President Joe Biden and his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, joined forces with former President Bill Clinton in a star-studded fundraiser event on Thursday, which reportedly raised over $25 million for Biden’s reelection campaign in the United States.
Biden, accompanied by Obama on Air Force One, arrived on Thursday afternoon for the event, where they, along with Clinton, engaged in a discussion moderated by “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Despite the celebratory atmosphere inside, the leaders’ motorcade passed by a group of protesters outside the venue, demonstrating against Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Musical performances by Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Lea Michele were scheduled for the event. Additionally, high-paying attendees had the opportunity to have their photos taken with the three presidents by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s Republican opponent in the 2020 election, was also in the New York area, attending a wake for a slain New York City policeman.
Biden, 81, has faced questions about his age and fitness for a second term, with recent polls showing his approval rating at 40% and a tight race with Trump, 77, ahead of the upcoming election.
The presence of Biden’s predecessors at the fundraiser aimed to demonstrate party unity and project fundraising strength. In contrast, a Trump campaign adviser acknowledged the challenge of matching Biden’s fundraising, attributing the disparity to the Democrat’s “billionaire” supporters versus Trump’s grassroots, working-class base.
Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $500,000, with the campaign reporting a fundraising total of over $25 million. While the event was not televised, clips were planned to be shared on social media platforms. In addition to the in-person event, small-dollar donors could participate in a separate virtual event featuring Obama, Biden, and Clinton.
The support from high-profile allies such as Obama and Clinton aimed to bolster Biden’s reelection prospects amid lukewarm enthusiasm among some Democratic supporters and opposition from within the Republican Party.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the significance of the three presidents coming together in support of Biden’s leadership and agenda. Biden’s campaign strategy has prioritized engaging with ordinary Americans in carefully curated events, a deliberate approach aimed at minimizing disruptions from protesters.
Obama’s popularity among Democrats could energize young voters and progressives who have expressed concerns about Biden’s policies, particularly regarding Israel’s response to Hamas attacks. Clinton’s appeal is less straightforward, given his past controversies, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which resurfaced during the #MeToo movement.
Despite these challenges, the fundraiser provided a significant boost to Democratic fundraising efforts, with campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg hailing it as a testament to the momentum behind Biden’s reelection bid.
Meanwhile, Trump attended a wake for a slain New York City policeman on Long Island, where he reiterated his support for law and order, a central theme of his campaign. Trump’s efforts to rally support for law enforcement come amid ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding his presidency.
Trump’s fundraising efforts have faced scrutiny, with ongoing criminal trials and fines related to his business dealings and conduct while in office. Despite these challenges, Trump aims to raise $33 million in an upcoming fundraiser, signaling his continued involvement in Republican Party fundraising efforts.
Overall, the star-studded fundraiser underscored the importance of fundraising and party unity in the lead-up to the upcoming election. Biden’s campaign, buoyed by the support of his predecessors and high-profile allies, continues to focus on engaging with voters and raising the necessary funds to secure victory in November.
