PHILADELPHIA >> Gov. Jerry Brown came to talk climate change at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday and he scorched Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
“Trump says global warming is a hoax,” Brown said. “I say Trump is a fraud.”
The three-time presidential candidate took the stage as the crowd — led largely by the California delegation — chanted “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!”
He held up his hands and laughed.
“That sounds great,” he said. “But I’ve only got five minutes so I’ve got to get going here.”
Brown laid out the case for tacking climate change — a key issue for millennial voters who swarmed to the insurgent Bernie Sanders campaign. But for Brown, the issue has been one he’s talked about for decades and used his platform to promote California’s efforts by talking about the “revolution” — seemingly a nod to the Sanders supporters’ talk about revolution.
“We know something about this in California,” he said. “We have solar, wind, zero-emission cars, energy efficiency and, yes, a price on carbon.”
His appearance came after actress Sigourney Weaver introduced a video made by director James Cameron that showed wildfires, floods, hurricanes and drought — an issue that’s plagued California.
The video, entitled “Not Reality TV,” is notable for a brief appearance by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican who backed John Kasich even after the Ohio governor had suspended his campaign and voted for him in the California’s June 7 primary.
Brown, who last ran for president in 1992 against Bill Clinton, endorsed Hillary Clinton late in the primary season.
He was unequivocal at the convention, casting the state’s delegates’ votes for her during the roll call that secured her nomination Tuesday and during his speech, he praised her for launching the Climate and Clear Air Coalition.
“What America needs today are not deniers, but leaders,” he said. “Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action. That’s why we need Hillary.”
