- Mike Bloomberg is reportedly spending about $4.2 million per day on his campaign ads
With a net worth of over $55 billion, Mike Bloomberg is believed to be the 14th richest person in the world and now he is officially running for president as a Democrat. For his campaign, it is estimated that Bloomberg is spending $4.2 million per day.
And the reported budget for spending on TV, Facebook, and Google between November 25 and December 22 is estimated to be about $117.8 million, according to Advertising Analytics. This budget is nearly the same amount that four of the top candidates (former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg) are spending on their whole campaigns — which includes the salary of their staff and travel expenses starting from the launch of their campaign until the end of September.
“Just having a lot of money obviously doesn’t move the needle,” said Emerson College director of polling and assistant professor Spencer Kimball via Washington Examiner. “But the way Bloomberg is spending his money is targeted advertising. You’re already seeing his numbers increase.”
Bloomberg is also using his wealth to set up a large campaign operation. Now Bloomberg is paying the salaries of over 300 staff members, 200 of which are at his campaign headquarters. And lower-level field staff are making $6,000 per month, which is about 70% more than the $3,500 per month that the Warren, Sanders, and Buttigieg campaigns are paying.
One of Bloomberg’s recent hires is Foursquare CEO Jeff Glueck, according to Politico. Glueck is going to work as the director of digital research and engagement for the Bloomberg campaign. Glueck is going to work closely with Mike Bloomberg 2020 digital director Gary Briggs. Briggs is a former CMO of Facebook.
Another hire on the Bloomberg campaign is Cassandra Henry, who worked for the Beto for America campaign before Beto O’Rourke dropped out of the race.
Plus Bloomberg hired Kelly Mehlenbacher, the former Kamala Harris For The People state operations director. And the Bloomberg campaign also hired Brynne Craig as a senior adviser and Carlos Sanchez as the national political director and Jason Rodriguez as the deputy political director.
Last week, Bloomberg also started meeting with business executives to encourage them to back the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties in the 2020 campaign reported CNBC. These business executives include Wall Street executives who run hedge funds and private equity firms. Plus Bloomberg is also calling on donors to give directly to the DNC and several state parties.
Bloomberg previously served as mayor of New York for three terms. Since he is funding his own campaign for president, his rivals like Sen. Warren accused him of buying the Democratic nomination.
“He’ll encourage giving to state parties and the DNC to support efforts across the country to make sure Donald Trump does not get a second term,” said Bloomberg spokesman Marc LaVorgna in a statement to CNBC. “Many donors have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the primary to play out, and Mike is making it clear we simply cannot wait.”
Bloomberg committed more than $100 million to his campaign. And he is also earmarking funds to invest in House Democrats running for reelection. During the 2018 midterm elections, Bloomberg spent over $110 million backing Democrats who were running for the House.
In terms of his health, Bloomberg’s campaign released a report from his doctor last week, which described him as “a 77-year-old man in outstanding health.” And the report also says that Bloomberg has “no medical concerns, present or looming, that would prevent him from serving as President of the United States.”
The health report did state that Bloomberg had a coronary stent placement for a blocked coronary artery about 20 years ago. And some small skin cancers were removed. However, he is still ready to serve as the commander-in-chief.
“Mr. Bloomberg is in great physical shape,” said John Hopkins University professor Dr. Stephen Sisson via The NY Post. Bloomberg also takes a blood thinner after developing atrial fibrillation last year. And Bloomberg takes a beta-blocker and medication for controlling cholesterol. Sisson also noted that Bloomberg is being treated for arthritis and heartburn, both of which are controlled.
Bloomberg is 5’7” and weighs 165 pounds. And he exercises several times per week and regularly plays golf. Plus he is licensed to pilot planes.
“At his annual examination in July 2019, cardiac stress testing was normal and demonstrated excellent exercise tolerance. Blood pressure was 120/70 with a heart rate of 82 bpm,” Sisson added.
Bloomberg’s blood tests showed normal kidney and liver functions and there is no evidence of anemia or diabetes. Sisson pointed out that his diet and health habits are excellent. And he does not smoke or abuse alcohol.
