President Joe Biden made a visit to New York City on Wednesday for a fundraising event at philanthropist Larry Linden’s residence. During the event, Biden discussed various issues, including the Republican House, former President Trump, and climate change.
Biden’s motorcade arrived at Linden’s residence on West 76th St and Riverside Drive on the Upper West Side in the afternoon. The president delivered his speech in a wood-paneled sitting room adorned with a Steinway piano and several couches. The fundraiser commenced with an introduction from Linden to a crowd of 17 attendees.
Biden began by speaking on the current state of the Republican House.
“Never thought I’d see something like I’m seeing now,” said Biden. “[Republicans are] walking away because they’ve got Donald Trump calling and threatening them.”
Biden urged the fundraiser attendees to remember what’s at stake in the 2024 election if Trump were to win the presidency.
“He’ll try to undo everything we’ve done. Make no mistake,”said Biden. “We can’t let that happen.”
He continued, “There is one existential threat: it’s Donald Trump.”
On the topic of climate change, Biden recalled a story about his childhood in Delaware near oil refineries. He spoke about his friends who had lived near these oil refineries and developed lung cancer from their close proximity to the pollution.
“There is only one existential threat we face in the world: and that’s the environment,” said Biden. He added that it is important that the US take a lead on the issue of climate change because “the world’s looking to us”.
“It’s amazing to me how much the rest of the world looks to us, the United States- not to Joe Biden- the United States,” noted Biden.
After concluding his 13-minute speech, Biden expressed gratitude to the attendees at Linden’s residence for their continued support over the years. He then moved on to his second event of the day at the Mandarin Oriental near Columbus Circle.
