Mike Bloomberg Implores: ‘Together Let’s Elect A Sane, Competent Person’

UNITED STATES - JULY 27: Michael Bloomberg speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call) (CQ Roll Call via AP Images)
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Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took the stage at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night to deliver what he described as “an unconventional convention speech” calling for voters to unite behind Hillary Clinton across party lines.

“I am not here as a member of any party,” Bloomberg said, “or to endorse any party platform. I am here for one reason—to explain why I believe it is imperative that we elect Hillary Clinton as the next president of the United States.”

Bloomberg was a Democrat before running for New York City mayor as a Republican in 2001, and later became an independent in 2007. The billionaire acknowledged the discrepancy between his political affiliation and that of the convention at which he spoke.

“I don’t believe that either party has a monopoly on good ideas or strong leadership. When I enter the voting booth each time, I look at the candidates, not the party label,” Bloomberg said. “But let me tell you, whatever our disagreements may be, I have come here to say: We must put them aside for the good of our country, and we must unite around the candidate who can defeat a dangerous demagogue.”

Bloomberg went on to draw on his business experience, citing fellow billionaire Donald Trump’s record of filing for bankruptcy and the lawsuits leveled by workers who alleged that Trump and his companies shortchanged them.

“Trump says he wants to run the nation like he’s running his business? God help us!” Bloomberg said to laughter from the convention crowd. “I’m a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton is the right choice this November,” Bloomberg concluded. “So tonight, as an independent, I am asking you to join with me not out of party loyalty, but out of love of country. And together, let’s elect a sane, competent person.”

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