Elizabeth Warren Calls Trump 'Fraudster-In-Chief' At Mass. Democratic Convention
LOWELL, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Sen. Elizabeth Warren is once again taking aim at Donald Trump, calling him a "fraudster-in-chief" whose top goal is lining his own pockets during a speech at the Massachusetts Democratic Party's state convention Saturday.
The Massachusetts Democrat and enthusiastic critic of the Republican presidential hopeful used her speech to zero in on Trump University.
"Donald Trump is all about money," she said, adding that he is "good at failing."
"This election isn't just about Trump's ugly racism, his disgusting sexism, and his small-minded vision for America," Warren said. "It's about the American people."
Warren said that instead of investing in high-quality instructors, Trump put together an army of salespeople to focus on how much money prospective students could come up with before pushing them to max out their credit cards and fork over tens of thousands of dollars.
"It was like a used car dealership — except that's not fair to used car dealerships," Warren said. "Trump even encouraged his salesforce to go after elderly people who were trying to create a little financial security."
Trump University is the target of two lawsuits in San Diego and one in New York that accuse the business of fleecing students with unfulfilled promises to teach secrets of success in real estate.
Trump has said customers were overwhelmingly satisfied with the school's offerings.
He has also said the federal judge presiding over a lawsuit brought by former Trump University students has an "absolute conflict" in handling the case because he is "of Mexican heritage."
Trump told The Wall Street Journal, in an interview in Friday's edition, that U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel has "an inherent conflict of interest" because Trump is "building a wall," a reference to Trump's proposal to build a wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
Warren said Trump is trying to deflect from criticism that Trump University targeted ordinary folks because they had problems and Trump saw he could make a buck.
"And when he gets called out by former students and by his own employees, what does Trump do? Does he man-up and take his licks? Does he offer people their money back? No, he whines about the press, whimpers about the students and complains that the judge doesn't like him," Warren said.
"Donald, it's time to stop sniveling and put on your big boy pants because this is what accountability feels like," she added.
During the speech, Warren also said she was "proud of the debate that Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have had" — but again declined to formally endorse either.
The former Harvard Law professor is a hero to the liberal wing of the Democratic party because of her attacks on Wall Street and advocacy for consumers. Her endorsement is keenly sought by both candidates.
Warren's latest broadsides against Trump are part of a series of tweets and public comments Warren has fired off lambasting the New York businessman.
Trump has been quick to respond, labeling her "goofy Elizabeth Warren" and referring to her as "Pocahontas," a reference to Warren's claim to Native American ancestry.
Trump said Warren scammed the people of Massachusetts and got into institutions because she said she is Native American.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports
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