DNC uses digital images on Trump Tower to make fun of Trump and Vance before debate.
Exciting developments unfolded in New York City on Monday night as the Democratic National Committee launched a digital projection onto Trump Tower. The intention? To throw some shade at former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, just ahead of the much-anticipated vice presidential debate of 2024. As the projections lit up the iconic Trump Tower, one message in particular caught the attention of onlookers – “Vance on Trump: ‘What an idiot.'” This reference stems from a tweet by Vance in October 2016, where he famously quipped, “My god what an idiot,” in regard to Trump. Despite his subsequent regrets about the comment, the DNC saw fit to remind the public of this verbal jab.
The timing of these projections was not accidental, coinciding with Vance’s visit to Trump Tower on Monday as he prepared for the upcoming debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The digital display didn’t stop there, taking aim at Trump himself for his reluctance to engage in further debates with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s excuse? “It’s just too late, voting has already started.” But Democrats were quick to point out that in the past, Trump had willingly participated in October debates during previous election cycles. This refusal led to another projection on Trump Tower exclaiming, “Trump is a chicken!”
As the anticipation for the debate reached fever pitch, another supportive message shone brightly on the building – “Go Coach Walz!” Democrats continued to champion Walz’s background as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, portraying him as a relatable figure worthy of support. In a playful twist, Trump Tower was humorously dubbed “Project 2025 HQ,” a nod to the ongoing themes of the election cycle. Even Trump’s attempted distance from the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 25” couldn’t shield him from being tied to the overarching narrative.
Amidst the light-hearted jabs and political theatrics, the DNC’s spokesperson, Abhi Rahman, emphasized the primary goal of these projections – to hold Trump and Vance accountable for their actions. As the spotlight shifted toward the vice presidential debate, Rahman highlighted the importance of reminding Americans that the former president shied away from engaging in further debates with Vice President Harris. This symbolic gesture served as a visual statement of the Democrats’ stance on transparency and accountability.
However, legal concerns did surface regarding the projection of digital signs on Trump Tower. According to David Schwartz, a trial attorney in New York City, the city regulations stipulate that digital signs cannot be displayed for longer than 60 seconds without a permit. Despite the potential legal implications, Schwartz speculated that in the midst of a charged political atmosphere, such fines might just be considered a cost of doing business.
Rest assured, the excitement is far from over as CBS News gears up to host the only scheduled vice presidential debate between Vance and Walz. Scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, viewers can tune in to CBS and CBS News 24/7 for live coverage, post-debate analysis, and comprehensive fact checks. For those on the go, the free CBS News app offers a convenient way to stay updated on all the developments surrounding this high-stakes event.
