New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg told graduates of the University of Pennsylvania on Monday that they must push the presidential candidates to "break the death grip that partisanship has on Washington."
   
Bloomberg (in file photo at right) spoke at Penn's commencement ceremonies at Franklin Field (above). He says many of the graduates must think very carefully before voting in their first presidential election.
   
He adds that there are signs that this year's candidates may help solve the long-term problems of health care, immigration, Social Security, and others. But he told the graduates they must keep the politicians accountable.
   
Bloomerg, 66, who also founded the financial information company that bears his name, received an honorary doctor of laws degree during Monday's ceremonies.
   
(Photo from Univ. of Pa.)