Rupert Murdoch, , who controls global media conglomerate News Corp, wants Republican foreign policy hardliner Newt Gingrich to run for president next year, saying the former house Speaker would lend important gravitas to the campaign.
The News Corporation chairman and chief executive also wants (former Democrat) New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to run, saying his brand of “clean and efficient government” would be good for the US.
But Mr Murdoch was ambiguous about Hillary Clinton, describing the New York senator and Democratic frontrunner as a “very intelligent, very considerable lady” but also “very calculating” and “divisive”.
His comments came during an interview with Business Week editor Steve Adler in New York. When Adler said he did not have a clear picture of how Mr Murdoch regarded Senator Clinton, the media baron said: “Nor do I.”
Pressed about a fundraising breakfast he hosted for her last year, Mr Murdoch said he did so on the advice of a colleague. He was not supporting the former first lady’s presidential bid but avoided giving an answer when asked if that could change.
Mr Murdoch said Mr Gingrich’s ideas would liven up the presidential race. “I think he would lift the debate,” he said. “He would make all the primaries a lot more serious.”
Murdoch also called Mr Bloomberg a “genuine public servant” and said he would poll well on the east and west coasts.
-Reported by David Nason, New York correspondent