NEW YORK CITY—At the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway, a grand marquee stood in red, white, and blue, boldly proclaiming, “Broadway for Biden.”
During the fundraiser for Biden, a succession of stars and comedians took the stage in the dimly lit theater. Theatrical producer Jeffrey Seller, known for his work on “Rent” and “Hamilton,” shared his sentiments amidst the Broadway luminaries, stating, “Being here among the stars of Broadway feels like I’m as close to heaven as I can get. But we must re-elect Joseph Biden.”
As the orchestra played “All that Jazz,” Biden made his entrance onto the stage, exclaiming, “Broadway is back!” He fondly reminisced about taking his sons, Beau and Hunter, to a Bette Midler Broadway show when they were young. He recounted Midler’s reaction upon spotting them in the audience, as she wondered aloud who would bring children to such a show.
Addressing the elephant in the room, Biden acknowledged the focus on his age, saying, “A lot of people seem focused on my age. I get it, believe me, I know it more than anyone.” However, he swiftly added, “But I knew what to do when Covid hit, when Ukraine was attacked, when democracy was at stake. That’s why I’m running,” he declared.
Biden didn’t mince words when it came to his predecessor, Donald Trump, stating firmly, “I will not side with dictators like Putin. Maybe Trump and his MAGA friends can bow down but I won’t.”
Looking to the future, Biden said, that if re-elected, “We will have saved American democracy. I am more optimistic about the future of this country than in the 800 years I’ve served.”
He cautioned his supporters about the consequences of not winning the election, emphasizing, “I’m running because democracy is at stake. Because in 2024, democracy is on the ballot once again. And let there be no question: Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are determined to destroy American democracy. And I will always defend, protect, and fight for our democracy.”
Biden rebutted the notion of America as a dark, negative nation, driven by anger, fear, and revenge, as perceived by Donald Trump and his supporters. Instead, he asserted, “Either they win or we win, and if they win, we no longer have a country. Did you ever hear the President of the United States speak like that? Well, I believe we are a hopeful, optimistic nation driven by the proposition that everyone deserves a shot.”
