In a series of fundraisers held in Boston, President Joe Biden emphasized his decision to run for re-election, attributing it to the critical need to prevent the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. The president warned donors that democracy faces a heightened risk in 2024, asserting that Trump and his allies pose a significant threat to democratic institutions.
Addressing campaign contributors, Biden expressed uncertainty about his re-election bid if Trump were not in the running, underscoring the urgency to thwart any attempt by the former president to regain control. He cautioned against the potential consequences of a Trump victory, referencing the ex-president’s self-proclaimed role as the “retribution” of his supporters and his vow to eliminate perceived “vermin” within the country.
“We’ve got to get it done, not because of me… If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running. We cannot let him win,” emphasized Biden, slowing his delivery for emphasis.
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In response to Trump’s recent remarks on Fox News, where he was asked about potential abuse of power, Biden’s campaign promptly sent an email with the subject line, “Donald Trump: Day One Dictator,” seizing on the opportunity to highlight concerns about Trump’s leadership.
When questioned by reporters about his candidacy if Trump were not in the race, Biden provided a nuanced response, stating, “I expect so, but look, he is running, and I have to run.” Dismissing the possibility of dropping out if Trump withdrew, Biden asserted, “No, not now.”
Biden also underscored the gravity of the situation by referencing recent warnings from former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., whom he described as a “powerful voice.” The president declared, “American democracy, I give you my word as a Biden, is at stake.”
Injecting humor into his discourse, Biden remarked on Trump’s absence from his inauguration, saying, “He didn’t even show up. I can’t say I was disappointed, but he didn’t even show up.”
These warnings from Biden form a crucial component of his appeal to donors, emphasizing the existential threat to democracy should Trump secure another term. The president is actively raising funds for his re-election campaign, participating in seven events by Monday, with more scheduled before the year’s end. The Boston events on Tuesday, benefiting both Biden’s campaign and the broader Democratic Party, included an evening featuring a concert by singer-songwriter James Taylor. Taylor had previously performed at a White House event in 2022 celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act, a climate and health care bill signed into law by Biden.
