Biden’s Hollywood Fundraiser with Obama Raises $28M, Says Campaign
TL/DR –
President Joe Biden attended a star-studded evening fundraiser in Los Angeles where he raised $28 million, a record sum for a single Democratic fundraiser. The event featured a moderated interview of Biden and former President Barack Obama by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, focusing on healthcare and the Supreme Court. The Biden campaign said the funds raised will go towards growing their grassroots operation and paid media, as the race is tight between Biden and Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
President Joe Biden’s L.A. Fundraiser with Star-Studded Guest List
After attending the G7 Summit, President Biden flew to Los Angeles to attend a high-profile fundraiser. The event featured big names like Barack Obama, George Clooney, Jimmy Kimmel, and Julia Roberts.
According to the Biden-Harris campaign, this fundraiser brought in $28 million, surpassing the previous record of $26 million from a New York event.
The key discussions during the event included healthcare, abortion, and Supreme Court appointments. Kimmel, an advocate of the Affordable Care Act, led the conversation with Biden and Obama. The contrast between Biden and his opponent, Donald Trump, was also highlighted.
Biden criticized the current 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court, stating that it was out of step. He indicated that the next President could potentially appoint two Supreme Court justices.
The fundraiser event launched with appearances by celebrities including Barbra Streisand, Jason Bateman, Jack Black, and Kathryn Hahn. Other celebrities like Keegan-Michael Key and Connie Britton were also on the guest list. Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $500,000, with an option for grassroots donors to contribute $20 for virtual attendance.
The fundraising efforts come as the race between Biden and Trump becomes increasingly tight. A CBS News poll found that Biden is only leading by 1 point in battleground states. The funds raised will be used towards expanding grassroots operations and media coverage.
The Trump campaign also reported significant fundraising growth, with $52.8 million raised in the 24 hours following his conviction on 34 felony counts, and a record $50.5 million from an April fundraiser in Florida.
George Clooney’s participation in the fundraiser raised eyebrows following his criticism of Biden’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Despite this, Clooney sent a fundraising text for Biden’s campaign, stating that the election was “the fight of our lives.”
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