his Fellow billionaires
HERE’S SOMETHING political observers agree on: Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 will undoubtedly make others among the nation’s ultrarich consider a presidential run. For now, Trump is the front-runner for 2020; bookmaker Betfair gives him a 5/2 chance of winning. But there are plenty of ten-figure challengers, even if some of them deny being interested in the job. We pulled the wagering odds from Ladbrokes and gambling sites like Bet365 and then asked veteran Democratic pollster Mark Penn to analyze the field.
MARK ZUCKERBERG NET WORTH: $75.8 BILLION odds: 28/1
Penn: [laughs] “He has no skills that would really work in politics.”
JEFF BEZOS NET WORTH: $114 BILLION odds: 50/1
“Not this cycle, but I wonder if in two to three cycles . . . . The person who has become the world’s richest person and runs Amazon has some potential.”
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG NET WORTH: $52.9 BILLION odds: 50/1
“Should’ve just thrown his hat in the ring last time. I suspect he’s never going to run.”
JAMIE DIMON NET WORTH: $1.3 BILLION odds: 50/1
“I don’t see America putting a banker in the White House anytime soon.”
OPRAH WINFREY NET WORTH: $2.9 BILLION odds: 66/1
“I’d put her chances lower than her image would suggest. The Democratic electorate is looking for someone who is experienced in government and politics.”
MARK CUBAN NET WORTH: $3.3 BILLION odds: 80/1
“Knows how to kick up a fuss.”
BILL GATES NET WORTH: $92.5 BILLION odds: 150/1
“Full disclosure: I worked with him for many years. He understands health care, the international scene, economics. He’d have to run as an independent.”