June 16th 2024.
Hollywood's biggest stars recently joined forces to support President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. The star-studded fundraiser event raised a record-breaking $30 million for the Democratic candidate, all in the hopes of energizing potential supporters for what is expected to be one of the most crucial presidential races in US history.
At the 7100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, iconic names like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand graced the stage. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel sat down with Biden and former president Barack Obama, both emphasizing the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in what is expected to be a very close race.
During their conversation, Kimmel asked Biden if the country had forgotten what it was like when Trump was in the White House, to which Biden responded, "all we gotta do is remember what it was like." This statement was met with resounding agreement from the audience.
The world of entertainment has been increasingly showing their support for Biden's campaign, and the significance of this event was evident in Biden's decision to fly through the night, crossing nine time zones from the G7 summit in Italy to Southern California just to attend.
While Biden was in California, Vice President Kamala Harris represented the United States at a summit in Switzerland discussing ways to end Russia's war in Ukraine. This highlighted the delicate balance between politics and Biden's campaign for a second term.
Outside the theater, police in riot gear were present due to a group of protesters demonstrating against the Biden administration's handling of Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This further emphasized the political implications of the event.
The fundraiser featured performances by Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and even a surprise singing appearance by actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman. Kimmel, who introduced Biden and Obama, joked that he was told he would be introduced by Batman, not Bateman.
But the tone quickly shifted to more serious matters, with Kimmel acknowledging the high stakes of this election and listing crucial issues such as women's rights, healthcare, and voting rights. Biden also shared his pride in the administration's approach to the economy, stating that "we have the strongest economy in the world today" and striving to give ordinary people an equal chance.
Meanwhile, Trump was campaigning in Detroit and criticizing Biden's handling of the economy and inflation. His campaign spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, accused Biden of fundraising with "out-of-touch elitist Hollywood celebrities." However, Biden defended his administration's accomplishments, stating that they have successfully passed every major piece of legislation they have attempted.
Obama also expressed his admiration for the sweeping legislation on various issues that Biden's administration has overseen. He highlighted the importance of not sitting out the election, reminding the audience that "these elections matter in very concrete ways."
The topic of the Supreme Court was also brought up, with Obama expressing concern over Trump's three conservative nominations and their potential impact on crucial decisions such as Roe v. Wade. The audience responded with disapproval, to which Obama playfully replied, "don't hiss, vote."
Biden also referenced reports of an upside-down flag, a symbol associated with Trump's baseless claims of election fraud, being flown outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. He warned that if Trump is re-elected, he may appoint more justices who hold extreme views.
Kimmel, known for his humor, asked Biden how a president can get back at a talk-show host who makes fun of him every night on TV. Biden responded with a smile, "ever hear of Delta Force?"
Earlier in the program, Kimmel joked about Biden's campaign promise to restore the soul of America, saying that "lately, it seems we might need an exorcism." He then asked Biden if that was the reason for his recent meeting with the Pope in Italy.
The amount raised at the fundraiser event surpassed the record set in March at another Biden event in New York. The former president currently holds an early lead in the campaign money race against Trump, but the gap has been narrowing since Trump formally secured the Republican nomination.
In April, Trump raised $50.5 million at a gathering of major donors in Florida, and his campaign and the Republican National Committee announced a whopping $141 million in donations in May. This was largely due to a surge in contributions following Trump's conviction in his criminal hush money trial.
In comparison, Biden and the Democrats raised $51 million in April. With the election drawing closer, it is clear that both candidates are putting in all their efforts to secure the necessary funds for their campaigns.
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