Watch Michael Bloomberg on Trump at DNC: ‘I Know a Con When I See One’
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave a speech on night three of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia Wednesday, speaking of the need to elect Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, whom he characterized as a subpar businessman.
Noting that his decision to endorse Clinton was a nonpartisan one — Bloomberg, who has been both a Democrat and a Republican, considered an independent run for president earlier this year — the former mayor and billionaire said, “I know there are many people watching at home” who are also alienated by the parties.
“I understand their dilemma. I know what it’s like to have neither party fully represent my views or values,” he said.
But, Bloomberg said, even though he’s disagreed with Clinton in the past, “we must put [our differences] aside for the good of our country. And we must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue.”
Bloomberg included in his speech several other pointed remarks about Trump, noting that while they are both wealthy businessmen, “I built a business. And I didn’t start it with a $1 million check from my father.”
Bloomberg also hit Trump on his business failures, bankruptcies and lawsuits. “Trump says he wants to run the nation like he’s running his business? God help us!” he said.
“I’m a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one,” Bloomberg said. “Truth be told, the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy.”
He added that Clinton “understands that this is not reality television — this is reality.”
“Let’s elect a sane, competent person with international experience. A unifier who is mature enough to reach out for advice,” he said.