I got my talking points, as you call them, not from the DNC but from several builders I know who say that they would never conduct business the way Trump does, that he forces litigation at the drop of a hat, refuses to pay contractors and believes that law suits are part of his "art of the deal."
Your first problem is confusing a builder with a developer. Refusing to pay contractors that do not perform up to specifications is a natural part of the business. One particular project I was involved in stuck the contractor for 10% of the contract because he failed to meet the specifications. Agreeing to pay him any more would have been a breach of fiscal responsibility to the owners.
A classic example of what happens in the industry.....despite what your "builders" told you.
Worked for a firm involved with a large housing complex and underwent a massive renovation. After the project was complete. a woman that worked in the office of the complex (and three weeks from retiring) claimed to have wrenched her shoulder opening a door. Subsequent investigation found the door closer tension set about 1/2 pound too high.
The ensuing lawsuit named
The property owner
The employer
The General Contractor
The Architect
The door manufacturer
The door closer manufacturer
The door and window subcontractor
The door installer.
plus a couple for entities that I cannot remember .
There were ten groups named. The insurance companies got together and offered up each deductible. It amounted to a little over 50K
The woman took the settlement offer and retired with the bonus.
The company I worked for coughed up 5k. Had they refused, they would be liable for the entire amount of what was awarded if it had gone to trial.
THAT is how business is done, despite what your "builders" claim.