Staff Reports
Donald Trump doesn’t need a stage or a press conference to reach his supporters. A little video message, and just like that, he’s writing another chapter in the saga of his charismatic leadership. In a pre-recorded video played at the 49th annual National Italian American Foundation gala, the former president expressed his admiration for Italian Americans while tossing in a hefty hint that this upcoming election is critical. It’s quite the spectacle: Trump channeling his inner Mario Batali while telling everyone they need to step up and vote to “save our country.”
New York.
Intervenendo a una manifestazione al Madison Square Garden, Trump promette agli elettori “Felicità per tutti, gratuitamente, e che nessuno se ne vada offeso!”
"Questa sarà una nuova età dell'oro per l'America. Arriverà rapidamente, molto rapidamente. Tutti i problemi… pic.twitter.com/8PLUkNReAv
— Elisabetta B. (@babetta123) October 28, 2024
There’s no cutting away to a bunch of people rolling their eyes or giving polite applause during Trump’s heartfelt shout-out to Italian Americans. Instead, he boasted about having a multitude of friends in the room. It’s a classic Trump move, weaving personal connections into political discourse, making sure his supporters know they’re not just faces in the crowd; they’re part of a larger family. Loving the Italian people is easy when you come equipped with a pair of well-timed, politically astute compliments.
As the gala unwound, the Democrats seemed to want a slice of the action too. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden decided to grace the occasion with their own video appearance, serving up some platitudinous remarks about family, community, and the Italian American experience. However, nothing quite resonates like the commanding presence of Trump, who knows how to read a room. While Biden was talking about ‘enough bread toast to feed one more guest,’ Trump was rallying his base. The difference is like preferring lasagna over a soggy chowder.
The National Italian American Foundation is often portrayed as a politically neutral organization, but there’s an unmistakable current of partisanship lingering in the air. The gala showcased politicians like former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and even the disgraced, yet ever-cocky, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. It was a bizarre mix of the right wing and the left wing all under one roof, with Trump’s influence overshadowing everyone else’s. Just try to imagine the frantic leftist state of mind when they realize Trump’s message still resonates more than any Biden family anecdote.
In the end, Trump’s closing remarks felt like a classic rallying cry for his loyal supporters. He tapped into that unmistakable charm which has kept him in the game despite any political tides that would turn lesser candidates to mush. He urged attendees to enjoy the evening and reminded them of their special place in America’s fabric. For all the talk of unity and belonging, it’s Trump who knows how to make people feel like they matter, a remarkable skill that should never be underestimated in a world of political showmanship.
