Hollywood’s brightest stars came together to host a fundraiser for President Joe Biden in Los Angeles, raising a record $30 million for his campaign. Celebrities like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand took the stage at the Peacock Theater, emphasizing the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in what is expected to be a close election. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed Biden and former President Barack Obama, highlighting the significance of the upcoming White House contest.
Biden’s decision to fly across nine time zones from the G7 summit to Southern California for the fundraiser showcases the importance of Hollywood’s support for his reelection bid. The event was a crucial opportunity to energize supporters ahead of a highly consequential election. Vice President Kamala Harris represented the United States at a summit in Switzerland on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting the delicate balance between geopolitics and Biden’s reelection efforts.
Protests outside the theater by demonstrators angry about the Biden administration’s handling of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza underscored the political implications of the event. The fundraiser featured performances by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph, with actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman introducing Kimmel, who then introduced Biden and Obama. Serious topics like women’s rights, healthcare, and voting rights were discussed, emphasizing the high stakes of the upcoming election.
Obama praised Biden’s administration for its achievements in the economy and other major initiatives, urging voters to recognize the concrete impact of elections. The Supreme Court’s role in deciding crucial issues like Roe v. Wade was highlighted, with concerns raised about the court’s conservative majority. Biden and Obama emphasized the importance of voting and the potential impact of Supreme Court nominations depending on the election outcome.
The fundraiser’s success in raising $30 million surpassed previous records set by Biden’s campaign events, demonstrating the strong support he has garnered from Hollywood and beyond. Biden has maintained a lead in the campaign money race against Trump, who has also been successful in fundraising efforts. Trump’s campaign, along with the Republican National Committee, raised significant amounts of money in April and May, highlighted by contributions following Trump’s guilty verdict in a hush money trial. The fundraising efforts on both sides indicate the intensity and competitiveness of the upcoming election.
