When candidates first announced for the Democratic presidential nomination, I thought Joe Biden was a lock. Then the campaign got into full swing and Joe just did not have what it takes. He now is struggling to stay afloat amidst an inability to raise significant dollars to support what clearly appears to be a last gasp effort to remain relevant.

In the meantime, Mike Bloomberg has become an increasingly inexorable force in the Democratic race. I now am a Bloomberg supporter.

To begin with, Democrats need a candidate who can beat President Trump. The nation has never before had a president who was a congenital liar and abuses his power daily, making the nation look like a Banana Republic.

Trump thinks nothing of interfering with the Department of Justice, works hand in hand with an attorney general who appears to have no scruples and, to boot, has $500 million in campaign funds stashed away, plus a bunch of right-wing organizations ready to raise more for him. Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg have what, under normal circumstances, would be outstanding financial operations, but they cannot compete with Trump.

Sanders talks about a political revolution. The nation doesn’t need a revolution – just no more Trump. A Trump re-election would be particularly bad if Republicans continue to control the Senate, allowing Trump to do whatever he wants.

For Trump to be unseated we need a candidate who can not only hold the Democratic base, but one who can appeal to independents, suburban women and those Republicans who are not part of the Trump cult. Mike Bloomberg is that person.

Bloomberg brings with him a history of bipartisanship, hard work and personal integrity. He also brings with him the ability to self-fund as may be necessary. His candidacy at the moment is like an avalanche that will keep gaining strength. His advertising blitz has created a base. Now he just must complete the sale.

Some may argue that Bloomberg is not sufficiently progressive or sufficiently liberal. It is a good thing that he is not for the extremes endorsed by Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Bloomberg has a record of supporting gun control, combating climate change, supporting women’s rights, providing affordable housing and pushing real tax reform to help middle Americans — plus a sensible immigration plan. He has tremendous appeal for centrists.

Bloomberg really is a moderate who can stand up to Trump. He understands what needs to be done to beat Trump. He can more than match Trump in money and, I believe, come Super Tuesday he will win the needed votes.

I am for Bloomberg because he can beat Trump and because he will make an outstanding president.

Edward L. Marcus, an attorney, is the former chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee and a former state Senate majority leader.