CNN
—
Framing the 2024 presidential election as a turning point in American history, President Joe Biden delivered a series of warnings about what a second Donald Trump term could mean during a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser Saturday evening.
“Institutions matter,” the president said. “What (Trump) did on Jan. 6, and now he’s actually saying there’s going to be blood if he doesn’t win — it’s outrageous. What he’s talking about is ridiculous.
The fundraiser, which former President Barack Obama participated in, raised more than $30 million for Biden’s re-election efforts, a campaign official told CNN. The conversation between Biden and Obama was moderated by television host Jimmy Kimmel.
Biden specifically argued Saturday evening that if Trump is reelected, he could see openings on the Supreme Court over the next four years.
“If he is re-elected he will designate two more flags flying upside down,” Biden said in an apparent reference to the flag he once flew. Outside Justice Samuel Alito’s house. Asked by Kimmel if he considered this the scariest part of a second Trump term, Biden replied, “It’s one of the scariest parts.”
“The Supreme Court has never been what it is today, I mean never,” the president said, referring to Roe v. Justice Clarence Thomas said the ruling that overturned the hunt and other rulings, including sterilization, could be reconsidered. Someone in the crowd interrupted, “Including gay rights,” to which Biden responded, “Not on my watch.”
The Biden campaign is looking to boost his fiscal war chest amid signs Trump is narrowing the cash gap. Biden led Trump in fundraising for much of the year, but the former president watched Significant cash flow I’ve come his way since securing the Republican nomination in March. Trump beat Biden for the first time in April.
“There’s no need to vote against something in this election,” Obama said. “There is someone to worry about. We have a whole agenda to worry about. But we can be proud to confirm Joe’s extraordinary work.
The first lady who spoke at the event was Dr. Jill Biden, touching on similar themes, said her husband “respects the rule of law rather than trying to bend it to his own will. Mobilizing the world to fight for democracy and freedom.
He also discussed the dangers of a second Trump term, saying, “Trump has told us over and over again why he wants the White House. He should be given complete authority. cannot be held responsible for his criminal acts. … to destroy the democratic safeguards that stand in his way.”
The first lady suggested Trump was a bully, saying, “When bullies threaten our loved ones, we will not stand idly by.” He added that those in attendance called Trump “exactly how we deal with bullies.” … We will not be afraid, we will not back down. We show. We’re talking.”
Obama lamented how some in the country have “normalized disqualifying behavior.” The latest conviction in his criminal hush money trial.
“We have a scenario where a candidate from one of the two major parties sits in court and is convicted by a jury of his peers on 34 counts,” Obama said. “His foundation was not allowed to function because it was involved in monkey business. … His organization is being sued for tax evasion,” Obama said.
Biden interjected, “He didn’t pay anybody.”
When Kimmel asked Biden about “Trump amnesia,” Biden said, “All you have to do is remember what it was like in four years of Trump,” referring to Trump’s suggestion that people inject bleach to cure Covid-19.
Obama urged those with a “conservative bent” — those who disagree with Democrats — to consider the “core values” that shaped the country, such as “fundamental honesty.”
Kimmel asked how Obama felt about Trump saying he had done more for black people than any president in history. Obama responded, “For example, one thing he did that made me feel even better about being the first black president.”
George Clooney and Julia Roberts opened the night. Barbra Streisand introduced First Lady Jill Biden while Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn and Sheryl Lee Ralph also entertained the crowd.
As he talked about a second Trump term, Kimmel asked Biden, “What are some things a president can do, let alone a talk show host who makes fun of him every night?”
“Ever heard of Delta Force?” Biden joked before striking a more serious tone, saying, “He actually threatened retaliation. This is America. Did you ever, ever, think you’d hear anything like this? Retribution, what he’s going to do, he’s going to get back at the people,” he said.
Kimmel also noted that Biden said he wanted to To restore the soul of the country. “Looks like we might need an exorcism. Is that why you met the Pope?”
“Yes,” Biden said.
Nikki Carvajal contributed reporting.
