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.”
Watch: Obama Left Embarrassed as Video Shows Pitiful Welcome He Got in China vs Majestic Welcome Trump Just Got
Insanity: Ex-BLMer and Special Ed Teacher on Leave Over Abuse Allegations Just Elected President of Teachers Union
Jordan grills Soros-backed DA Descano in heated spat over soft-on-crime policy: ‘This is almost laughable’
Wisconsin official cries foul alleging FBI showed up at front door of county election director’s home
Israel to Sue NYT Over Sickening Report Accusing IDF of Canine Rape: ‘Hideous and Distorted’
173 House Democrats vote against resolution honoring police amid rising attacks
Final Walz fraud report rips ‘culture of tolerance’ as Minnesota taxpayers face billions in alleged losses
Iran Seizes Ship Loaded with Weapons, Steers It Toward Territorial Waters: Report
Healthcare company CEO convicted of $1 billion Medicare fraud conspiracy
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Buster Murdaugh seen for first time since dad’s murder conviction overturned
Video shows undercover cops shooting man threatening shoppers with fake gun in ‘justified’ defense: officials
Intense Footage: Police Officer with No Protective Gear Sprints Into Burning House and Saves Entire Family
Court Overturns Former Attorney Alex Murdaugh’s Double Murder Convictions
Dem Senate hopeful’s ‘physician’ campaign pitch under fire after license records reveal key gaps
Massie’s ex-girlfriend alleges he arranged her Capitol Hill job, then offered $5,000 to drop termination suit
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.
Watch: Obama Left Embarrassed as Video Shows Pitiful Welcome He Got in China vs Majestic Welcome Trump Just Got
Insanity: Ex-BLMer and Special Ed Teacher on Leave Over Abuse Allegations Just Elected President of Teachers Union
Jordan grills Soros-backed DA Descano in heated spat over soft-on-crime policy: ‘This is almost laughable’
Wisconsin official cries foul alleging FBI showed up at front door of county election director’s home
Israel to Sue NYT Over Sickening Report Accusing IDF of Canine Rape: ‘Hideous and Distorted’
173 House Democrats vote against resolution honoring police amid rising attacks
Final Walz fraud report rips ‘culture of tolerance’ as Minnesota taxpayers face billions in alleged losses
Iran Seizes Ship Loaded with Weapons, Steers It Toward Territorial Waters: Report
Healthcare company CEO convicted of $1 billion Medicare fraud conspiracy
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Buster Murdaugh seen for first time since dad’s murder conviction overturned
Video shows undercover cops shooting man threatening shoppers with fake gun in ‘justified’ defense: officials
Intense Footage: Police Officer with No Protective Gear Sprints Into Burning House and Saves Entire Family
Court Overturns Former Attorney Alex Murdaugh’s Double Murder Convictions
Dem Senate hopeful’s ‘physician’ campaign pitch under fire after license records reveal key gaps
Massie’s ex-girlfriend alleges he arranged her Capitol Hill job, then offered $5,000 to drop termination suit
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.
