Bloomberg Goes to Super Bowl

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a potential independent presidential candidate who is seeking to broaden his national appeal, is heading to the Super Bowl this weekend to cheer the New York Giants.

Bloomberg, who often says he does not enjoy spectator sports, will be treading on Republican Sen. John McCain's territory for the Sunday game in Arizona. The mayor, who has been pushing a theme of party unity and inclusive politics, seemed to be looking forward to some old-fashioned rivalry.

"It's one of those things where we can all root for our team against the other team and there's nothing nasty about it," Bloomberg told reporters Wednesday. "It's all in good fun."

The billionaire is likely to secure a decent seat in the stands _ he is good friends with the Tisch family, one of the owners of the Giants.

But Bloomberg, who is originally from Boston, may be a good luck charm for the undefeated New England Patriots.

The last time he attended a Super Bowl game was in 1973, when the undefeated Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins, becoming the first team in NFL history to finish with an undefeated season. If the Patriots win, they will be the second.