You’re standing in a sea of celebrities, feeling their contagious excitement as the crowd eagerly awaits the main event. The energy in the room is electric. You glance around at the familiar faces of Hollywood’s elite and spot George Clooney chatting with Julia Roberts. Even Obama is here, flashing his signature smile. Suddenly, the lights dim and raucous applause erupts as President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden take the stage. They wave enthusiastically and the cheers grow louder. You know you’re in for an entertaining night when the leader of the free world joins Jimmy Kimmel for some opening jokes. But beneath the laughter, there’s a serious mission—to unite against the dangers of a second Trump term. You’re ready to open your wallet because defeating Donald Trump requires all hands on deck. Tonight, Hollywood answers the call.
Biden Rakes in Record Funds at LA’s Star-Studded Event
A-List Celebrities Show Support
The event was attended by some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand, Jason Bateman, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina. Their presence demonstrated the entertainment industry’s unwavering support for Biden’s campaign and policies. During his remarks, Biden thanked the celebrities for “standing up and speaking out” against the previous administration.
Obama Takes Aim at Trump
Former President Obama delivered a fiery speech criticizing Trump’s damage to democratic institutions and civic discourse. “It’s outrageous, this new normal where one party can pass laws to steal elections and claims it’s defending democracy.” Obama also slammed Trump’s felony convictions, saying “we’re still digging out from damage done by a president who thought it was okay to break the law to win an election.”
Record-Breaking Haul for Biden’s Campaign
The event raised at least $30 million for Biden’s re-election campaign, surpassing the $26 million from a previous New York fundraiser. The funds will provide a cash injection for Biden’s campaign as the race intensifies against Trump. “With your support, we beat Donald Trump once, and with your support, we’re going to beat him again.” Biden told the crowd.
While Trump holds rallies, Biden relies on virtual events and private fundraisers due to health concerns. However, Biden’s campaign has outraised Trump’s in recent months, demonstrating his viability against the former president. The LA event showed Biden’s campaign is building momentum going into the final months of the race.
Obama Unloads on “Felon” Trump in Rare Public Attack
“We can’t be complacent or smug or suggest that somehow it’s so obvious that this president hasn’t done a good job,” Obama said at the event, warning of the dangers of Trump returning to the White House. The former president called Trump a “fascist” and slammed his conviction on felony charges, saying “our democracy is at stake” if he’s re-elected.
A Stern Warning
Obama pulled no punches in his attacks on Trump and the GOP. “It’s not normal. It’s not right,” he said of Trump’s behavior and policies. Obama warned that Trump would likely appoint more conservative justices to the Supreme Court if re-elected, threatening rights like abortion access. “You think that things can’t get worse,” Obama said. “I’m here to tell you they absolutely can.”
An Unprecedented Haul
The fundraiser, held at a downtown LA mansion, brought in at least $28 million for the Biden campaign – a record amount for a single event. Co-hosts included major Democratic donors and A-list celebrities like Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Jimmy Kimmel. While Biden has struggled to match Trump’s fundraising in recent months, the massive haul is a major win that will provide crucial funds for the final stretch of the campaign.
Pro-Palestinian Protestors Gather
Outside the event, protestors gathered to criticize Biden’s support for Israel. Chants of “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” could be heard from the street. One protestor said attendees were “going in to fund Biden’s re-election campaign while he is arming Israel and funding a genocide against the people in Palestine.” The protest highlighted ongoing tensions within the Democratic party over US policy toward Israel and Palestine.
With a formidable war chest and rallying cries from Obama and Hollywood allies, Biden aims to generate momentum to defeat Trump in November. But the work is far from over, Obama warned: “If we want to win, and win big, and win a reality TV star and a ginned-up populist who is not interested in governing—we’ve got to put in the work.”
Protestors Gather Outside Fundraiser Over Israel Policy
As Biden and other prominent Democrats gathered inside the lavish fundraiser at the Peacock Theatre, large crowds of pro-Palestine protesters assembled outside to voice their anger over the administration’s policies toward Israel. Holding signs calling for an “End to Israeli Apartheid” and chanting “Free Palestine!”, the demonstrators demanded an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of U.S. funding for Israel.
The fundraiser came just days after the White House opposed a U.N. resolution calling for a halt to Israeli evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes. The protesters argued such actions amounted to war crimes and human rights violations against Palestinians. Some even accused the Biden administration of complicity in the oppression of Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
While Biden has supported a two-state solution and previously criticized some Israeli policies, protesters say he has failed to take meaningful action against human rights abuses. His administration recently approved a $735 million weapons sale to Israel, outraging pro-Palestine activists.
The large protest highlighted a rift in the Democratic party over Israel policy that continues to widen. Younger, more progressive Democrats are increasingly critical of Israel and supportive of Palestinian rights. But the party establishment, including Biden, has maintained staunch support for Israel as a key strategic ally.
The dueling events in Los Angeles captured the complex dynamics at play—a lavish show of support for Biden’s re-election campaign set against vocal demands for a policy shift on one of the region’s most intractable conflicts. Biden will likely face continuing pressure from pro-Palestine activists and progressives to adopt a tougher stance toward Israel, even as he courts wealthy donors who back current policy. Walking this political tightrope on such a charged issue will prove challenging in the months ahead.
A-List Celebs Pony Up for Biden’s Re-Election Bid
Hollywood Royalty Rallies Behind Biden
Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars turned out in force for Biden’s record-breaking LA fundraiser, showing that celebrity support for the president remains as strong as ever. George Clooney and Julia Roberts, longtime Democratic donors and friends of the Bidens, co-hosted the event. Their star power and personal appeals helped bring in donations from attendees paying up to $500,000 to dine with the president.
A Message of Unity Against Trumpism
In speeches, Biden, Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden focused on the high stakes of the 2024 election and the threat of four more years of Trump’s chaos and corruption. Obama referenced Trump’s felony convictions, saying “we can’t afford to have that in the White House.” Dr. Biden called Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions “outrageous” and said Americans must come together to “restore dignity and honor to the White House.”
Rallying Their Base and Reaching New Voters
While Biden enjoys strong approval ratings, voter enthusiasm will be key to turnout. Events like this LA fundraiser are aimed at energizing core Democratic supporters and raising big money from celebrity backers and high-dollar donors. At the same time, featuring stars like Clooney and Roberts helps raise Biden’s profile with younger, more progressive voters who may view him as too centrist. By tapping celebrities to spread his message on social media and at public events, Biden hopes to motivate new voters and lock in their support.
The star-studded guest list and record donations show that Hollywood’s love affair with Biden is still going strong. With their help rallying voters and raising funds, Biden is poised to mount a formidable reelection campaign against Trump in 2024. But he’ll still need to work to energize his base and win over skeptics if he wants to secure four more years in the White House.
Can Money Buy Biden a Second Term Over Trump?
President Biden entered the 2024 election cycle with a huge fundraising advantage over Donald Trump. Thanks to an anonymous $64 million donation in 2020 and support from major PACs, Biden has raised over $100 million more than Trump so far. With over 65% of funding for the 2024 election coming from PACs, Biden is relying heavily on big donors to propel his re-election bid.
Biden’s Hollywood fundraiser hauled in at least $28 million, demonstrating the enthusiasm from celebrities and high-dollar donors for defeating Trump. Former President Obama and stars like George Clooney and Julia Roberts attended to show their support. While Biden warned of the dangers of another Trump term, Obama directly attacked Trump’s felony convictions and criticized his organization for tax evasion. The event highlighted Biden’s close ties with Hollywood and ability to tap into their deep pockets.
However, Biden’s reliance on wealthy donors and PACs has drawn criticism that he is beholden to special interests. Protesters gathered outside the Hollywood fundraiser to condemn Biden’s support for Israel while human rights abuses persist. Biden will have to balance keeping his big donors happy while appealing to average Americans who want campaign finance reform.
Trump and Republicans will undoubtedly attack Biden for pandering to liberal elites and being a puppet of dark money in politics. Although Biden has a monetary advantage, Trump’s populist message may resonate more with working class voters. If 2024 is a change election, voters may see Biden as too establishment.
Money is essential in politics, but it does not always determine the winner. While Biden’s war chest gives him an edge, he needs to connect with voters on issues like the economy, health care costs and government accountability. If Biden can tap into the energy of his base while appealing to moderates tired of Trump-era chaos, he has a strong chance of overcoming any disadvantages from his donor base and winning a second term. Success will depend on Biden, not just his bankroll.
Conclusion
You gotta hand it to Biden. He may be getting up there in years, but the man knows how to work a room – even a room full of Hollywood elites. With Obama and a who’s who of A-list celebs by his side at that glitzy LA fundraiser, he raked in a whopping $28 million in one night. All while slamming “felon” Trump.
Biden pulled no punches, calling out the Donald for caring about nothing but himself. He and Obama even threw some shade about Trump’s health, joking about his issues walking down ramps. Shots fired!
The crazy high ticket prices didn’t deter the stars from opening their wallets either. Gotta give Clooney props for putting aside his beef with Biden over his wife’s job to be there. Julia Roberts even made a surprise appearance!
With that kind of Hollywood cash flooding into his campaign, Biden just might have the funds to make sure we don’t end up with Trump in the Oval Office again. The stakes are high, but it looks like Biden is ready for the fight. Game on!
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