The Controversial Hawkfish Agency and Its Connection to Mike
The 2020 US Presidential election has been one of the most contentious in recent history, with both major parties going to great lengths to secure a victory. One of the most controversial aspects of the election has been the use of digital agencies to help candidates reach voters online. One such agency is Hawkfish, founded by former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and funded by his Bloomberg Philanthropies [1]. The agency was created with the goal of helping the Biden-Harris campaign win the 2020 Presidential election [2]. However, the decision to bring on Hawkfish has been highly controversial in Democratic politics given that it would hand so much power to a single private company [1]. In this article, we will explore the connection between Hawkfish, Mike Bloomberg, and Joe Biden’s campaign.
The Origins of Hawkfish
Hawkfish is a data-driven political consulting firm that was recently funded by former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg [4]. The firm was founded by partners Tara McGowan, Mike Mayschleifer, and David Plouffe. McGowan is a former digital strategist for Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, while Plouffe was Obama’s campaign manager in 2008 [1]. Mayschleifer is a former executive at Bloomberg LP, the financial software and media company founded by Mike Bloomberg [2].
Hawkfish’s goal is to provide digital consulting services to political campaigns and causes that align with its progressive values. The agency uses data analytics and digital advertising to help campaigns reach voters online, with a particular focus on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter [2].
The Controversy Surrounding Hawkfish and Joe Biden’s Campaign
The Biden campaign has been debating whether to bring on Hawkfish to help its digital operation [1]. However, the decision has been highly controversial in Democratic politics given that it would hand so much power to a single private company [1]. Critics argue that this could lead to a conflict of interest, as Hawkfish is funded by Mike Bloomberg, who was a candidate for the Democratic nomination earlier in the election cycle [1].
Furthermore, some have raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding Hawkfish’s operations. The agency is not required to disclose its donors or clients, which has led to speculation about its motives and potential conflicts of interest [1].
Despite these concerns, the Biden campaign has defended its decision to consider Hawkfish as a potential partner. Campaign officials have argued that the agency’s expertise in digital advertising and data analytics could be crucial in helping Biden reach voters online [1].
Mike Bloomberg’s Connection to Joe Biden’s Campaign
Mike Bloomberg has donated over $1 million to Joe Biden and his various political campaigns, according to OpenSecrets.org [3]. This includes a donation of $217,500 in 2007 to help launch Biden’s first Presidential campaign [3].
Bloomberg’s support for Biden has been seen as a significant boost for the Democratic nominee, particularly given Bloomberg’s status as a former Republican and independent [2]. Bloomberg himself ran for the Democratic nomination earlier in the election cycle but dropped out after poor showings in early primaries and caucuses [1].
The Future of Hawkfish and Its Role in US Politics
As the 2020 Presidential election draws to a close, the future of Hawkfish and its role in US politics remains uncertain. The agency’s connection to Mike Bloomberg and its potential involvement in Joe Biden’s campaign have raised questions about the role of private companies in American elections [1].
However, some experts argue that digital agencies like Hawkfish are an essential part of modern political campaigns. In an era where social media and online advertising play an increasingly significant role in shaping public opinion, campaigns must be able to reach voters online effectively [2].
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Hawkfish and its connection to Mike Bloomberg and Joe Biden’s campaign highlights the complex and often murky world of digital politics. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that digital agencies like Hawkfish will play an increasingly important role in shaping the outcome of elections in the United States and around the world.
