Biden Heads to Hollywood Fundraiser; Expected to Raise $28 Million and Some Eyebrows

Biden Heads to Hollywood Fundraiser; Expected to Raise $28 Million and Some Eyebrows

3 minute read
Published: 6/15/2024

In a city where fantasy often blurs with reality, President Biden’s reelection campaign is gearing up for a fundraising night worthy of an Oscar. The President is expected to raise a staggering $28 million from a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles, a sum that will likely fund many a campaign trail snack and plenty of "I love democracy" yard signs (New York Post, CNN, ABC).

The night aims to bring Hollywood glitz to the gritty world of political campaigning. The event will feature an ensemble cast including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from A-listers glad for a reason to leave their mansions (New York Post, CNN, ABC).

Adding presidential prestige to the Hollywood glamour, former President Barack Obama will also grace the occasion. Because why settle for one president when you can have two? (New York Post, CNN, ABC).

Jimmy Kimmel will moderate a conversation between Biden and Obama at the Peacock Theater. It’s like a late-night talk show, but instead of celebrity gossip, they'll discuss the fate of the free world (New York Post, CNN, ABC).

If you're considering attending, be warned: tickets range from $250 to $500,000. The more you pay, the more premium your access and perks, which is just a fancy way of saying you get closer to the snack table while you chat with George Clooney (New York Post, CNN).

Every dollar from this soirée will be dedicated to opening offices, hiring organizers, and launching paid media campaigns for the Biden campaign. After all, those “Biden-Harris 2024” bumper stickers aren’t going to fund themselves (ABC).

But what about the common folk? The Biden campaign thought of that and ran a contest for small-dollar donors to win a chance to attend the event and meet Biden, Obama, Roberts, and Clooney. Because what's more democratic than a golden ticket to hobnob with the elite? (CNN).

The Peacock Theater will host this glitzy event, expected to be Biden’s last big fundraising bash before the 2024 presidential election. Think of it as the season finale in a very long-running political drama (New York Post).

But wait, there's more! Additional celebrities such as Keegan-Michael Key, Connie Britton, Misha Collins, Jeri Ryan, Jonathan Del Arco, Mandana Dayani, Blake Cooper Griffin, and Adam Met will also attend. This guest list is so packed, even Hollywood might need a new definition of "star-studded" (ABC).

Jeffrey Katzenberg, a co-chair of Biden’s campaign, played a major role in organizing the fundraiser, describing it as having an 'unprecedented and record-setting turnout from the media and entertainment world.' Given the buzz, Katzenberg might just be the real kingmaker of Tinseltown politics (CNN, ABC).

The event is modeled after a high-dollar fundraiser featuring Biden, Obama, and former President Bill Clinton in New York City. It's like getting the band back together for one last rocking tour (New York Post, CNN, ABC).

And lest we forget, this is all happening amid stiff fundraising competition. Former President Donald Trump recently raised over $50 million in a Florida fundraiser and an astounding $53 million within 24 hours following his conviction in a criminal trial. If fundraising were a spectator sport, this would be the Super Bowl (New York Post, CNN).

So, as President Biden heads to Hollywood, not only is he expected to raise millions but also a few eyebrows. Whether you’re a political junkie or a celebrity news aficionado, this event promises to be the ultimate crossover episode. Stay tuned; it's politics at its most glamorous.