Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has an open contempt for billionaires, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is no exception.
Speaking at a town hall in New Hampshire, Sanders blasted Bloomberg who formally confirmed his White House bid on Sunday.
We do not believe that billionaires have the right to buy elections, and that is why we are going to overturn Citizens United, that is why multi-billionaires like Mr. Bloomberg are not going to get very far in this election, that is why we are going to end voter suppression in America, Sanders said of the new competition.
Bloomberg is the 9th richest person in the United States and the 14th richest person in the world. He is worth an estimated $57 billion and has announced that he will not be taking political donations and will fund his campaign himself.
Bernie Sanders ✔ @BernieSanders
Im disgusted by the idea that Michael Bloomberg or any billionaire thinks they can circumvent the political process and spend tens of millions of dollars to buy elections.
If you cant build grassroots support for your candidacy, you have no business running for president. https://twitter.com/ShaneGoldmacher/status/1197987318537367554
The Hill reports that Bloomberg has already purchased a $31.5 million ad campaign purchase, the most expensive purchase of any candidate in one week of political advertising. Many of the other Democratic candidates have blasted him for using his wealth to try to influence the election, with Sanders calling the ad purchase disgusting.
Tonight we say to Michael Bloomberg and other billionaires: Sorry you aint gonna buy this election, Sanders said at a campaign stop in Iowa last month.