Bloomberg, Scarborough Look Beyond Midterms

Partisanship in Washington has become so exaggerated that it prevents transformational and innovative policies from being put forward, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said at an Institute of Politics panel last night.

As part of the panel, entitled “The Midterms and Beyond: The New Way Forward,” Bloomberg and Scarborough described their opinions on the current American political system and the best way to improve it after today’s midterm elections.

Scarborough, host of the talk show “Morning Joe,” and Bloomberg blamed the news business for polarizing American politics. But they also decried the fact that many politicians often dismiss any idea coming from their opponents.

“There is no monopoly of great ideas,” Scarborough said.

Bloomberg added that even though people might disagree with Obama on a lot of issues, they should wish him to succeed because it is in the interest of America.

Susan Milligan, a former Boston Globe journalist who is an IOP fellow this fall, said she agreed with Bloomberg’s and Scarborough’s comments about partisanship.

“I have covered the White House for 27 years, and I have never seen such dysfunction,” she said.

But Scarborough said that the shifting political winds could soon change the partisan dynamic.

He said he was confident that the likely shift to a Republican House and possibly Senate after today’s elections would improve the situation by encouraging collaboration between both parties. With a Democratic president in the White House, neither party will be able to enact legislation without compromise, Scarborough explained.

“I think great things are going to happen, but it will require people to move together and put the partisanship behind,” the former congressman said, adding that Obama would be faced with a unique opportunity to redefine his presidency after today’s elections.

“I want to see the Barack Obama that made me tear up,” Scarborough said, referring to a speech by a more idealistic Obama during his presidential campaign.

Eric Lu ’12, chair of the IOP survey committee, said he enjoyed the insight on American politics that the talk provided.

“I am always impressed with how much Bloomberg knows about national issues,” he said, alluding to persistent rumors that the mayor is considering a presidential run.

When asked if he was considering running for presidency, Bloomberg dismissed the prospect.

“I’ve got a better job,” he said, before advising students interested in public service to consider running for the leadership of a large city, which he said is a great way to make a concrete difference in people’s life.

Yesterday’s talk will be featured on Scarborough’s show this Thursday.