In a recent development, Joe Biden has raised $28 million in campaign funds as he gears up for a star-studded fundraiser this Saturday. The event is set to take place in Los Angeles and will feature prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts. This fundraising effort is part of Biden’s strategy to leverage celebrity support in his bid for a second term in the White House.
The fundraiser comes at a critical time as Biden’s campaign seeks to maintain its financial advantage over former President Donald Trump. Following his nomination for president, Trump’s campaign reported a significant increase in donations, with $53 million pouring in within 24 hours of his conviction in a criminal trial.
The event in Los Angeles will include a conversation between Biden and Obama, moderated by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Other celebrities like Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn, and Sheryl Lee Ralph are also expected to participate in the program. Tickets for the event ranged from $250 to $500,000, with special perks for those purchasing tickets in the highest price range.
Moreover, the Biden campaign has organized various initiatives to engage grassroots supporters, including a contest for small-dollar donors to attend the fundraiser virtually. These efforts have culminated in what campaign officials describe as the largest Democratic fundraiser in history.
Rufus Gifford, finance chair of the Biden campaign, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “This one exceeded all of our expectations.” The fundraising approach mirrors a previous high-dollar event featuring Biden, Obama, and former President Bill Clinton in New York City, which raised over $26 million.
In addition to the financial aspect, the Biden campaign hopes that the star-studded event will serve as a display of support from the entertainment industry. Jeffrey Katzenberg, a co-chair of the campaign, emphasized the significance of the event in rallying media and entertainment professionals behind the Biden/Harris ticket.
Looking ahead, Biden’s advisers plan to secure more celebrity endorsements and explore ways for stars to connect with voters as the election draws near. However, some figures in Hollywood remain cautious about being politically involved in a deeply divided landscape.
The Los Angeles fundraiser underscores the importance of bolstering Biden’s campaign funds amidst Trump’s escalating fundraising efforts. While Biden has led in fundraising for most of the year, Trump has seen a surge in donations since clinching the Republican nomination. Notably, Trump outpaced Biden in fundraising for the first time in April.
As the competition heats up, both campaigns are intensifying their fundraising efforts to secure the necessary resources for the upcoming election. Trump’s campaign reported a haul of $141 million in May, whereas Biden has not disclosed his fundraising figures for the month. However, Biden entered last month with $192 million in cash reserves, indicating a strong financial position moving forward.
