President Joe Biden transitioned from the G7 Summit in Italy to a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles hosted by George Clooney and Julia Roberts, among other celebrities. The event, which also included appearances by former President Barack Obama and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, raised a record-breaking $28 million for the Biden-Harris campaign. This sum surpassed the $26 million raised at a previous fundraiser in New York City that featured Obama, Biden, and former President Bill Clinton. The star-studded affair featured a moderated interview between Biden and Obama by Kimmel focusing on healthcare, with other celebrities like Jason Bateman, Jack Black, and Kathryn Hahn in attendance.
Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $500,000, with grassroots donors able to contribute $20 to watch the fundraiser virtually. Hollywood actors have shown strong support for Biden, with celebrities like Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, and Sheryl Lee Ralph actively campaigning for the Democratic candidate. The fundraising efforts come at a crucial time, with the race tight between Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. A CBS News poll showed Biden ahead by 1 point in battleground states, emphasizing the importance of grassroots fundraising efforts to support field offices, staff, and paid media.
Despite Biden’s strong fundraising efforts, Trump’s campaign has also seen a surge in donations, with $52.8 million raised in the 24 hours after his conviction on 34 felony counts related to his “hush money” trial. Additionally, the Trump campaign raised $50.5 million at a record-breaking fundraiser in Florida. George Clooney’s involvement in Biden’s fundraiser raised eyebrows after reports that he had expressed concerns to a White House advisor regarding Biden’s criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Biden’s criticism of the ICC’s actions against Israeli leaders sparked controversy, but Clooney later supported the campaign in a fundraising text emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election.
The enthusiasm and commitment from the media and entertainment world for the Biden-Harris campaign have been unprecedented, with significant support from Hollywood actors and celebrities. Biden’s coalition of grassroots donors and high-profile supporters highlights the urgency of the upcoming election, described as the most important of our lifetime. The fundraising efforts will go towards growing the campaign’s grassroots operation and supporting paid media initiatives. The star-studded fundraiser organized by Clooney and featuring Obama, Kimmel, and other celebrities showcases the broad-based support for Biden’s campaign as he faces a competitive race against Trump.
