Bloomberg faces scathing attacks on Dem debate debut
WASHINGTON: Billionaire Michael Bloomberg came under a blistering attack on Wednesday from party rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination at his first time on a debate stage with them as the 2020 race enters a crucial phase.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who leads the pack in the polls, brought up discriminatory policing methods during Bloomberg’s stint as mayor of New York, calling them “outrageous”. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who turned in a strong performance, was next, and everyone joined in as they also turned upon each other with equal enthusiasm.
Warren landed the defining blow of the event. “I’d like to talk about who we’re running against: a billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians,” she said, referring to a compilation of insulting and demeaning remarks Bloomberg had made about women, which he has denied. “And no, I’m not talking about Donald Trump. I’m talking about mayor Bloomberg.”
Bloomberg was expected to be tested at the debate, and more so as he is seen to have been buying his way into the race.
He has spent $400 million on advertisements on TV and social media, overtaking many of his rivals despite entering the contest late. He is now in third position in the Realclearpolitics average of polls behind Sanders, who is on top, and former vicepresident Joe Biden, who is in second place.
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