ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Standing on Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk, Hillary Clinton ripped Donald Trump as a “shameful” businessman who contributed to the decline of the oceanfront resort town and would be just as disastrous for America’s workers as president.
“What he did here in Atlantic City is exactly what he’ll do if he wins in November,” Clinton warned on Wednesday, the faded facade of Trump Plaza, a shuttered hotel formerly owned by the presumptive Republican nominee, just over her shoulder.
Clinton’s remarks were part of a growing effort by her campaign to undercut Trump’s business reputation, which Democrats believe is greatly overhyped and based more on his ability to attract publicity than actual private sector skills. In the coming weeks, she is expected to highlight “victims” of Trump’s business ventures, including contractors who went unpaid – echoing a strategy Democrats employed successfully against 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney.
Clinton made no mention of the FBI’s withering criticism Tuesday that accompanied its recommendation that she not face actual charges for her email practices as secretary of state. She ignored reporters’ shouted questions about the matter later in the day as she greeted striking workers at the Trump Taj Mahal, another property previously owned by her GOP opponent.
In clearing Clinton of breaking the law, FBI Director James Comey was scorching in his criticism of the Democratic nominee, saying she was “extremely careless” in handling classified information.
Even with Comey’s tough rhetoric, Clinton aides were relieved to have the investigation closed so they can fully turn their attention to the fall face-off with Trump. Campaign aides say that while Trump’s comments about minorities and women weaken his prospects of winning the White House, he is still viewed favorably as a businessman by many Americans.
For Clinton, Atlantic City provided a perfect backdrop to try to undermine that reputation.
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