Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg spoke to a crowd of about 250 on Monday night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Mason's Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Lathan Goumas/Office of Communications and Marketing.
Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is the latest addition to a list of high-profile politicians and newsmakers who have used George Mason University to convey their message.
Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, spoke to a crowd of about 250 on Monday, March 2, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.
“I’ve always thought we need a manager,” the co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., told the Fox News town hall audience. “My skills and what I think is necessary for the job.”
Bloomberg, who suspended his campaign on March 4, the day after Super Tuesday, was the third 2020 presidential candidate to visit Mason. Democrat Elizabeth Warren was on the Fairfax Campus in May. Democrat Andrew Yang was in Fairfax in November.
Because of its diversity and proximity to Washington, D.C., Mason has been a regular destination for such events.
Then-President Barack Obama was on the Fairfax Campus for a CNN town hall on guns. Vice presidential candidate Mike Pence came to Fairfax during the 2016 campaign, as did presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and John Kasich, who also spoke on the Arlington Campus.
Former Vice President Joe Biden came to Fairfax to promote his “It’s on Us” campaign against sexual assault, and then-First Lady Michelle Obama was on the Fairfax Campus to campaign for Clinton.
The appearances give Mason students, faculty and staff an unmatched opportunity to hear directly from politicians and candidates, who see Mason as an important place to spread their messages.
For Ethan Schoenberg, 18, a student at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, and an incoming Mason freshman, the Bloomberg event was just the opportunity he wanted.
“I’m voting [in the Virginia primary] and wanted to be more informed,” he said.
Of Bloomberg, he said, “He was very confident, and I’m definitely going to be voting for him.”