Of course Bloomberg is probably right when he says that America won't elect a short, billionaire, divorced Jew as President. Mr. Sifry's analysis is trenchant, but there's still a part of me that hopes and prays for some anamoly this time out, a perfect storm of events and outcomes that makes Bloomberg, should he declare, a contender.

His power lifestyle and Bermuda mansion notwithstanding, a guy like Mike lives for the grand challenge, since he already has more money--by a factor of what...100 cubed?--than he could ever spend.

What greater challenge after his conquest of the New York Mayoralty--during which he went from just another rich guy who "bought" the office to an incumbent who's gained enormous respect for his leadership up and down the electorate--than gaining the White House as an Independent, which is exactly what this country needs at this moment in its history.

Exquisite timing, limitless funding, political independence and freedom of "ownership" by the establishment, a strong track record, a charming if not charismatic persona (the voice still sounds like chalk on a blackboard, but I'll wear ear plugs), and a large majority of the nation virtually aching for dramatic change...the ingredients of a Bloomberg upset for the century!

As I read over this, it sounds like an Independent's wet dream, but if Michael Moore can dream about universal, single-payer health care, I can dream about a President Bloomberg!

Stewart Braunstein

Port Washington , New York, USA