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Philadelphia • The man seeking to become the next vice president and the man currently holding that position sought to discredit Donald Trump during their appearances Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, describing the Republican nominee as a dangerous con man.
"Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. Not one word," said Tim Kaine, a Virginia senator, shortly after he accepted his party's vice presidential nomination. "Our nation, it is too great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising, self-promoting, one-man wrecking crew." Running mates often play the role of political attack dog, and Kaine and Vice President Joe Biden did just that Wednesday, delivering some of the most blistering criticism of Trump of the convention, while describing Hillary Clinton as well-prepared and empathetic.
Biden said Clinton understands the struggles of average Americans and how to interact in an interconnected world, while Trump "has no clue what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue. Period."
"This is a complicated and uncertain world we live in, the threats are too great, the times are too uncertain to elect Donald Trump," added Biden, who argued that Trump "exploits our fears" and "sows division in America for his own gain and disorder around the world."
Kaine hit on two of Trump's favorite words: "Believe me." And he did it with a cartoonish impersonation of the brash real-estate mogul.
"We're going to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it — believe me. We're going to destroy ISIS so fast — believe me. There's nothing suspicious in my tax returns — believe me," said Kaine. "Most people, when they run for president, they don't just say 'believe me.' They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things done."
Kaine pointed to Republicans who have similarly criticized Trump, from former first lady Barbara Bush to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who had the Republican National Convention in his own state, but refused to attend.
Kaine, who has described himself as boring, gave an upbeat, energetic speech, seeming comfortable on the big stage as he sought to introduce himself to a voting public who largely doesn't know him.
The senator said his Jesuit education led him to volunteer for missionaries in Honduras, where he learned Spanish. He met his wife Anne in college and after graduation, worked as a civil-rights lawyer for 17 years before he was elected to the City Council in Richmond, Va. Since then he's served as mayor, governor and senator. Kaine said he and Clinton share a belief in serving others.
"When you want to know about the character of someone in public life, look to see if they have a passion, one that began before they were in office, and that they have consistently held it throughout their career," he said. "Hillary's passion is kids and family. Donald Trump has a passion, too — It's himself."