Hollywood Fundraiser for President Biden Raises Record $30 Million-Plus for Democratic Campaign

A fundraiser for President Joe Biden took place at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, raising a record-breaking amount of over $30 million for the Democratic candidate.

The event featured some of Hollywood's biggest names, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed Biden and former President Barack Obama during the fundraiser, highlighting the significance of the upcoming White House contest.

High Stakes

Biden and Obama emphasized the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in what is anticipated to be a closely contested race. The event served as a rallying point to energize potential supporters for what is being described as one of the most pivotal elections in U.S. history.

Luminaries from the entertainment industry have increasingly thrown their support behind Biden's campaign, demonstrating the growing influence of celebrities in the political arena.

Notable Absence

Notably, Biden flew through the night across nine time zones from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California in order to attend the fundraiser, underscoring the significance of the event for his reelection bid.

The political implications surrounding the event were further underscored by the presence of police in riot gear outside the theater, as well as protests by groups critical of the Biden administration's handling of Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Entertainment and Advocacy

The fundraiser featured performances by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph, with actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman also making appearances. Kimmel, who hosted the event, transitioned from light-hearted remarks to addressing serious topics such as women's rights and healthcare.

Biden emphasized the administration's successes in the economy and its efforts to provide equal opportunities to ordinary citizens. This comes in response to criticism from former President Trump regarding Biden's economic policies and inflation.