Biden delivers stark warnings about Trump’s potential second time period at star-studded fundraiser

CNN
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President Joe Biden delivered a sequence of stark warnings about what a second time period for Donald Trump might maintain throughout a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser on Saturday evening, framing the 2024 presidential election as an inflection level in American historical past.

“Establishments are vital,” the president mentioned. “What (Trump) did on January 6, and now he is actually saying that if he would not win there’s going to be a massacre — it is outrageous. “What he is speaking about is outrageous.”

The fundraiser, which featured former President Barack Obama, raised greater than $30 million for Biden’s re-election effort, a marketing campaign official advised CNN. The dialog between Biden and Obama was moderated by TV anchor Jimmy Kimmel.

Biden particularly argued Saturday night that the subsequent 4 years might see openings for the Supreme Court docket, which might result in the appointment of extra conservative justices if Trump is re-elected.

“The concept that if he’s re-elected he’ll appoint two extra flags the other way up,” Biden mentioned, in an obvious reference to the flag that was as soon as raised. Outside the home of Justice Samuel Alito. When Kimmel requested him if he thought of this the scariest a part of Trump’s second time period, Biden replied: “It is one of many scariest components.”

“The Supreme Court docket has by no means been in such a multitude as it’s right this moment, I imply by no means,” the president mentioned, discussing the ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and the way Justice Clarence Thomas mentioned different rulings may very well be reconsidered, together with Associated to contraception. One of many viewers interrupted, saying: “Together with homosexual rights,” and Biden replied: “Not on my watch.”

The Biden marketing campaign is seeking to strengthen his monetary fund amid indications that Trump is working to slender the monetary hole. Biden led Trump in fundraising for a lot of the 12 months, however the former president noticed that Large cash flow He has come his method since securing the Republican nomination in March. Trump criticized Biden for the primary time in April.

“We do not have to vote towards one thing on this election,” Obama mentioned. “We’ve got somebody to fret about. There’s a complete agenda to care for. However we may be proud to verify the distinctive work Joe has accomplished.”

First Girl Dr. Jill Biden, who additionally spoke on the occasion, touched on related themes, saying her husband “respects the rule of regulation quite than making an attempt to bend it to his will.” It mobilizes the world to battle for democracy and freedom.

She additionally defined the dangers of a second Trump time period, saying: “Trump has repeatedly advised us why he desires the White Home. To present himself absolute energy. – To not be held accountable for his legal actions. …to destroy the democratic ensures that stand in his method.”

The First Girl accused Trump of being a bully, saying: “When bullies threaten our family members, we do not simply stand by.” She added that attendees have been exhibiting Trump “precisely how we take care of bullies.” …We don’t bow down or flip away. We present up. we’re speaking.”

Obama lamented how some within the nation engaged in “regular conduct that was disqualifying,” referring to Trump’s conduct. A recent conviction in his criminal trial over hush money.

“We’ve got the spectacle of a nominee of one of many main events sitting in courtroom and being convicted by a jury of his friends on 34 counts,” Obama mentioned to applause. “His group isn’t allowed to function as a result of it was within the monkey enterprise. His group was prosecuted for not paying taxes,” Obama mentioned.

Biden interrupted him, saying: “He paid nothing.”

When Kimmel requested Biden about Trump’s “amnesia,” Biden mentioned, “All it’s important to do is keep in mind what it was like” throughout Trump’s 4 years, referring to Trump’s advice that folks inject bleach to deal with COVID-19.

Obama additionally urged “these with conservative leanings” — who could not agree with Democrats — to think about the “core values” which have formed the nation, corresponding to “primary honesty.”

Kimmel requested Obama how he felt about Trump saying he has accomplished extra for black individuals than any president in historical past. “The one factor it did, for instance, was make them really feel higher in regards to the first black president,” Obama replied.

George Clooney and Julia Roberts opened the night’s program. Barbra Streisand launched First Girl Jill Biden whereas Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn and Sheryl Lee Ralph entertained the group.

Whereas speaking a few potential second time period for Trump, Kimmel requested Biden: “What are some issues that the president might do, for instance, to a chat present host who has been making enjoyable of him each evening?”

“Have you ever ever heard of Delta Drive?” “The concept that he truly threatened retaliation,” Biden joked earlier than adopting a extra severe tone. That is the USA of America. Did you ever assume you’d hear one thing like this someday? Retribution, that is what he’ll do, and he’ll take revenge on individuals.”

Kimmel additionally famous that Biden mentioned he wished to Restoring the soul of the country. “It seems like we’d want an exorcism. Is that why you are visiting the Pope?”

“Sure,” Biden mentioned.

Niki Carvajal contributed reporting.