Thursday, July 28, 2016

Bloomberg Gives Trump a Beat Down

Donald Trump continues to brag about his business acumen - even as in typical form he threatens to not pay the Hotel Roanoke for use of its facilities - while refusing to release his tax returns which would likely either show the lie of some of his boats or disclose shady Russian dealings.  Last night at the Democrat National Convention another billionaire, Michael Bloomberg, gave Trump a much deserved beat down that challenged Americans to see Trump as the dangerous fraud that he is.  Sadly, few in Trump's base of support will listen, but hopefully many of those on the fence will understand that holding the office of president is not yet one more reality show gig.  A column in the Washington Post looks at Bloomberg's take down of Trump.  Here are highlights:
As is his wont, Michael Bloomberg didn’t mince words. The billionaire former New York City mayor used his speech before the Democratic National Convention to build Hillary Clinton up as much as to tear Donald Trump down.
The bottom line is: Trump is a risky, reckless, and radical choice. And we can’t afford to make that choice!
Now, I know Hillary Clinton is not flawless; no candidate is. But she is the right choice — and the responsible choice — in this election. No matter what you may think about her politics or her record, Hillary Clinton understands that this is not reality television; this is reality. She understands the job of president. It involves finding solutions, not pointing fingers, and offering hope, not stoking fear.   
Bloomberg is political pragmatism personified. 
Trump, the man and his candidacy, is a violation of Bloomberg’s life and political philosophy. Bloomberg slammed his fellow billionaire for his business practices that hurt real people and renders hollow his “make America great again” mantra. “I’m a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one,” Bloomberg told the roaring crowd.
“I’ve built a business,” Bloomberg said, “and I didn’t start it with a million-dollar check from my father.” Translation: I am a self-made man who worked hard for the success that I have and haven’t forgotten it.
“Most of us don’t pretend that we’re smart enough to make every big decision by ourselves,” Bloomberg said. Translation: I have a “very good brain,” too. But I also know that good chief executives need to surround themselves with folks as smart, if not smarter, than they are to make the right decisions.
 Bloomberg made clear several times that he and Clinton don’t agree on everything. But her penchant for consensus-building and problem-solving made her a great partner when she was in the Senate and he was in city hall. And he came to Philadelphia to urge independents to give her their votes.
To me, this election is not a choice between a Democrat and a Republican,” Bloomberg said. “It’s a choice about who is better to lead our country right now: better for our economy, better for our security, better for our freedom, and better for our future. There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton is the right choice this November.”
Then he added this: “Let’s elect a sane, competent person with international experience.”
Bloomberg doesn’t put his prestige on the line for just anyone. And he doesn’t suffer fools. That he came forth to vigorously vouch for Clinton shows how much of an unworthy and dangerous fool he thinks Trump is.

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