President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, will be attending a fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall in New York City this Thursday. The event is expected to bring together over three decades of Democratic leadership and is set to be a star-studded affair with musical performances and a conversation moderated by talk show host Stephen Colbert. Tickets for the event start as low as $225, with different tiers of access available based on donors’ generosity, including the opportunity for photos with all three presidents for $100,000.
The fundraiser aims to help Biden further expand his significant cash advantage over his potential opponent, Donald Trump. Biden currently has $155 million cash on hand, compared to Trump’s $37 million. The event is also seen as a way to unify and energize Democrats behind Biden’s reelection campaign. The campaign spokesperson, Kevin Munoz, highlighted the lack of support for Trump among Republican voters and leaders, pointing to Biden’s strong position heading into the general election.
While Trump is expected to attend a wake for a fallen police officer in the area on the same day as the fundraiser, some Republican leaders have expressed concerns about his campaign’s readiness for a general election battle with Biden. A Trump campaign spokesperson dismissed the significance of Biden’s fundraiser, referring to him as “Crooked Joe” and questioning his mental fitness. However, supporters of Biden see the fundraiser as a crucial moment for his campaign, with former officials like Leon Panetta emphasizing the importance of broadening and reinforcing support among Democrats.
Obama’s presence at the fundraiser serves as a reminder of his role in supporting Biden’s reelection bid. A joint fundraiser with Biden and Obama raised millions in December, and people from the former president’s administration are also organizing their own fundraising events for Biden. Early donations are encouraged to support the campaign’s efforts. Panetta believes that Clinton and Obama, known for their political communication skills, can help Biden develop a stronger message for his reelection. Overall, the fundraising event in New York City is expected to play a key role in shaping the narrative for Biden’s reelection campaign and rallying support from Democrats.
