Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and a host of influential figures from the entertainment industry joined forces on Thursday evening to deliver a passionate show of support for President Joe Biden in New York. This event proved to be a resounding success, as it garnered an unprecedented $26 million-plus in donations for his reelection campaign.
The atmosphere at Radio City Music Hall buzzed with excitement as Obama commended Biden for his eagerness to find common ground, expressing, “That’s the type of president I desire.” Clinton straightforwardly stated the options voters will have in 2024, emphasizing, “Stick with what proves effective.”
According to Biden, Donald Trump’s ideas are “a little old and out of shape.”
During the armchair conversation, moderator Stephen Colbert playfully dubbed the trio as “champion talkers” and humorously remarked that the three presidents had arrived in town without any intention of appearing in court, taking a sly swipe at Trump’s legal predicaments.
The Democratic party showcased its overwhelming support for Biden through his impressive fundraising haul, despite his persistently low poll numbers. This significant financial backing will put the president’s campaign cash to the test as he goes head-to-head with Trump. The former president’s victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016 demonstrated that he didn’t necessarily need to raise the most money to secure the presidency.
In their nearly hourlong conversation, Obama and Clinton shed light on the challenging nature of Biden’s role. They expressed feelings of loneliness and frustration stemming from policies that, although effective, may not be immediately noticeable to the public. Offering an insider’s perspective, they emphasized why Biden is the most suitable candidate for the job.
“It’s quite a solitary spot,” remarked Obama, who had caught a lift to New York alongside Biden aboard Air Force One.
The talk had a mix of humor and seriousness, and it concluded with all three individuals wearing sunglasses in the dimly lit music hall. This gesture was a playful nod to the iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses that Biden is frequently seen wearing.
The Radio City Music Hall event, which was completely sold out, served as a shining example of Biden’s recent campaign travel. Over the past three weeks, he has been visiting various political battlegrounds, rallying support for his reelection bid. The event on Thursday was particularly significant as it brought together over three decades of Democratic leadership.
The music hall’s marquee proudly displayed a grand event titled “An Evening with Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton.” Surrounding streets were lined with NYPD officers, ensuring a strong security presence.
During the show, there were protesters who expressed their anger towards Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza and his unwavering support for Israel. These protesters briefly interrupted the event, leading Biden to promise that he would continue his efforts to prevent civilian casualties, especially those involving children. However, he emphasized the importance of Israel’s existence. Outside the venue, even more individuals gathered in the rain, advocating for a cease-fire and proudly waving Palestinian flags.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, took the stage first to rally the crowd of approximately 5,000 enthusiastic supporters. The event also featured a lineup of entertainers who passionately advocated for Biden’s presidency. Lizzo captivated the audience with her powerful rendition of “About Damn Time,” while emcee Mindy Kaling lightened the atmosphere by humorously acknowledging the presence of “so many wealthy individuals” and expressing her appreciation for their support of a president who openly pledges to “increase taxes.”
In his speech, Obama presented the audience with a clear choice, emphasizing the importance of selecting someone who truly sees and cares about them. He expressed his confidence that the other candidate does not possess these qualities.
Donors had the opportunity to spend quality time with the presidents by contributing more money. A mere $100,000 allowed them to take a photo with all three presidents. Those who donated $250,000 gained access to a reception, while a generous contribution of $500,000 granted them entry to an even more exclusive gathering. Additionally, an afterparty was hosted by First Lady Jill Biden and DJ D-Nice at the music hall, which saw the attendance of 500 guests, according to the campaign.
Obama and Clinton played a crucial role in bolstering Biden’s financial advantage over Trump, further strengthening his already substantial cash reserves. By the end of February, Biden had an impressive $155 million in cash on hand, whereas Trump and his Save America political action committee only had $37 million at their disposal.
The upcoming Biden campaign fundraiser in New York is expected to break records, according to Sagar Meghani, AP’s Washington correspondent. The event, which promises to be a glamorous affair, is generating a lot of excitement.
The New York City event has generated over $26 million, which includes contributions from supporters who eagerly donated money prior to the fundraiser for the opportunity to attend. This remarkable sum surpasses the amount Trump was able to raise in February by an impressive $6 million.
Campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg expressed his excitement over the significant increase in funds, emphasizing the strong support for President Biden and Vice President Harris. He regarded this achievement as a reflection of their remarkable fundraising efforts. Unlike their opponents, every dollar raised would be dedicated to reaching the voters who hold the power to determine the outcome of the election. The funds would be utilized to effectively communicate President Biden’s historic accomplishments, his vision for the future, and the critical importance of this election.
In recent weeks, Trump has maintained a low profile, partly due to his involvement in courtroom proceedings related to several legal cases. Interestingly, he is using funds from his donors to cover the expenses incurred. Looking ahead, he has planned political rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin on Tuesday. However, there are growing concerns among Republican leaders about the readiness of his campaign infrastructure for a potential general election fight against Biden.
While in the New York area on Thursday, President Trump attended the wake of a New York City police officer who tragically lost his life during a traffic stop in Queens.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley portrayed the two candidates’ whereabouts on Thursday as a clear display of contrasting leadership styles.
In a statement, he criticized Joe Biden for attending a fundraiser with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton on the same day that President Trump attended the wake of slain New York Police Department officer Jonathan Diller.
According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the evidence clearly demonstrates that violent crime increased during Trump’s presidency, whereas Biden’s administration has taken a completely different approach by actively funding the police and successfully reducing crime to historic levels.
The unique setting provided a rare opportunity for the two former presidents to engage in candid conversations about their experiences in office, shedding light on President Biden and his approach to the presidency.
At the end of the night, the three men wrapped things up by putting on Biden’s signature sunglasses. With a playful remark, the president jokingly referred to a popular meme that portrays him with lasers for eyes, saying, “Dark Brandon is real.”
