Michael Bloomberg: Donald Trump a ‘con man’

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Wednesday night that Donald Trump is a “con man,” telling Democrats “God help us” if the Republican nominee runs the U.S. government like he runs his business empire.

“I’m a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one,” Mr. Bloomberg, an independent, said at the Democratic National Convention. “Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice and we can’t afford to make that choice.”

While acknowledging that he’s an “outsider” to the Democratic Party, Mr. Bloomberg said it’s “imperative” to elect Hillary Clinton in November. He said he understands the dilemma faced by independents and undecided voters.

“This is just too important to sit out,” he said.

Referring to Mr. Trump’s claims as a successful businessman, Mr. Bloomberg got a huge roar from the delegates when he observed, “I’ve built a business, and I didn’t start it with a million-dollar-check from my father.”

He said Mr. Trump “has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, and thousands of lawsuits, and angry shareholders and contractors who feel cheated, and disillusioned customers who feel they’ve been ripped off.”

He added, “Trump says he wants to run the nation like he’s running his business? God help us.”

Mr. Bloomberg said “the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy,” asserting that he talks tough on trade, but manufactures his own line of clothing in low-wage factories overseas.

“He wants you to believe that we can solve our biggest problems by deporting Mexicans and shutting out Muslims,” he said. “He wants you to believe that erecting trade barriers will bring back good jobs. He’s wrong on both counts.”

Mr. Bloomberg, a gun-control activist who has clashed at times with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, said she is “not flawless.”

“But she is the right choice, and the responsible choice, in this election,” he said. “We must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue.”