Well-placed sources tell The Huffington Post that the mayor and the host have talked about running together, with Bloomberg in the top spot. In an interview, Scarborough, a former GOP congressman from Florida, issued a firm yet carefully-worded denial. “We haven’t discussed it directly,” he said, adding, “Have people discussed it in his sphere and in my sphere? I think so.”

Bloomberg’s chief political lieutenant, Kevin Sheekey, did not respond to repeated requests for comment…

“Joe really wants to be the VP candidate if Mike runs,” said a source very close to the mayor. “But whether Mike feels the same way about Joe — that’s not clear.” A pro-life, pro-gun running mate is, well, a pro-life pro-gun running mate, some Bloombergers worry.

But Scarborough doesn’t lack for ambition, contacts, or leadership qualities — or debate and survival skills.