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In Fresno, Bloomberg Says He's Ready to Bounce 'Bully' Trump
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 4 years ago on
February 3, 2020

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President Donald Trump’s insults about his height didn’t deter Mike Bloomberg.
The billionaire businessman and Democratic presidential candidate made his own cracks about his stature during a speech Monday at Fresno City College.


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“I’m still growing. I still have hopes. Unfortunately, when I’m growing, I’m growing this way (motioning with his hands side to side) instead of this way (hands motioning up and down),” Bloomberg said.
Trump commented on Bloomberg’s height in a pre-Super Bowl interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Sunday.
Several times during his 20-minute speech, Bloomberg called Trump a bully. He told the receptive audience that he was the candidate who could defeat him.
“When you can’t defend your record on healthcare or wages or the environment, you resort to insults. Donald Trump’s insults don’t bother me … I’m a New Yorker and I’ve never backed down from a bully or ran away from a fight,” Bloomberg said.

Speech About Broad Goals

“Central Valley issues are Latino issues. And, Latino issues are American issues.” — Presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg
Bloomberg touched on broad goals of his campaign in the courtyard at the Old Administration Building.
He highlighted raising teacher pay while he served as mayor of New York City and his effort to curb gun violence. He additionally his efforts on climate change,  air quality, and inequality.
“Central Valley issues are Latino issues. And, Latino issues are American issues,” Bloomberg said. “We cannot afford another four years of this craziness.”
He did not offer many specifics for his plans.
Fresno was the second of three stops for Bloomberg, who campaigned throughout California on Monday using a chartered jet. In the morning, he appeared in Sacramento. After his Fresno stop, he headed to Compton.

Establishment Watches, if Not Supports Bloomberg

Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez was on hand to watch the speech, along with city council colleague Mike Karbassi, who said he was impressed but not ready to endorse.
Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Esmeralda Soria also dropped in for part of the event.
The Democratic establishment locally and statewide also turned out in Fresno. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and current San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo introduced Bloomberg. Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs was there, too.
Even Kingsburg councilwoman Jewel Hurtado — an avowed Bernie Sanders supporter — caught part of the speech between her classes at Fresno City.
Isaac Gudino, a Fresno City College student and one-time political podcast host, said Bloomberg could be the man if frontrunner Joe Biden falls.
“This is probably the centrist wing of the party’s chance at a very reliable back-up plan,” Gudino said.
Bloomberg opened a campaign office in Fresno, hiring 15 local staffers at salaries of $6,000 a month, led by Chavez. It is one of 20 offices statewide Bloomberg’s campaign team opened.
Statewide, Bloomberg says he will hire up to 800 staffers.

Students More Interested in Food Truck

School officials estimated about 200 people attended Bloomberg’s speech, far smaller than Bernie Sanders drawing 2,700 in November at the college.
The make-up of the crowd also differed. Sanders drew a younger audience with few elected or party officials. Bloomberg drew many party insiders, and a more button-upped crowed, weather (hovering in the 40s) notwithstanding.
Bloomberg tried to entice students to attend with a free taco truck from El Jaliscience. Volunteers stood at the courtyard entrance, acting like carnival barkers hoping to attract a crowd.
While it worked for some, several students appeared more interested in a free meal than a civics lesson.
“He’s not withholding his finances. He’s providing lunch today for all those who came out to support him. That shows what kind of gentleman he is,” said Debbie Martinez from Modesto, who is not a student.

 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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