Bloomberg went on a while about how the U.S. needs to end its "go it alone" approach on foreign affairs, and how global warming is a national security issue. One might wonder exactly what that has to do with the administration of New York City's affairs. One might wonder whether a bold, high-profile speech on national issues portends a run for the presidency. But unless I was hallucinating, I'm pretty sure Bloomberg specifically denied that, in a line that wasn't included in the written text of his speech. I paraphrase: "You might ask why I'm talking about this stuff, whether it's about running for higher office. No. These are issues that face you and I every day." That "no" sounds pretty deliberate to me.

Bloomberg's been a CEO for a while, and it's quite evident in his disdain for "politics." Of course every politician distances themselves from politics rhetorically, but Bloomberg seems genuinely impatient and contemptuous toward it. We're supposed to admire this high-mindedness, I suppose, but I'm pretty sure it would be disastrous for a president. U.S. presidents are immersed in politics. They need to understand horse-trading, when to use the bludgeon and when to use a light touch. Bloomberg, so used to getting what he wants when he wants it, would quickly find that Washington's inertia is greater than any man can overcome by force. Sometimes deftness with politics is a necessary asset.