I'm not one for group hugs -- in fact, I despise at least half of you (snarkarooni) -- but I'm having trouble digesting all the Meta Cheese, so I wanted to alert your attention to a new group called No Labels.
An alliance of centrist Republicans and Democrats is seeking to organize a grass-roots movement targeting the middle of American politics, a political sphere depopulated by the midterm elections and a vital tool for any potential third-party presidential candidate.
The group, called "No Labels," has drawn support from supporters and advisers of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the country's most powerful independent politician, raising questions about his national political ambitions. Mr. Bloomberg has been invited to attend the group's Dec. 13 launch.
Political analysts see a potential Bloomberg bid if Washington's divided government turns into gridlock, if the economy doesn't improve, and if former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and President Obama are the likely nominees. Mr. Bloomberg said he wouldn't consider running in 2012. "I have the best job in the world," he said.
Yeah, sure. A "grassroots movement," funded by millionaires and billionaires. It's about a grassroots as a phone call between the Koch Brothers.
The group has raised more than $1 million to seed its effort against what it calls "hyper-partisanship." Backers include co-chairman of Loews Corp. Andrew Tisch, Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich and ex-Facebook executive Dave Morin.
Bloomberg for President? Just what we need: a presidential candidate even closer to Wall Street than candidates from the two major parties. And at the risk of bringing on the Meta, the Democratic Party isn't exactly, um, far to the left. What space exactly would Bloomy fill? Right: He would be a Republican, somewhat less conservative than Snow White Palin and the seven to nine dwarfs who will be running for the GOP nomination. Actually, re-reading the section up top, I see that he's only going to run if Palin gets the nomination. More reason to kinda-sorta want her to win. (Wait, I'm rooting for Palin?)
Okay, is No Labels still not loathsome and amusing enough to bring us together? Here you go:
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as well as U.S. senators Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Michigan's Debbie Stabenow, will attend the New York launch.
Right, Holy Joe, the war-lover who just accused Wiki Leaks of having blood on their hands, he's on board. I guess once he loses his Senate race, he wants to work in the Bloomberg Administration.
I went over to the website to see who else was involved in this "grassroots" effort and found in the "citizen leader" section such exciting names as Will Marshall, Norm Ornstein, and Matt Miller.
How long before Dean Broder gives the group his blessing?