“I understand the appeal of a businessman president”, Bloomberg said.
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Bloomberg considered making a third-party run for president this year before opting against a campaign, expressing worry he would siphon away votes from Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and inadvertently help elect Trump. “Whatever our disagreements may be, we must put them aside for the good of our country”.
“Most of us who have created a business know that we’re only as good as the way our employees, clients, and partners view us”, he told the Democratic audience. “I’ve built a business ― and I didn’t start it with a million-dollar check from my father”, Bloomberg said.
Americans “need a president who is a problem-solver, not a bomb-thrower”, he added. “Probably not many people in this room can say that, but I know there are many watching at home who can”.
Mr Bloomberg, who founded financial analysis company Bloomberg LP and is worth an estimated $47 billion (£35.6bn), provided the ideal foil to Mr Trump’s long-standing claim that his success in business matters proves his suitability for the presidency.
“Throughout his career, Trump has left behind a well-documented record of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, angry stockholders and contractors who feel cheated and disillusioned customers who feel ripped off”, Bloomberg said.
While in office, Bloomberg had a cordial relationship with Clinton, who, as a senator from NY, was involved in the city’s post- 9-11 rebuilding effort.
The Clinton campaign believes that Bloomberg’s appearance, scheduled in a prime-time slot, shows the breadth of support for the ex-secretary of state and will vouch for her “steady hand” on economic and national security issues. But while he admitted that he doesn’t always agree with Clinton, he she’s still the only viable candidate this year.
Trump did not immediately respond to the speech.
What set Bloomberg apart from other speakers Wednesday night – and made him particularly unsafe for Trump – was 1) his “special knowledge” of Donald Trump and 2) his lack of allegiance to the Democratic Party.
Speeches throughout the week have been a mix of deeply emotional discussions highlighting the history of Clinton’s nomination to a lengthy, personal talk from Bill Clinton that sought to soften her image.
“Let’s elect a sane, competent person with global experience”, he said to the crowd in the arena as well as Americans around the country.
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“Truth be told”, said Bloomberg, “the richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy”.
