In an upcoming book, Hillary Clinton claims that in their final 2016 debate, Donald Trump invaded her personal space:
Do you stay calm, keep smiling and carry on as if he weren’t repeatedly invading your space? Or do you turn, look him in the eye, and say loudly and clearly ‘Back up you creep. Get away from me. I know you love to intimidate women, but you can’t intimidate me so back up.’ I chose option A. I kept my cool, aided by a lifetime of dealing with difficult men trying to throw me off.
The claim is, of course, ludicrous. Watch the video. Commentators are already noting the irony of Mrs. Clinton's complaint, given that she's been married to a serial space invader, as it were, for 40+ years (see the cases of Juanita Broderick, Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones and others we will probably never know about). In fairness, Trump's words in that debate were strong and aggressive, often personally so, though anyone following the primaries would know that this was Trump's M.O. in every primary debate, where his targets were other men. Not including Marco, of course. It's rich that a "feminist" like Clinton would imply that things should be different because she's a woman. During the early primary race, I thought Trump's debate style was obnoxious and off-putting. Later, I came to think it was righteous and effective, or at least it was so in that debate with Clinton. I suspect his lively performance that night was one of the reasons why he won. And now Hillary is whining that it was unfair. But back to personal spaces. The most memorable personal space intrusion in modern debate history (indeed, it's the only one that I know of) was Al Gore striding up to George Bush in their final 2000 debate in St. Louis. I have no idea whether it was planned or even really intentional. But in any case, it backfired, with Bush feigning a funny surprised greeting at Gore's sudden looming appearance, eliciting a laugh out of the audience and an awkward grimace from Gore.
This utterly cringe inducing "interview" was apparently the last one Jerry Lewis ever gave. In it, he completely destroys Andy Lewis (no relation), a "journalist" from the Hollywood Reporter, who keeps obsessively asking annoying questions about Jerry Lewis' age (in fairness, Hollywood Reporter was doing a series on 90-year-old performers). Jerry Lewis gives one-word answers while pointedly glaring at the interviewer in contempt. Yet Andy Lewis forges on, digging himself ever deeper. Who is Andy Lewis? His Twitter feed shows him to be an SJW cliche. Though he is associated with the Hollywood Reporter, there's almost nothing about Hollywood or film on the feed. Instead, 95% of his tweets are comprised of political hate - attack after attack on Donald Trump, his family, Christians, "Nazis" (anyone who disagrees with Andy Lewis's cliches), and so on and so forth. Many of his tweets and retweets feature obscenities. Then there's that ubiquitous "punch a Nazi" meme, which has of course been used to legitimize violence and censorship. Based on the sound of his voice, I'm sure Andy Lewis couldn't punch himself out of a wet paper bag. The video quickly went viral. And now, after Jerry Lewis' death, it appears to be going viral again. True to form, Andy Lewis seems to think it's all about him, and even appears to be proud of his effort, especially as it was the Hollywood Reporter's most watched video up to that time. So, yesterday, he exploited Jerry Lewis's death to reveal the "inside story" of the embarrassing segment. "I did Jerry Lewis' last interview," he bragged. It is impossible to know whether anything he says about it is true. Jerry Lewis was tired, etc. And he's such a "tough interview," anyway, etc, etc. That's odd, Jerry Lewis wasn't a tough interview here. On the contrary, I think Jerry Lewis sensed that Andy Lewis was (apologies) a snotty little wuss, and reacted accordingly. After someone else from the interview team finally gets Andy Lewis to stop - whispering, "okay we're finished" - Jerry Lewis stands up from his chair and says: "Alright, clean it outta here." I transcribed the interview, which picks up some of the tone. But I also recommend watching the video. It's probably the most awkward interview you will ever see. But for those of us, middle-aged or older, who have always wanted to metaphorically punch a smirky millennial, it's damn righteous.
Andy Lewis: Have you ever thought about retiring? Jerry Lewis: Why? AL: Was there never a moment that you thought it might be time to retire, or that you would want... JL: Why? AL: You come from, um, you come from a generation a little older, and I think of Bob Hope, George Burns, Sinatra, people you knew, many of whom didn't want to, uh, or never retired either, um, do you see similarities with them? JL: None. AL: None? What do you think drives people like you and them to want to keep working? JL: Because we do it well. AL: And how about, um, what, um, what's different about performing now for you than say 20 years ago how is it, how is it different for you? JL: It isn't. AL: Not not at all? JL: Not at all. AL: Have you made any, do you have to make any concessions to being, you know, older in your performing, or does it...how do you keep the material fresh for yourself? JL: By working at it. AL: You've had a number of health issues over the last few years as people of your age do... JL: Anyone that's 90 does. AL: Anyone that's 90. Does continuing to work, does that, does that actually help you get healthier, you know, does being sort of busy and engaged, do you think that's actually, helps you get, get healthier? JL: No. AL: Do you think it hurts, like do you think... JL: No. [Long pause] AL: You've been been coming to Vegas for, uh, you lived here for a while, you've been coming here for a long time, how is Vegas different for you than when you first came here, what was the first time you, you performed in Vegas? JL: 1947. AL: What, can you tell me what, what Vegas was like when you first showed up? JL: It's not, it's the same. AL: It's, it's the same? JL: Exactly the same. AL: Like what, what is it about Vegas that you like, or what is it about, like how would you describe the place, like when you show up in 1947 what was it, it wasn't it a little bit of a dusty cow town, it was, what was it, what was it like? JL: A dusty cow town. AL: And you still think of it as a sort of dusty cow town? JL: No. AL: And how about, uh, is performing in Vegas now for you different than it was then, like, just either the mechanics or the size of it... JL: Nope. AL: Not at all? And how about, um, what's your audience like, you know, now, you're still performing, you're 90, what, what's your, what's your audience like, who are your, who are your fans, are they different than they, than they used to be? JL: No. They're still the same. AL: Even, but you must have younger fans, who... JL: Some are younger. AL: What do you think it is, you have in, that, that attracts you to younger fans, like, like how have you sort of maintained your, your audience over the years? JL: You tell them you're playing there and they show up. AL: And you, nothing different than that? JL: No. AL: How about you have a, you've had a long and distinguished career, do you have a favorite period of your career a, a part of your career you look back on as, as a moment when you were, um, a favorite, happiest or your most creative? JL: What do you mean? AL: Like is there a period in your career you look back on where you, that was your, your happiest time or your favorite time? JL: When my partner was alive. AL: When your partner was alive. So working with, with Dean Martin was that your favorite... JL: Yup. AL: Uh, part of your your career? JL: Yup. AL: What, what made that partnership work for you, like what was... JL: I'll show you some material - you'll know. AL: But if I'm not looking at the material, can you give me, like, a sense of, like, what, how it worked for you? JL: It was terrific. AL: And how about, you have any advice for young, young 80-year-olds about staying active at 90, just sort of... JL: Get a day job. AL: Get a day job. But you've never had a, you've never actually had a, quote, day job, you've been a performer your, your whole life, isn't that right? JL: Mm-hmm. AL: And you just, you just, um, did a movie a couple years ago, just is coming out, Max Rose, what was it like to step behind... JL: What movie? AL: Ah, Max Rose, right? JL: Yeah, I'm glad you remembered it. AL: Uh, what was it like performing again after not having done it for for more than a decade? JL: It's great. AL: But was it, is it like riding a horse, you never forget, what was it... JL: You never forget. AL: Was it, was it at all scary or intimidating to come to... JL: Not at all. AL: Not at all. And you enjoyed it. Would you do another movie? JL: Absolutely. We're planning one now. AL: For you to star in? JL: Mm-hmm. AL: And, are you also, I think I read that you're, you're also still writing some screenplays or doing work... JL: Right. AL: Is that right? JL: Yup AL: Is it, is it easier now to write a screenplay... JL: No, just as hard. AL: Just as hard. And how about, do you take some time you say to write, or how do you, you do it, in a dictaphone, how do you do... JL: if I tell you, you'll be doing it. AL: Heh heh heh. JL: Heh heh heh [Imitates his laugh]. AL: Well I meant the sort of mechanics of it, do you actually, like, you write by hand or do you, you type it, how do you do it, you type it on the computer... JL: Mm-hmm.. AL: And so what are your, you're on tour now, what else do you have, um, planned for, for this year, 90th year? JL: Mm-hmm. AL: You have anything else like... JL: Yeah, but nothing we want to talk about. AL: And so you've worked with a lot of, a lot of people over the years, what, you have a favorite story about, like, Dean or, or Frank Sinatra or somebody that you, that you worked with but you know, over the years that you like to share? JL: No. AL: Not at all? JL: None. AL: How would you, do you have an unfavorite story you'd like... JL: Nope. Not, for this. Voice off Camera: So I guess we're finished. AL: Sure. Anything else you want to... JL: No. Voice off Camera: So we're finished. AL: Sure. Voice off Camera: Thank you. JL: [Getting up from chair] Alright, clean it outta here.
Raymond Arroyo, the host of EWTN's The World Over, interviewed Jerry Lewis, a few days before Christmas, 2015. I suspect it was one of the most popular interviews Arroyo ever gave. I assume many of you remember it. I missed it.
Lewis died, yesterday, at the age of 91.
I've transcribed a few minutes of the interview, below (I had a bit of help on the last third of it from EWTN and Lifezette). The transcription is from the most "politically incorrect" section, where Lewis says, "the refugees should stay where the hell they are," praises Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan, makes a joke about how the Chinese name their children by seeing where thrown utensils land on a platter - "ting, tong," and (worst heresy of all) calls Stephen Colbert, "an elitist snob."
But calling it "politically incorrect" is unfair to Lewis and the interview. I don't think Lewis was trying to be anything. That's bull__t, he might have agreed. He was simply answering the questions as truthfully as he could (and trying to be a bit funny). He dissed Colbert but praised Tina Fey as "brilliant."
Lewis was not really part of my generation, and I am somewhat unschooled in vintage comedies, so I can't say I was ever a great fan. I always associated him with silly movies and the Muscular Dystrophy telethons. Though I did think his portrayal of "Jerry Langford" in The King of Comedy was nifty.
But the interview made me want to review his work (the EWTN segment contained some clips).
At the end of the interview (not transcribed here). Lewis tells Arroyo that he was the "best interviewer he ever had." I can believe it. And I think Lewis meant it. Among other things, there's such an obvious sense of good will between the two men.
If you missed it in 2015, and if you have time, watch the full interview, below. It reveals much about Lewis, the comedian and the person, as well as giving a glimpse into the history of mid-20th century comedy and show business.
Tomorrow, I'll post a video of the worst interviewer Jerry Lewis ever had...
The EWTN segment lasted 57 minutes, with the interview taking up most of it. The transcribed section is from approximately 43:55 to 50:00:
Raymond Arroyo:You told a story about going to China recently... Jerry Lewis: Well they took me to the Great Wall, and I was with probably 200 press. (They) followed me all over Shanghai and all over China. But at the Great Wall I'm standing there with a reporter from United Press and he said, "well what do you think of the Great Wall?" I said "I think it's nice but it ain't great." It made the front pages of every paper in Asia: "Jerry Lewis calls the Great Wall, 'nice.'" And I said, "how do you say nice in China?" "Tongue-Yao." Nice.
Arroyo: Not so nice.
Lewis: I don't even know what that means, "Tongue-Yao." Well you never know that they have a special way of naming Chinese children. It's a special way. They take a huge silver platter. They put it on the ground. They grab a handful of silverware. They throw the silverware up in the air, and as the silverware hits the platter - "ting tong ching chong tong ting" is how they named Chinese children.
Arroyo: Now, you know when some people hear a joke like that, they say, well that's politically incorrect. You shouldn't be telling that joke.
Lewis: Oh, bullshit. [EWTN bleeped this out.]
Arroyo: What do you say?
Lewis: I got six Catholic jokes that'll stop their services.
Arroyo: You can't tell them now.
Lewis: No, of course not.
Arroyo: But you can tell me when we're finished.
Lewis: So these two Jews... no [Lewis makes the sign of the cross].
Arroyo: That's what I like, to see, Jerry.
Lewis: And that's not easy when you're a Jew [winks].
Arroyo: I know, I know, but that's good, it's good practice. Um, tell me who do you consider funny today. I'm going to give you some names...
Lewis: Robin Williams...
Arroyo: Oh, but he's gone.
Lewis: What he did is not gone. Billy Crystal...
Arroyo: Oh hilarious.
Lewis: I mean... Arroyo: Jimmy Fallon... Lewis: He's a beginner. He's got a long way to go. But he's doing well, he's doing well. The fact that he's doing the third show makes it well. Jimmy Fallon could never ever be like the old comics that we remember. He could never do what I do because he had too many years on Saturday Night Live, which was a series of this is what you will do and that's what we're shooting next. No point of view. No contribution. They just did what was on the credit...on the cue card. And I think Jimmy is suffering from that kind of work. And watch him in about a year. You're going to see a development of this kid that's going to be so wonderful.
Arroyo: What about Stephen Colbert?
Lewis: I don't like him.
Arroyo: Why not?
Lewis: I think he's a snob. I think he's elitist and snob.
Arroyo: Hmm Tina Fey...
Lewis: Ah, wonderful.
Arroyo: Really?
Lewis: Brilliant, brilliant, everything comes from her brain. Marvelous.
Arroyo: I want to talk about some quick contemporary events. You are beloved in France.
Lewis: Don't forget it [makes funny look off camera].
Arroyo: The French Legion of Honor.
Lewis: And the Commander of Arts and Letters.
Arroyo: You are adored there. I mean, when you show up at Cannes or... it's, forget Angelina Jolie or anybody else. It's Jerry Lewis everybody wants to see.
Lewis: Pretty much.
Arroyo: And humble, too...[Lewis smiles]. When you watch what’s been happening on CNN and on Fox, ISIS blowing up, shooting people indiscriminately — what went through your mind as you saw this?
Jerry Lewis: You gotta remember something. ISIS has attacked the world, OK? And all of a sudden I’m wondering, where are all of our NATO allies? Why don’t I have Germany, and Italy, and Great Britain? Why don’t I have all of them, including Spain, doing something? Get all of your military together, bring that military to our military, and wipe ’em out. They’re asking to be stopped. And we’re not stopping them, we’re just reporting what they’re doing. That’s ridiculous.
Arroyo: And what do you think about the refugees?
Lewis: The refugees should stay where the hell they are.
Arroyo: They say there’s a humanitarian crisis. They’re fleeing. They have to come to America...
Lewis: Hey, nobody has worked harder for the human condition than I have. But they’re not part of the human condition, if 11 guys in that group of 10,000 are ISIS. How can I take the chance? I don’t want to lose another Frenchman or another Englishman. That bothers me. You can’t really knock the president [Obama] per se because he was never given to understand that’s out there. He was never ready, never prepared for it. And what I’m watching in him is uncertainty. And you don’t have uncertainty in a leader. A leader doesn’t give a s___ what he does, but he gets it done.
Arroyo: Politics: I know you watch it. I see you watching news every minute of the day. What do you think of Donald Trump?
Lewis: I think he’s great.
Arroyo: Why?
Lewis: Because he’s a showman. And we’ve never had a showman in the president’s chair.
Arroyo: Well, you had Ronald Reagan. He was a bit of a showman.
Lewis: Well, that’s different. You can’t make a comparison with Ronald Reagan, because I can do three hours on him with just praise, he was so good.
Arroyo: Alright, final questions: What is the legacy of Jerry Lewis?
A mob pulls down a Confederate statue in Durham, North Carolina. The police did not intervene, but authorities now claim they are trying to identify and charge those involved.
A PBS poll asked 1,125 Americans what they thought about the Civil War statue removals in Southern states. (The poll result was buried in an article with the headline, "Majority of Americans unhappy with Trump's response to Charlottesville.") Here are the results of the statue poll:
Do you think statues honoring leaders of the Confederacy should:
Remain as a historical symbol? 62%
Be removed because they're offensive? 27%
Unsure? 11%
Even among African-Americans, a slight plurality (44% to 40%) wanted them to remain. I assume that the pro-statue results would have been even more pronounced within some of the states in question, such as, say, Virginia. (By the way, if you object to the arguably extraneously benign wording of the first answer - remain as a historical symbol - take that up with PBS, not me.) So, on the statue issue at least, the vast majority of Americans agree with the "neo-Nazis" in Charlottesville. The statues are being removed by anti-democratic ideologues in local government, egged on by violent mobs - or, in at least one case, simply by violent mobs. See above. Fascist mobs, I should add. That they call themselves "anti-fascist" while often dressing in black and attacking their opponents with baseball bats, makes the Orwellian irony all the richer. Even the right to assemble and oppose the statue removals is being denied, either officially, by government decree - canceling the "Unite the Right" event at the last minute - or unofficially by the ever-present threat of physical violence by the mobs. Richard Spencer et al. are poseurs, clowns and fringy losers with too much time on their hands. I don't think they're Nazis - though many of them do seem to get their jollies from flirting with Nazi imagery and symbolism (it's "edgy" or whatever). But if they didn't exist, the fascist left would need to invent them. Or maybe it partly did. The chief planner for "Unite the Right" was an Obama supporter and "Occupy" activist up until quite recently. And many observers have alleged (with what degree of truth it is impossible to determine) that "the Feds" have thoroughly infiltrated the "alt-Reich" ranks. But there's absolutely no question who the real fascists are. Charlottesville was their Reichstag fire. Or, at least, they want it to be.
Note: I'm using the full video of the speech from RT news, which includes the moving opening wreath ceremony at the Monument to the Warsaw Uprising, featuring the American and Polish presidents and their wives, and soldiers from Poland, the United States, Romania and Great Britain. We can see sharpshooters on the roofs of surrounding buildings, country music jarringly comes in from somewhere, and at less solemn moments, various chants erupt from the crowd, including "USA! USA!" Melania Trump walks to the podium to give a short introduction at 13:00, and President Trump begins at approximately 15:15.
The speech given by President Trump to over a million Poles in Krasiński Square, Warsaw, bears comparison to the famous speeches of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan in Berlin. It was Trump's greatest speech of his presidency, and perhaps the best speech by an American president on foreign soil since Reagan.
There were many references to freedom. But there were even more references to God.
It's utterly stunning to me how in the space of only a year, this braggadocios businessman (as Michael Matt once accurately described him) and often rude and coarse candidate has transformed himself into the eloquent leader of what's left of the forces of Christian civilization.
I know what you're thinking. But, please, just watch or read the speech.
Trump was continually interrupted by the crowd of perhaps a million Poles, chanting "USA! USA!" and "Donald Trump!" although, in truth, as the video makes clear, the latter chant was usually louder.
CNN ran a companion article to the event, titled, "Conservative Polish politicians bus people in for Trump speech."
Vox said the speech sounded like an alt-right manifesto.
Trump's reference to the strengths of the Western community of nations including the countries of Western Europe - "We celebrate our ancient heroes ... cherish inspiring works that honor God ... We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression" - perhaps should be seen as a testimony to what we once were or could be again, not a strictly accurate statement of present reality. Unless smirks in Hollywood and Jihad marches through central London count.
But if there is to be a turnaround, this kind of leadership is what is required. And what better place to start it than in the same city where another talk sparked a turnaround almost forty years ago. It was a homily given by John Paul II upon his return to Poland, also to a crowd estimated at one million. And as the President noted today, that talk, too, was interrupted - "We want God!" the people cried.
Perhaps they were bused in by conservative politicians.
MRS. TRUMP: Hello, Poland! Thank you very much. My husband and I have enjoyed visiting your beautiful country. I want to thank President and Mrs. Duda for the warm welcome and their generous hospitality. I had the opportunity to visit the Copernicus Science Centre today, and found it not only informative but thoughtful, its mission, which is to inspire people to observe, experiment, ask questions, and seek answers.
I can think of no better purpose for such a wonderful science center. Thank you to all who were involved in giving us the tour, especially the children who made it such a wonderful experience.
As many of you know, a main focus of my husband's presidency is safety and security of the American people. I think all of us can agree people should be able to live their lives without fear, no matter what country they live in. That is my wish for all of us around the world. (Applause.)
Thank you again for this wonderful welcome to your very special country. Your kindness and gracious hospitality will not be forgotten. (Applause.)
And now it is my honor to introduce to you my husband, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you very much. That's so nice. The United States has many great diplomats, but there is truly no better ambassador for our country than our beautiful First Lady, Melania. Thank you, Melania. That was very nice. (Applause.)
We've come to your nation to deliver a very important message: America loves Poland, and America loves the Polish people. (Applause.) Thank you.
The Poles have not only greatly enriched this region, but Polish-Americans have also greatly enriched the United States, and I was truly proud to have their support in the 2016 election. (Applause.)
It is a profound honor to stand in this city, by this monument to the Warsaw Uprising, and to address the Polish nation that so many generations have dreamed of: a Poland that is safe, strong, and free. (Applause.)
President Duda and your wonderful First Lady, Agata, have welcomed us with the tremendous warmth and kindness for which Poland is known around the world. Thank you. (Applause.) My sincere -- and I mean sincerely thank both of them. And to Prime Minister Syzdlo, a very special thanks also. (Applause.)
We are also pleased that former President Leck Walesa, so famous for leading the Solidarity Movement, has joined us today, also. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
On behalf of all Americans, let me also thank the entire Polish people for the generosity you have shown in welcoming our soldiers to your country. These soldiers are not only brave defenders of freedom, but also symbols of America's commitment to your security and your place in a strong and democratic Europe.
We are proudly joined on stage by American, Polish, British, and Romanian soldiers. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. Great job.
President Duda and I have just come from an incredibly successful meeting with the leaders participating in the Three Seas Initiative. To the citizens of this great region, America is eager to expand our partnership with you. We welcome stronger ties of trade and commerce as you grow your economies. And we are committed to securing your access to alternate sources of energy, so Poland and its neighbors are never again held hostage to a single supplier of energy. (Applause.)
Mr. President, I congratulate you, along with the President of Croatia, on your leadership of this historic Three Seas Initiative. Thank you. (Applause.)
This is my first visit to Central Europe as President, and I am thrilled that it could be right here at this magnificent, beautiful piece of land. It is beautiful. (Applause.) Poland is the geographic heart of Europe, but more importantly, in the Polish people, we see the soul of Europe. Your nation is great because your spirit is great and your spirit is strong. (Applause.)
For two centuries, Poland suffered constant and brutal attacks. But while Poland could be invaded and occupied, and its borders even erased from the map, it could never be erased from history or from your hearts. In those dark days, you have lost your land but you never lost your pride. (Applause.)
So it is with true admiration that I can say today, that from the farms and villages of your countryside to the cathedrals and squares of your great cities, Poland lives, Poland prospers, and Poland prevails. (Applause.)
Despite every effort to transform you, oppress you, or destroy you, you endured and overcame. You are the proud nation of Copernicus -- think of that -- (applause) -- Chopin, Saint John Paul II. Poland is a land of great heroes. (Applause.) And you are a people who know the true value of what you defend.
The triumph of the Polish spirit over centuries of hardship gives us all hope for a future in which good conquers evil, and peace achieves victory over war.
For Americans, Poland has been a symbol of hope since the beginning of our nation. Polish heroes and American patriots fought side by side in our War of Independence and in many wars that followed. Our soldiers still serve together today in Afghanistan and Iraq, combatting the enemies of all civilization.
For America's part, we have never given up on freedom and independence as the right and destiny of the Polish people, and we never, ever will. (Applause.)
Our two countries share a special bond forged by unique histories and national characters. It's a fellowship that exists only among people who have fought and bled and died for freedom. (Applause.)
The signs of this friendship stand in our nation's capital. Just steps from the White House, we've raised statues of men with names like Pułaski and Kościuszko. (Applause.) The same is true in Warsaw, where street signs carry the name of George Washington, and a monument stands to one of the world's greatest heroes, Ronald Reagan. (Applause.)
And so I am here today not just to visit an old ally, but to hold it up as an example for others who seek freedom and who wish to summon the courage and the will to defend our civilization. (Applause.) The story of Poland is the story of a people who have never lost hope, who have never been broken, and who have never, ever forgotten who they are. (Applause)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Such a great honor. This is a nation more than one thousand years old. Your borders were erased for more than a century and only restored just one century ago.
In 1920, in the Miracle of Vistula, Poland stopped the Soviet army bent on European conquest. (Applause.) Then, 19 years later in 1939, you were invaded yet again, this time by Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. That's trouble. That's tough.
Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.
In the summer of 1944, the Nazi and Soviet armies were preparing for a terrible and bloody battle right here in Warsaw. Amid that hell on earth, the citizens of Poland rose up to defend their homeland. I am deeply honored to be joined on stage today by veterans and heroes of the Warsaw Uprising. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: (Chanting.)
PRESIDENT TRUMP: What great spirit. We salute your noble sacrifice and we pledge to always remember your fight for Poland and for freedom. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
This monument reminds us that more than 150,000 Poles died during that desperate struggle to overthrow oppression.
From the other side of the river, the Soviet armed forces stopped and waited. They watched as the Nazis ruthlessly destroyed the city, viciously murdering men, women, and children. They tried to destroy this nation forever by shattering its will to survive.
But there is a courage and a strength deep in the Polish character that no one could destroy. The Polish martyr, Bishop Michael Kozal, said it well: "More horrifying than a defeat of arms is a collapse of the human spirit."
Through four decades of communist rule, Poland and the other captive nations of Europe endured a brutal campaign to demolish freedom, your faith, your laws, your history, your identity -- indeed the very essence of your culture and your humanity. Yet, through it all, you never lost that spirit. (Applause.) Your oppressors tried to break you, but Poland could not be broken. (Applause.)
And when the day came on June 2nd, 1979, and one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their very first mass with their Polish Pope, that day, every communist in Warsaw must have known that their oppressive system would soon come crashing down. (Applause.) They must have known it at the exact moment during Pope John Paul II's sermon when a million Polish men, women, and children suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer. A million Polish people did not ask for wealth. They did not ask for privilege. Instead, one million Poles sang three simple words: "We Want God." (Applause.)
In those words, the Polish people recalled the promise of a better future. They found new courage to face down their oppressors, and they found the words to declare that Poland would be Poland once again.
As I stand here today before this incredible crowd, this faithful nation, we can still hear those voices that echo through history. Their message is as true today as ever. The people of Poland, the people of America, and the people of Europe still cry out "We want God." (Applause.)
Together, with Pope John Paul II, the Poles reasserted their identity as a nation devoted to God. And with that powerful declaration of who you are, you came to understand what to do and how to live. You stood in solidarity against oppression, against a lawless secret police, against a cruel and wicked system that impoverished your cities and your souls. And you won. Poland prevailed. Poland will always prevail. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. You were supported in that victory over communism by a strong alliance of free nations in the West that defied tyranny. Now, among the most committed members of the NATO Alliance, Poland has resumed its place as a leading nation of a Europe that is strong, whole, and free.
A strong Poland is a blessing to the nations of Europe, and they know that. A strong Europe is a blessing to the West and to the world. (Applause.) One hundred years after the entry of American forces into World War I, the transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever and maybe, in many ways, even stronger.
This continent no longer confronts the specter of communism. But today we're in the West, and we have to say there are dire threats to our security and to our way of life. You see what's happening out there. They are threats. We will confront them. We will win. But they are threats. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We are confronted by another oppressive ideology -- one that seeks to export terrorism and extremism all around the globe. America and Europe have suffered one terror attack after another. We're going to get it to stop. (Applause.)
During a historic gathering in Saudi Arabia, I called on the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations to join together to drive out this menace which threatens all of humanity. We must stand united against these shared enemies to strip them of their territory and their funding, and their networks, and any form of ideological support that they may have. While we will always welcome new citizens who share our values and love our people, our borders will always be closed to terrorism and extremism of any kind. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We are fighting hard against radical Islamic terrorism, and we will prevail. We cannot accept those who reject our values and who use hatred to justify violence against the innocent.
Today, the West is also confronted by the powers that seek to test our will, undermine our confidence, and challenge our interests. To meet new forms of aggression, including propaganda, financial crimes, and cyberwarfare, we must adapt our alliance to compete effectively in new ways and on all new battlefields.
We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes -- including Syria and Iran -- and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself. (Applause.)
Finally, on both sides of the Atlantic, our citizens are confronted by yet another danger -- one firmly within our control. This danger is invisible to some but familiar to the Poles: the steady creep of government bureaucracy that drains the vitality and wealth of the people. The West became great not because of paperwork and regulations but because people were allowed to chase their dreams and pursue their destinies.
Americans, Poles, and the nations of Europe value individual freedom and sovereignty. We must work together to confront forces, whether they come from inside or out, from the South or the East, that threaten over time to undermine these values and to erase the bonds of culture, faith and tradition that make us who we are. (Applause.) If left unchecked, these forces will undermine our courage, sap our spirit, and weaken our will to defend ourselves and our societies.
But just as our adversaries and enemies of the past learned here in Poland, we know that these forces, too, are doomed to fail if we want them to fail. And we do, indeed, want them to fail. (Applause.) They are doomed not only because our alliance is strong, our countries are resilient, and our power is unmatched. Through all of that, you have to say everything is true. Our adversaries, however, are doomed because we will never forget who we are. And if we don't forget who are, we just can't be beaten. Americans will never forget. The nations of Europe will never forget. We are the fastest and the greatest community. There is nothing like our community of nations. The world has never known anything like our community of nations.
We write symphonies. We pursue innovation. We celebrate our ancient heroes, embrace our timeless traditions and customs, and always seek to explore and discover brand-new frontiers.
We reward brilliance. We strive for excellence, and cherish inspiring works of art that honor God. We treasure the rule of law and protect the right to free speech and free expression. (Applause.)
We empower women as pillars of our society and of our success. We put faith and family, not government and bureaucracy, at the center of our lives. And we debate everything. We challenge everything. We seek to know everything so that we can better know ourselves. (Applause.)
And above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom. That is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as nations, as allies, and as a civilization.
What we have, what we inherited from our -- and you know this better than anybody, and you see it today with this incredible group of people -- what we've inherited from our ancestors has never existed to this extent before. And if we fail to preserve it, it will never, ever exist again. So we cannot fail.
This great community of nations has something else in common: In every one of them, it is the people, not the powerful, who have always formed the foundation of freedom and the cornerstone of our defense. The people have been that foundation here in Poland -- as they were right here in Warsaw -- and they were the foundation from the very, very beginning in America.
Our citizens did not win freedom together, did not survive horrors together, did not face down evil together, only to lose our freedom to a lack of pride and confidence in our values. We did not and we will not. We will never back down. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: As long as we know our history, we will know how to build our future. Americans know that a strong alliance of free, sovereign and independent nations is the best defense for our freedoms and for our interests. That is why my administration has demanded that all members of NATO finally meet their full and fair financial obligation.
As a result of this insistence, billions of dollars more have begun to pour into NATO. In fact, people are shocked. But billions and billions of dollars more are coming in from countries that, in my opinion, would not have been paying so quickly.
To those who would criticize our tough stance, I would point out that the United States has demonstrated not merely with words but with its actions that we stand firmly behind Article 5, the mutual defense commitment. (Applause.)
Words are easy, but actions are what matters. And for its own protection -- and you know this, everybody knows this, everybody has to know this -- Europe must do more. Europe must demonstrate that it believes in its future by investing its money to secure that future.
That is why we applaud Poland for its decision to move forward this week on acquiring from the United States the battle-tested Patriot air and missile defense system -- the best anywhere in the world. (Applause.) That is also why we salute the Polish people for being one of the NATO countries that has actually achieved the benchmark for investment in our common defense. Thank you. Thank you, Poland. I must tell you, the example you set is truly magnificent, and we applaud Poland. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have to remember that our defense is not just a commitment of money, it is a commitment of will. Because as the Polish experience reminds us, the defense of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail and be successful and get what you have to have. The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. Do we have the confidence in our values to defend them at any cost? Do we have enough respect for our citizens to protect our borders? Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it? (Applause.)
We can have the largest economies and the most lethal weapons anywhere on Earth, but if we do not have strong families and strong values, then we will be weak and we will not survive. (Applause.) If anyone forgets the critical importance of these things, let them come to one country that never has. Let them come to Poland. (Applause.) And let them come here, to Warsaw, and learn the story of the Warsaw Uprising.
When they do, they should learn about Jerusalem Avenue. In August of 1944, Jerusalem Avenue was one of the main roads running east and west through this city, just as it is today.
Control of that road was crucially important to both sides in the battle for Warsaw. The German military wanted it as their most direct route to move troops and to form a very strong front. And for the Polish Home Army, the ability to pass north and south across that street was critical to keep the center of the city, and the Uprising itself, from being split apart and destroyed.
Every night, the Poles put up sandbags amid machine gun fire -- and it was horrendous fire -- to protect a narrow passage across Jerusalem Avenue. Every day, the enemy forces knocked them down again and again and again. Then the Poles dug a trench. Finally, they built a barricade. And the brave Polish fighters began to flow across Jerusalem Avenue. That narrow passageway, just a few feet wide, was the fragile link that kept the Uprising alive.
Between its walls, a constant stream of citizens and freedom fighters made their perilous, just perilous, sprints. They ran across that street, they ran through that street, they ran under that street -- all to defend this city. "The far side was several yards away," recalled one young Polish woman named Greta. That mortality and that life was so important to her. In fact, she said, "The mortally dangerous sector of the street was soaked in the blood. It was the blood of messengers, liaison girls, and couriers."
Nazi snipers shot at anybody who crossed. Anybody who crossed, they were being shot at. Their soldiers burned every building on the street, and they used the Poles as human shields for their tanks in their effort to capture Jerusalem Avenue. The enemy never ceased its relentless assault on that small outpost of civilization. And the Poles never ceased its defense.
The Jerusalem Avenue passage required constant protection, repair, and reinforcement, but the will of its defenders did not waver, even in the face of death. And to the last days of the Uprising, the fragile crossing never, ever failed. It was never, ever forgotten. It was kept open by the Polish people.
The memories of those who perished in the Warsaw Uprising cry out across the decades, and few are clearer than the memories of those who died to build and defend the Jerusalem Avenue crossing. Those heroes remind us that the West was saved with the blood of patriots; that each generation must rise up and play their part in its defense -- (applause) -- and that every foot of ground, and every last inch of civilization, is worth defending with your life.
Our own fight for the West does not begin on the battlefield -- it begins with our minds, our wills, and our souls. Today, the ties that unite our civilization are no less vital, and demand no less defense, than that bare shred of land on which the hope of Poland once totally rested. Our freedom, our civilization, and our survival depend on these bonds of history, culture, and memory.
And today as ever, Poland is in our heart, and its people are in that fight. (Applause.) Just as Poland could not be broken, I declare today for the world to hear that the West will never, ever be broken. Our values will prevail. Our people will thrive. And our civilization will triumph. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Donald Trump! Donald Trump! Donald Trump!
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you. So, together, let us all fight like the Poles -- for family, for freedom, for country, and for God.
Thank you. God Bless You. God bless the Polish people. God bless our allies. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you. God bless you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
