An Open Letter To Michael Bloomberg

AN OPEN LETTER TO MICHAEL BLOOMBERG HOW TO WIN THE PRESIDENCY IN 2008 IN THE HEARTLAND

December 25, 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg City Hall New York, New York 10007 Dear Mayor Mike, In a little over ten months, you will be the next President of the United States. The only thing louder than the “noises” coming from Iowa and New Hampshire today are the snowplows. With the holiday season and primary season in full force, your name is not mentioned very often these days. The Presidency horse race has begun and like many horse races the winner will be the candidate who comes from behind and finishes strong. What will most Americans be concerned about in the months ahead and how can you capitalize on these concerns? 1. Taxes - Your reputation as a taxing mayor is unfair, but you will need to deflect this issue and provide a plan that Americans understand and will “buy into”. 2. War - The faster our soldiers are home, the happier voters will be. Your plan will need to include guarantied security measures so that the troop withdrawal is safe and the Iraqi government will be able to govern fairly all parties involved. No timetable needs to be established other than “as soon as possible”. You will demonstrate that you can manage the military. 3. Mainstream Message – We want a straight-talking, competent and honest President. We want a President that we can have a “beer with”. 4. Art of Compromise - The real problem is Congress and partisanship. President Bush, who was successful in compromising as governor of Texas, lost this ability. You have proven this ability in New York and must communicate this to the voters. 5. Economy – The worse the economy gets, the more the election is yours to win. Your managerial expertise, your vision and your effectiveness as a leader will be the characteristics the country will need in order for a strong economy to return. Families need to feel that their children will have a secure future. 6. Education – This is a tremendous concern for the 25-50 generation. The quality and cost of education needs a plan that will allow our children to lead us into the future. You must emphasize your successes in New York. You must provide the voters with a simple plan that will convince them that education will improve. 7. Health Care – Every voter is concerned about health care. Your plan must be bold, convincing and workable.

8. Crime – You must emphasize the progress of crime reduction that has been successful in New York. 9. Religion – Religion is an issue whether it should be or not. Wisconsin has elected two Jewish Senators and it has been a non-issue. However, as Mitt Romney discovered, the sooner the issue is dealt with the better off you will be. 10. Race Relations - Emphasize how race relations have improved in your administration and with the New York legislature. This would best be done with approval ratings. 11. Pro-Life/Choice – Obviously, you will lose the single-issue voters on this issue. A clear and succinct message is best on this issue. 12. Pro-Gun/Gun Control – Similar to #11. 13. Internet – My two twenty-something sons receive all of their information from the internet. You must be the internet candidate that delivers a winning message via this media by doing something innovative. 14. International Relations - How will you repair our credibility with the world? With credible people in your administration that you should name prior to the election. Also, several major speeches that will describe your plan. 15. Party Affiliation - You will lose the votes of the ultraconservative, religious right and the ultraliberal. Partisan bickering is rampant in Washington as well as in many State Capitals. By selecting a Bi-Partisan cabinet before the election, this issue will become a non-issue. 16. Vice-President – High profile with Foreign Policy experience along the lines of Colin Powell or Condoleezza Rice. 17. Third- Party Ballot Access – I am sure that this problem is solved, either with Unity08 or through your campaign team. You only need to get on the ballots of the twenty-five states that you can win. 18. Debates – You must be able to participate in the debates. I assume that you have addressed this issue. You must be Reaganesque or Kennedyesque or Bill Clintonesque. 19. Timing, Timing, Timing - As Senator Thompson and Ross Perot discovered, timing is everything. We have a short attention span and it will be difficult to maintain the momentum after you make your announcement. It appears that the deadline for the first state ballot is April 21, 2008. As Street Sense did in the Kentucky Derby this year, just stay along the rail and wait for the victorious openings and enjoy the ride and finish strong. 20. 100 Day Plan - This will be the most important part of your campaign. What will you do in the first 100 Days? Keep it simple, significant and short. The United States needs a man of action and you are that man. Please decide to run for President. Sincerely, Terrence K. Rice [email protected] 414-507-2414