NEW YORK CITY — Donald Trump has a 'legitimate shot" at becoming president of the United States but he won't ultimately win the White House, Mayor Bill de Blasio predicted Monday.
"I think there’s a very good chance he could be the Republican nominee. I think no one should underestimate him at this point," de Blasio said at a press conference in Brooklyn. "We have to assume he could be the Republican nominee. We have to assume he has a legitimate shot at the presidency, and take that deadly seriously."
De Blasio has spoken out strongly against Trump, a New Yorker, as Trump went from leading in the polls to winning caucuses and primaries. Trump won the South Carolina primary Saturday and also won the New Hampshire primary.
Trump has also voiced his displeasure with de Blasio, tweeting out that he was the "worst" mayor in the country.
N.Y.C. has the worst Mayor in the United States. I hate watching what is happening with the dirty streets, the homeless and crime! Disgrace
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2015
Trump has made comments about Muslims, Latinos and women deemed to be sexist and racist. It is Trump's remarks that have given him an advantage for now because Americans "feel the government hasn’t been on their side," said de Blasio.
"And when someone speaks bluntly about that, even with all the wrong ideas, all the wrong policies, it’s still going to be appealing to a lot of people," said the mayor.
"I think Mr. Trump will later on find that his innumerable statements against women, Latinos, Muslims, and many other categories of human being will catch up with him. I think over time people will take a much more critical view. But, at this moment, I understand why he’s been able to fuel such support," he added.
But de Blasio, who has also called Trump a "blowhard" and "dangerous" doesn't think Trump will be president.
"I think Hillary Clinton will beat him for a number of reasons. I think she’s talking much more about what to do about income inequality. I think she has the clearest platform and vision for change," said de Blasio who has endorsed and campaigned for Clinton.
