Obama, Clinton and big-name entertainers help Biden raise a record $26 million for his reelection
Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and several prominent figures from the entertainment industry joined forces Thursday night to show their strong support for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, raising a record-setting $26 million-plus at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Obama praised Biden's ability to seek common ground, stating, “That’s the kind of president I want,” while Clinton succinctly remarked, “Stay with what works,” in reference to the choices facing voters in 2024.
Biden took aim at Donald Trump, his expected GOP rival, criticizing his ideas as “a little old and out of shape.”
Moderator Stephen Colbert, engaging in an armchair conversation with the trio, referred to them as “champion talkers” and humorously noted, “and not one of them is here to appear in court,” poking fun at Trump’s legal troubles.
The massive fundraising achievement demonstrated substantial Democratic backing for Biden amidst persistently low poll numbers. It highlighted the power of campaign funds as Biden prepares to confront Trump, who clinched the presidency in 2016 despite not leading in fundraising.
During the hour-long conversation, Obama and Clinton shed light on the challenges of Biden's role, discussing feelings of loneliness and frustration over policies that may not yield immediate public impact but are beneficial in the long run. They provided insights into the presidency to emphasize why Biden is best suited for the job.
“It is a lonely seat,” remarked Obama, who traveled with Biden to New York on Air Force One.
The conversation mixed humor and seriousness, culminating in all three donning sunglasses in the dimly lit music hall, a playful nod to Biden’s trademark Ray-Ban sunglasses.
The sold-out event at Radio City Music Hall marked a high point in Biden’s recent campaign activities, with over 5,000 supporters in attendance. The star-studded evening brought together over three decades of Democratic leadership.
Protesters expressing dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict briefly disrupted the event, prompting Biden to reiterate his commitment to preventing civilian casualties, especially among children. However, he emphasized the significance of Israel's security.
The fundraiser offered various tiers of access based on donors’ contributions. Notable entertainers like Lizzo and Mindy Kaling rallied behind Biden, with Lizzo performing her hit “About Damn Time” and Kaling humorously remarking on the support from wealthy donors for a president who plans to “raise your taxes.”
Obama underscored the importance of the choice facing Americans, stating, “At the end of the day, you do have to make a choice about who sees you and cares about you. I’m pretty confident the other guy doesn’t.”
Colbert brought attention to concerning aspects of Trump’s presidency, including the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, highlighting ongoing challenges to U.S. democracy.
The event showcased Biden’s robust financial backing and featured opportunities for donors to interact with the presidents based on their contributions. The campaign emphasized that every dollar raised would directly impact voter outreach efforts.
Trump’s upcoming fundraiser in Palm Beach is expected to raise significant funds, showcasing the competitive fundraising landscape for the 2024 election.
Overall, the event at Radio City Music Hall provided a unique platform for past presidents to candidly discuss their experiences, offering insights into Biden's presidency and setting the stage for the election ahead.
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