Bloomberg sidesteps endorsement

NEW YORK, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg declined Sunday to endorse a presidential candidate, saying he wants to be sure he has a "good dialogue" with both nominees.

Bloomberg, an independent, was formerly a Republican. In an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Bloomberg said he wants to have open communication with both Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

"I've listened to both candidates and I want to make sure that, for as long as I can, I have a good dialogue with both, that I can give them my views and the perspective of New York," Bloomberg said. "I represent 8.3 million people in New York, and it's important that these two candidates understand what's in the interest of those people."

On the ongoing national financial markets crisis, Bloomberg said the next president needs to address the souring U.S. economy.

"What the Democrats have to understand is that, while we do need to reform our regulation and we do need more restrictions, it is true that it is capitalism and free enterprise and companies that create jobs and wealth for every American," Bloomberg argued. "And what the Republicans have to understand is, while it may be capitalism and free enterprise and companies that create jobs, we have to have regulations that are realistic and they have to be followed.