Elizabeth Warren blasts Michael Bloomberg, says he's trying to 'buy a nomination'

Kim Norvell | The Des Moines Register

Show Caption Hide Caption Michael Bloomberg launches presidential bid Billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the world's richest men, has formally launched a Democratic bid for president. (Nov. 24)

ANKENY, Iowa. — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticized Micheal Bloomberg's newly announced run for president, saying the former New York City mayor "plans to buy a nomination in the Democratic Party."

"Michael Bloomberg is making a bet about democracy in 2020. He doesn't need people, he only needs bags and bags of money," Warren said Monday at a community meeting in Ankeny. "I think Michael Bloomberg is wrong and that's what we need to prove in this election."

After weeks of speculation, Bloomberg Sunday announced he was entering the crowded 2020 Democratic primary race. His announcement coincided with an estimated $30 million television ad buy.

In Iowa, Warren said Bloomberg's that approach is "fundamentally wrong" compared to hers, which she says has a focus on meeting people "face-to-face" while foregoing high-dollar fundraisers.

It is rare for Warren to make direct attacks on fellow Democratic candidates, even when asked direct questions about other contenders.

"If Michael Bloomberg's version of democracy wins, then democracy changes. And it's going to be about which billionaire you can stomach going forward," she said. "Because, believe me, there are plenty of billionaires who think they should be president or at minimum should be picking the president."

Forbes estimates Bloomberg's wealth at more than $50 billion.

Bloomberg has said he won't focus his time in early states like Iowa, where Warren has held more than 70 events since January when she announced she was exploring a run for president. She has been lauded for having one of the most sophisticated ground organizations in the first-in-the-nation state.

"Think about it his way: His view is that he doesn't need people who knock on doors. He doesn't need to get out and campaign with people. He doesn’t need volunteers," Warren said. "And if you get out and knock on 1,0000 doors he’ll just spend another $37 million to flood the airwaves."

In Iowa campaign, Elizabeth Warren prioritizes organizing U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks about making organizing a priority for her campaign.

The former mayor has rejected Democratic proposals such as "Medicare for All" and the "Green New Deal" — two measures Warren has co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate and ideas on which she’s centered her campaign. Bloomberg has also criticized her proposed wealth tax, which would impose a 2% tax on fortunes over $50 million, saying it is "probably unconstitutional" and warning it could ruin the economy.

Bloomberg has called for what he considers more pragmatic approaches.

"I’m running for president to defeat Donald Trump and rebuild America," Bloomberg declared in a statement on his campaign website.

"We cannot afford four more years of President Trump’s reckless and unethical actions. He represents an existential threat to our country and our values. If he wins another term in office, we may never recover from the damage."

William Cummings with USA TODAY contributed to this report.

Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259.