NEW YORK (AP) — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and some of the biggest names in entertainment teamed up Thursday night to deliver a rapturous reception in New York. president joe biden It raised more than a record $26 million for his re-election campaign.
The atmosphere at Radio City Music Hall was lively as President Obama praised Biden's efforts to find common ground and said, “This is the kind of president I want.'' Regarding the choices voters will face in 2024, Clinton said simply: “We're going to stick with what works.”
Biden himself was a direct critic of Donald Trump, calling his anticipated Republican rival's ideas “a little old and out of style.”
During an armchair conversation with the trio, host Stephen Colbert called them “champion talkers” and said that even though three presidents have been in town, “they're not here to appear in court.” “Not a single person came to see me,” he joked, delving into President Trump's many legal troubles.
The impressive fundraising effort was a huge boost to Democratic support for Biden amid consistently low polling numbers. The president will test his campaign finance muscle in a showdown with Trump, whose 2016 victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton showed he doesn't need to raise the most money to win the presidency. become.
In a conversation that lasted about an hour, Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton explained how difficult Mr. Biden's job would be. They spoke of loneliness and frustration over policies that were effective but were not immediately felt by the people. They offered an insider's view of the office in an attempt to explain why Biden is the best choice for the job.
“It's a lonely seat,” said Obama, who flew with Biden to New York on Air Force One.
The talk was alternately humorous and serious, ending in a mostly dark music hall with all three wearing sunglasses, a nod to Biden's trademark Ray-Ban sunglasses, which he frequently wears.
The sold-out Radio City Music Hall event was the golden exclamation point on Mr. Biden's recent intensive campaign tour, visiting several political battlegrounds in the three weeks since his State of the Union address. his cry for reelection.Thursday's event also gathers More than 30 years of Democratic leadership.
The music hall's sign advertised the big-money night as “An Evening with Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.” New York City Police Department officers lined up the surrounding streets as part of tight security.
Protesters angry at Biden's handling of the war in Gaza and his strong support for Israel briefly interrupted the show, forcing him to pledge to continue his efforts to stop the deaths of civilians, especially children. I pulled it out. However, he added, “Israel's very existence is at stake.” Hundreds more protested outside in a light rain, many demanding a ceasefire and waving Palestinian flags.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York was the first to stand up, to the excitement of about 5,000 supporters. Celebrities also lined up to advocate for Biden. Lizzo belted out her hit song “About Dumb Time,” while host Mindy Kaling joked that it was nice to be in the same room as “a bunch of rich people” and criticized the president's promise to “raise taxes.” He added that he was happy to see their support. ”
President Obama presented the audience with a choice, saying, “At the end of the day, you have to make a choice about who sees you and who cares about you. I'm sure the other guy won't.”
At one point, Mr. Colbert said that some Americans have been forced to take action, such as on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election. said he suspected he was forgetting some of the more worrisome aspects of Trump's presidency. result.
Biden said concerns about the riots were spreading outside the United States, and foreign leaders were questioning the stability of American democracy. Democracy remains fragile, he said.
The fundraiser had different tiers of access depending on donor generosity. Other celebrities in attendance include Queen Latifah, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Lea Michele. Tickets were sold for as low as $225.
More money gave donors more intimate time with the president. A photo of all three was valued at $100,000. A gift of $250,000 allowed donors to attend one reception with her, and $500,000 allowed them to attend an even more special gathering. First lady Jill Biden and DJ D. Nice hosted an afterparty for 500 guests at a music hall, the campaign said.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton were helping Mr. Biden extend his already large financial advantage over Mr. Trump.Mr. Biden Cash on hand is $155 million compared to the end of February $37 million For Trump and his “Save America” political action committee.
Associated Press Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports that tonight's glitzy Biden campaign fundraiser in New York is on track to break records.
The New York City event's total of more than $26 million also includes funds from supporters who handed over cash for the opportunity to participate in the weeks before the fundraiser. That's $6 million more than Trump raised in February.
“This historic fundraising effort is a demonstration of the strong enthusiasm for President Biden and Vice President Harris and a testament to the unprecedented fundraising machine we have built,” said campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg. . “Unlike our opponents, every dollar we raise goes to the voters who will decide this election, conveying the president's history and vision for the future, and clarifying the stakes of this election.” It will be.”
The Trump campaign is hoping for the following results: $33 million in major fundraiser next week The outbreak occurred in Palm Beach, Florida, according to a person familiar with the details, who spoke on condition of anonymity to corroborate figures first reported by the Financial Times.
Mr Trump is I tried to keep a low profile In recent weeks, he has appeared in court, in part. various litigation cases, a bill he is paying with funds from donors. His next political rallies are scheduled for Tuesday in Michigan and Wisconsin.Some Republican leaders believe that his campaign infrastructure is not ready In preparation for the general election battle with Biden.
President Trump was in the New York area on Thursday. Attended Long Island wake new york city police officer shot and killed during a traffic stop In Queens.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley on Thursday sought to cast the fate of the two candidates as a sign of “contrasting leadership.”
“On the same day, President Trump attended the wake for slain New York City police officer Jonathan Diller, and Joe Biden sipped wine with celebrities at a fundraiser with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton,” he said in a statement. I enjoyed the meal.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that while the facts show violent crime has increased during Trump's presidency, the Biden administration has “taken decisive action from the beginning to defund the police.” “We did the exact opposite by achieving historic crime reductions.” ”
The setting provided a rare opportunity for two former presidents to speak candidly about their work performance and help explain Biden and his presidency.
As the three wrapped up the night wearing Biden's trademark sunglasses, the president quipped, “Dirk Brandon is real,” nodding to a meme featuring Biden with lasers in his eyes.
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Megerian reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in New York and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
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