Obama Scores Endorsement From NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg

In a surprising announcement, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed President Barack Obama for re-election today during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

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Mayor Bloomberg, an Independent who neglected to endorse a candidate during the 2008 election, published an op-ed piece listing the reasons why he is supporting Barack Obama's candidacy. Citing the destruction of Sandy as a possible result of climate change, Bloomberg says the storm has helped him put the election in perspective and that he stands behind Obama's position on the issue.

"The devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to New York City and much of the Northeast – in lost lives, lost homes and lost business – brought the stakes of Tuesday’s presidential election into sharp relief."

The Mayor continued, "Our climate is changing. And while the increase in extreme weather we have experienced in New York City and around the world may or may not be the result of it, the risk that it might be – given this week's devastation – should compel all elected leaders to take immediate action." 

According to the NYC Mayor, he wants the next president "to be on the right side of history" when it comes to abortion rights, same-sex marriage and progressive legislation on climate change - issues that GOP nominee Mitt Romney promises to fight against.

Within the piece, Bloomberg, who has been an open critic of the President in the past, also points out issues he feels Obama failed on accomplishing, including comprehensive gun regulation and job creation. He even called the President's first term "disappointing." Nonetheless, he says that Romney's flip-flopping on major issues has made him wary. 

"In the past he has also taken sensible positions on immigration, illegal guns, abortion rights and health care. But he has reversed course on all of them, and is even running against the health-care model he signed into law in Massachusetts," said the mayor about the Republican challenger.

Bloomberg signs off with words of optimism and hope for the incumbent.

"If he listens to people on both sides of the aisle, and builds the trust of moderates, he can fulfill the hope he inspired four years ago and lead our country toward a better future for my children and yours. And that's why I will be voting for him."