Bloomberg's move also underscores deep divisions in the Democratic Party, with the base taking a hard leftward turn, but with moderates seeking a more centrist candidate.

"Democrats already are divided between moderates and progressives. But as (Joe) Biden has declined in some polls, there is an opening for a moderate Democrat to gain from Biden's demise," West said, referring to the former vice president.

"Bloomberg would match up well with Trump as a successful businessman whom the establishment likes and is not as far to the left as Sanders and Warren," West said.

Some experts argue he can fare well if he takes an interest in those who are being left behind.

"Bloomberg could conceivably do well if he showed real willingness to heed people's concern with growing inequality," Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua.

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