In a bold move that underscored the stakes of the upcoming presidential election, President Joe Biden’s campaign held a news conference outside the Manhattan courtroom where former President Donald Trump is on trial for his hush money case. The event featured actor Robert De Niro and two Capitol officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, warning the public about the potential consequences of a Trump re-election.
De Niro’s Dire Warning
Robert De Niro, a stalwart critic of Trump, did not mince words during his address. Reflecting on the resilience of New York City post-9/11, he drew a parallel to the current political climate. “The Twin Towers fell just over here, just over there. This part of the city was like a ghost town, but we vowed we would not allow terrorists to change our way of life. … I love this city. I don’t want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually he can destroy the world,” De Niro said.
De Niro’s speech took on an ominous tone as he continued, “I don’t mean to scare you. No, no, wait — maybe I do mean to scare you. If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted. And elections — forget about it. That’s over; that’s done. If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave.”
Confrontation with Pro-Trump Protesters
Following the news conference, De Niro encountered a group of pro-Trump protesters on his way back to his car. The protesters hurled insults, calling him a “wannabe,” “paid sell-out,” “nobody,” and a “little punk” whose “movies suck.” Undeterred, De Niro responded, “You’re not going to intimidate. That’s what Trump does. … We are going to fight back. We’re trying to be gentlemen in this world, the Democrats. You are gangsters. You are gangsters!”
The exchange grew heated, culminating in De Niro retorting, “F— you,” to a protester who called him “washed up.”
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Trump Campaign’s Counterattack
Not to be outdone, the Trump campaign held their own news conference, mocking the Biden campaign’s enlistment of De Niro. Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, criticized the choice of De Niro, stating, “Elitist out-of-touch Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro have no idea the real problems that people in this city and across this country are facing.” Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The best that Biden can do is roll out a washed-up actor.”
Biden Campaign’s New Ad Featuring De Niro
Amidst the drama, the Biden campaign released a new ad featuring De Niro, capitalizing on his star power and recent Oscar nomination for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The ad, set to air on television and digital platforms across battleground states, aims to leverage De Niro’s impassioned plea to sway voters.
Capitol Officers’ Statements
The two Capitol officers who spoke at the news conference also delivered poignant reminders of the dangers posed by Trump’s rhetoric and actions. Their testimonies underscored the tangible threat to democracy and the rule of law, drawing a stark contrast between Biden’s leadership and the chaos of Trump’s presidency.
Conclusion
As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden campaign is pulling out all the stops to highlight the dangers of a Trump re-election. The enlistment of high-profile figures like Robert De Niro, combined with powerful testimonies from those who defended the Capitol, underscores the urgency and gravity of the upcoming vote. For an anti-Trump audience, these efforts resonate deeply, painting a vivid picture of what is at stake if Trump were to return to the Oval Office.
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