‘Doesn’t Exist’ After Knicks Game
Karmelo Anthony’s Father Blames ‘White Attorney’ for His Son’s Murder Conviction
Police: Father of Seven Killed on NYC Bus After Confronting Rider Over Loud Phone Conversation
FIRST ON FOX: DOJ sues Spanberger’s Virginia over laws kneecapping federal agents as mask war escalates
New Poll: Majority of Americans Want Every Illegal Immigrant Deported
Bill Cassidy goes out in style
Rubio gets somber at UFC event, says world is so polarized there are few things that ‘bring people together’
Mississippi teen allegedly killed elderly couple in their home before firing on deputies in standoff
Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony claims he is ‘penniless’ in appeal despite major donor-funded legal campaign
‘Transgender madness’ under fire after Congress lets taxpayer funding ban lapse
Mamdani stands by fellow socialist candidate despite resurfaced far-left, anti-American posts
Trump pivots on strikes while dangling Iran deal, testing whether Tehran blinks
Family of Would-Be Beheading Victim Caves – First Statement Is Music to Leftist, Pro-Open Borders Politicians and Media
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.
