PHILADELPHIA — Michael Bloomberg, a Republican turned independent, offered a rousing endorsement of Hillary Clinton at the Democratic convention Wednesday night, warning that Donald Trump is a “con,” “a dangerous demagogue,” and a hypocrite.
In one of the roughest take-downs of the convention, the former mayor lit into Trump on just about every front.
Even his mental capacities were called into question.
‘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.’
- Michael Bloomberg
“Let’s elect a sane competent person with international experience,” Bloomberg told cheering delegates.
Trump has been especially untrustworthy as a businessman, he charged.
“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 said.
“Trump says he wants to run the nation like he’s run his business. God help us.”
To drive home a point, Bloomberg pointed out that he and Trump come from the same city.
As a New Yorker, “I know a con when I see one,” he said.
“Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy. Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice.”
Bloomberg also acknowledged: “There are times when I disagree with Hillary.
But the country must unite to help “defeat a dangerous demagogue.”
“I know Hillary Clinton is not flawless; no candidate is,” added Bloomberg, who twice considered running for president himself.
“No matter what you may think about her politics or her record, Hillary Clinton understands that this is no reality television; this is reality.”
Bloomberg defended his independent affiliation, blasting Republicans for being wrong on immigration, climate change, and gun control, while lashing out at Democrats for “wrongly blam[ing] the private sector for our problems” and for “stand[ing] in the way of action on education reform and deficit reduction.”
Although the ex-mayor’s reception was generally favorable, there were also smattering of boos when he defended big business.
Not everyone was happy to see the former Republican at a Democratic confab.
“I think it gives more credence to the idea that if you have money you have a voice,” said Dianne Douthat, a Girl Scout leader and Bernie Sanders delegate from Wayne, New Jersey.