February 17, 2008 (LPAC)--Michael "Mussolini" Bloomberg intends to run for the Presidency, not to retire to philanthropy, says his ally Michael "Mikey" Steinhardt, who along with Rohatyn financier Steven Rattner, first publicly pushed the Bloomberg corporativist-fascist option for President back in 2006.

The New York Times trots out such luminaries as mafioso hedge fund manager and Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) founder Steinhardt, to report that New York City Mayor Bloomberg would have a hard time being satisfied with just being a philanthropist--something he has frequently said he wanted to do after leaving office.

After his success in the business world, and as Mayor, "where does he go from here?" Steinhardt asked. "He really doesn't care that much about his philanthropy. I think he likes hearing himself talk publicly--terrible way to put it, but I think that's right."

Friends and associates told the Times that Bloomberg's desire to "run the country" has been fueled by his stint as Mayor, and by the "ego boost of broad support from ordinary New Yorkers." He is reportedly "itching to take advantage of the elaborate operation" created by his political aide Kevin Sheekey "to support an independent Presidential campaign."