PHILADELPHIA — Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was hailed as a hero at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday as he used his prime-time speech to launch into a series of attacks on GOP nominee Donald Trump.
“I’m a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one!” he said to thunderous applause. “Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy.”
“Together let’s elect a sane, competent person,” he added as he offered his endorsement for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Bloomberg, a businessman who has a reported net worth of approximately $47.7 billion, zeroed in on not just Trump’s personal character, but he also targeted the GOP nominee’s business record.
“Trump says he’ll punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in low-wage factories. He says he wants to put Americans back to work, but he games the U.S. visa system so he can hire temporary foreign workers at low wages. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he seems to have no problem in hiring them. What’d I miss here?” the former mayor said.
“Throughout his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off,” he added. “Trump says he wants to run the nation like he’s run his business. God help us.”
Bloomberg has been both a registered Democrat and a Republican. In 2007, he registered officially as an independent.
On Wednesday, he appealed specifically to independent voters, and pleaded with them to turn away from Trump’s demagoguery, and to look to Clinton as their champion in the fall.
“Now, I know Hillary Clinton is not flawless; no candidate is. But she is the right choice — and the responsible choice — in this election,” he said.
“No matter what you may think about her politics or her record, Hillary Clinton understands that this is not reality television; this is reality. She understands the job of president. It involves finding solutions, not pointing fingers, and offering hope, not stoking fear,” he added.
Though he took the time to explain why Clinton was the correct choice for 2016, much of Bloomberg’s address Wednesday focused on establishing Trump as a non-option for November.
“The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice. And we can’t afford to make that choice!” he said to applause.
“So tonight, as an independent, I am asking you to join with me — not out of party loyalty, but out of love of country,” he added as he made his final pitch for Clinton.
