Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics

Next to The President of the United States, the Mayor of New York is, perhaps the most well known politician in the western world and even maybe beyond. Michael Bloomberg is not an outwardly egotistical, vain, free-flowing, rabble rousing orator, normally associated with being a successful politician but essentially a thorough and determined highly successful businessman, who has clearly applied lessons learned in business to his approach in running New York City. But above all his mantra seems to be that if at first you do not succeed, look for a different route.Veteran New York newspaper reporter Joyce Purnick's biography of 'Michael Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics' lays out how this rather quiet, thoughtful individual carefully manoeuvred his 'money' into creating the 'power' base from which to launch and further his ambitions in 'politics'. She also looks at the not often displayed flamboyant side of his personality that is not so well known. In the years following his divorce he embarked on 'social reinvention' during which time he was seen on numerous occasions with beautiful and famous ladies on his arm, the likes of Barbara Walters, Liv Ullman, Marisa Berenson and Diana Ross.Bloomberg whilst all along professing little inclination of the love and lure of politics and the hand-in-hand power base, did go out of character when he used all of his adroitness and connections to squeeze a change in the City Electoral Laws to allow him a highly controversial third term in office.This is an easy to read, well balanced, and fascinating insight into this man of enormous influence that spans the worlds of business, politics and philanthropy from which Michael Bloomberg emerges as a decent bloke - for a billionaire and politician that is!Comment Comment | Permalink

Very well written, amusing and enlightening. This should be on everyone's bookshelf that is interested in this aspect of American current affairs. Provided insight with wit and humor.

I have been reading a series of books about NY mayors, including early ones, and did not find this book as fascinating or thorough as the others. It was informative, but nothing more than that. Unfortunately, I think that it the only biography on him, at least in Kindle format.

A good read. I enjoyed it very much. He should run for President.

Good book to understand the culture and lifestyle in NYC. 100% recommendable if you want to learn more about the city and NYC people