Scores of residents of the Town of East Hampton attended an information session for the presidential campaign of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Feb. 19 at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, many staying on to watch the candidate's first appearance in a debate with the others seeking the Democratic Party's nomination to face President Trump in the Nov. 3 election.
The event was held to solicit volunteers. This is a campaign in which "we're not going to get up here and ask you for money," David Allard, the New York State field director for Mr. Bloomberg's campaign, said in brief remarks. "We don't need it! But we need your time. We really need your time."
Mr. Bloomberg, who is a co-founder, chief executive officer, and majority owner of Bloomberg L.P., is said to have a net worth of more than $60 billion. In 2011, he purchased the Ballyshear estate, on 35 acres in the Tuckahoe section of Southampton, for $20 million.
The campaign will open an office in Hauppauge on March 4 -- "We might even have a celebrity or two at the opening," Mr. Allard said -- but for those who don't want to drive a long distance, "we will bring phone banks right into your home. . . . Even if, next weekend, you think, 'I want to get on the phone and talk to people in the Super Tuesday states, because this is so important' -- and next weekend is going to be a huge weekend of action for our campaign -- we will send someone out, train you, and get you on the phone right in your house."
Super Tuesday, when 14 states hold primary elections, is March 3. Mr. Bloomberg will be on the ballot and is hoping for a strong performance, having skipped the presidential campaign's initial primary elections and caucuses. He has spent more than $350 million on advertisements targeting voters in the Super Tuesday states. That largesse was on display at the Talkhouse, as the event featured free food and an open bar.
The campaign would also assist those looking to host a gathering of voters. "There are many different ways that you can get involved," Mr. Allard said. "It's by gatherings like this and people taking action that really makes democracy work, and that's what will get rid of Donald Trump."
Commentators roundly disparaged Mr. Bloomberg's debate performance later that evening, as he struggled to deflect the harsh criticism directed at him by each of the other candidates on the stage. Jackie Lowey of East Hampton, an organizer of the Feb. 19 event at the Talkhouse, nonetheless said this week, "I remain convinced that he is the strongest candidate. I am hoping and expect that future debate performances will be stronger."
Democratic candidates will debate on Feb. 25 in South Carolina, which will hold its primary on Feb. 29.