Bloomberg urges independents

Bloomberg urges independents to back Clinton

By Jeremy Herb

Former New York mayor and billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg says he supports businessmen-turned politicians — but not Donald Trump.

The Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Independent scored a high-profile speaking slot at Wednesday’s Democratic National Convention to make the case against Trump for independents who may be wary of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party.

“I understand the appeal of a businessman president, but Trump’s business plan is a disaster in the making,” Bloomberg said. “Now we’ve heard a lot of talk in this campaign about needing a leader who understands business. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve built a business, and I didn’t start it with a million-dollar check from my father.”

Wearing a purple tie, Bloomberg walked onto the convention stage to a mixed reception, with a smattering of boos and chants of "1 percent." He drew some boos, too, when he called out Democrats for standing in the way of education reform and deficit reduction.

His endorsement of Clinton wasn't exactly robust, either — "the responsible choice," Bloomberg said — but he nevertheless had several one-liners going after Trump that drew loud cheers in the convention hall.

"I’m a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one," he said. "The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy," he added a short time later.

Summing up his argument that Trump was a “risky, reckless and radical choice,” Bloomberg said he backs Clinton even if he doesn’t agree with all of her views.

“No matter what you may think about her politics or her record, Hilary Clinton understands that this is not reality television, this is reality,” Bloomberg said. “I say to my fellow Independents: Your vote matters now. Your vote will determine the future of your job, your business and our future together as a country.”

Bloomberg’s appearance at the Democratic convention comes after he mulled his own White House bid earlier this year as a third-party candidate in a Clinton-Trump matchup. He ultimately decided against running in March, arguing that independent candidates had “no chance” of winning.


Still, the former mayor has long been active in national politics, including launching a political action committee that advocates for stronger gun control measures.