A star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden brought together some of Hollywood’s biggest names and raised a record-breaking $30 million-plus for the Democratic candidate.
The event, which was held at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, featured appearances by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand.
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel conducted interviews with Biden and former President Barack Obama, emphasizing the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in what is expected to be a highly contested election.
The fundraiser showcased the growing support from the entertainment industry for Biden’s campaign, with luminaries lining up to show their support. Biden’s decision to fly overnight across nine time zones from the G7 summit in Italy to attend the event underscored its significance.
While Biden missed a summit in Switzerland to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Vice President Kamala Harris represented the United States, highlighting the delicate balance between geopolitics and Biden’s reelection efforts.
Protesters outside the theater expressed their dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Inside, performances by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph added to the star-studded evening.
During the fundraiser, Biden and Obama highlighted the administration’s accomplishments in areas such as the economy, healthcare, and voting rights. Obama stressed the importance of the upcoming election and the potential impact on critical issues like the Supreme Court.
Biden also took the opportunity to address concerns about the future of the Supreme Court in the event of a Trump reelection, warning of potential further appointments that could shift the court’s balance.
The event’s success in raising funds surpassed a previous record set at a fundraiser in New York. Biden’s campaign had initially led the campaign money race, but Trump’s fundraising efforts have gained momentum in recent months.
