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.”
Trump grants ‘full pardon’ to Tina Peters after 2020 election interference conviction
Newsom says Trump is one of the ‘most destructive’ president of his lifetime: ‘This guy is reckless’
Black Lives Matter OKC leader charged with wire fraud, money laundering in alleged $3.15M embezzlement scheme
Viral footage shows DoorDash driver allegedly pepper-spraying customer’s food order during delivery
Trump announces pardon for Colorado clerk: ‘Simply wanted to make sure that our elections were fair’
Trump administration offers $5M reward for capture of fugitive Los Choneros gang leader
New Hampshire 6-year-old tests positive for cocaine, cannabis; mother faces multiple charges
Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Have the Best Economy Since the Reagan Years
Trump signs executive order limiting state regulation of AI
Wisconsin judge in Trump fake electors case accused of not writing his own ruling
Watch: Leftist Says He ‘Deserves to Be Robbed’ for Being White, Regrets It Seconds Later
Gavin Newsom Accused of ‘Inciting More Violence’ with AI Trump Administration Video
Socialist Paradise: Man With Downs Syndrome Was Starved to Death as Entire Hospital Staff Watched Without Lifting a Finger
Top 5 moments: Noem clashes with Dems in fiery hearing as drones, deportations erupt into flashpoints
Alleged Jan. 6 pipe bomber’s detention hearing delayed until end of month
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.
Trump grants ‘full pardon’ to Tina Peters after 2020 election interference conviction
Newsom says Trump is one of the ‘most destructive’ president of his lifetime: ‘This guy is reckless’
Black Lives Matter OKC leader charged with wire fraud, money laundering in alleged $3.15M embezzlement scheme
Viral footage shows DoorDash driver allegedly pepper-spraying customer’s food order during delivery
Trump announces pardon for Colorado clerk: ‘Simply wanted to make sure that our elections were fair’
Trump administration offers $5M reward for capture of fugitive Los Choneros gang leader
New Hampshire 6-year-old tests positive for cocaine, cannabis; mother faces multiple charges
Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Have the Best Economy Since the Reagan Years
Trump signs executive order limiting state regulation of AI
Wisconsin judge in Trump fake electors case accused of not writing his own ruling
Watch: Leftist Says He ‘Deserves to Be Robbed’ for Being White, Regrets It Seconds Later
Gavin Newsom Accused of ‘Inciting More Violence’ with AI Trump Administration Video
Socialist Paradise: Man With Downs Syndrome Was Starved to Death as Entire Hospital Staff Watched Without Lifting a Finger
Top 5 moments: Noem clashes with Dems in fiery hearing as drones, deportations erupt into flashpoints
Alleged Jan. 6 pipe bomber’s detention hearing delayed until end of month
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.
